The Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Jawaher Almutlaq as a new faculty member in Applied Physics (AP) and Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). Prof. Almutlaq will bring her expertise in quantum photonics and materials science to KAUST, where she will lead the Quantum Photonics Lab (QPL), a research group dedicated to advancing quantum technologies. 

Prof. Almutlaq’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University in 2015. She earned her Ph.D. from KAUST in 2020, where she focused on the synthesis, structural, and optical properties of perovskites for light-emitting applications. During her doctoral studies, she spent time as a visiting researcher at the University of Cambridge, where she worked on high-temperature superconductors. 

Following her Ph.D., Prof. Almutlaq expanded her research as a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE), she focused on developing innovative platforms and imaging techniques for quantum technologies. In collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), she worked on complex challenges in the field, contributing to advancements in quantum research. 

Throughout her career, Prof. Almutlaq has been recognized with numerous awards, including the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) scholarship in 2011, the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium scholarship in 2013, the Ibn Khaldun Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2021, and the Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2022. Her achievements highlight her dedication to pushing the boundaries of materials science and quantum technologies. 

In her new role at KAUST, Prof. Almutlaq will focus on two primary research areas. The first involves developing non-classical light sources for sensing and communication. Her Quantum Photonics Lab will explore single-photon emitters and their integration with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and CMOS microchips.

The second research area will target the design of quantum systems on chip (QSoC) for advanced materials characterization. This involves developing on-chip device components tailored to investigate materials in situ, aiming for more accurate, affordable, and high signal-to-noise ratio measurements. By focusing on these areas, Prof. Almutlaq’s research aims to close the loop in material engineering, developing solutions for scalable quantum technologies. 

Prof. Almutlaq's return to KAUST was marked by a warm welcome and a seafood dinner that evoked fond memories of the Red Sea from her earlier days at the university—a perfect way to celebrate her arrival. As she steps into her new role, she continues to embrace her life philosophy: "I believe in open doors – trust that the right opportunities will align with your path." 

In addition to her professional pursuits, Prof. Almutlaq encourages students to foster a mindset of curiosity and simplicity in their scientific endeavors. She shares these words of wisdom: "Pushing scientific boundaries and developing new technologies comes from a deep understanding of the fundamental principles. Always be curious, challenge assumptions, and keep it simple." 

KAUST and PSE are excited to welcome Prof. Jawaher Almutlaq and look forward to the significant contributions her research will make in the fields of quantum photonics and materials science.