Abdus-Saboor, Zhen Are Sloan Research Fellows

Ishmail Abdus-Saboor, Mitchell J. and Margo K. Blutt Presidential Assistant Professor of Biology, and Bo Zhen, Assistant Professor and Elliman Faculty Fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, are among the 128 recipients of the 2021 Sloan Research Fellowship. As one of the most prestigious awards available to young researchers, the Fellowship recognizes early-career scholars in the U.S. and Canada. Each recipient will receive a two-year, $75,000 fellowship for their research.

Focused on the genes and nervous system pathways involved in translating tactile sensations to the brain, Abdus-Saboor has taken a particular interest in the perception of acute and chronic pain. He has previously been recognized for his pioneering work with the Rita Allen Foundation Scholar in Pain Award, the NIH Mitchell Max Award for Pain Research, an NIH Pathway to Independence Award, and a Burroughs Wellcome Fund PDEP Fellowship, among other honors.

Zhen’s research lab works at the intersection of condensed matter physics and quantum electrodynamics with an interest in developing practical application. This includes research on nanophotonics, devices with features at the nanometer-scale that imbue them with unique properties, and finding ways to reduce energy use in optical communications using energy-efficient design and developing new types of materials.

Candidates for Sloan Research Fellowships must be nominated by their fellow scientists, and winning fellows are selected by independent panels of senior scholars on the basis of research accomplishments, creativity, and potential to become a leader in their field.

To read the full announcement, click here.