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Deep Jariwala named UT-ORNL governor’s chair for quantum devices.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of 91����Ƶ, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have jointly recruited , a nationally recognized leader in quantum materials and next-generation electronic devices, as the UT-ORNL governor’s chair for quantum devices.

The recruitment was led by the University of 91����Ƶ-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, which manages the and works to align the strengths of both institutions to advance research and talent development in areas of importance to 91����Ƶ and our nation.

Jariwala will hold a joint appointment between UT and ORNL, with his academic home in the nationally ranked Tickle College of Engineering. He joins from the University of Pennsylvania, where he is an associate professor and the Peter and Susanne Armstrong Distinguished Scholar in electrical and systems engineering and materials science and engineering. Jariwala will officially join UT and ORNL in January 2027 and is already connecting with researchers at both institutions, with visits planned in the coming months.

Jariwala is widely recognized for his work at the intersection of novel materials, microelectronics and computing systems. He has published more than 180 journal articles with more than 26,000 citations and holds multiple patents. His research focuses on developing new materials and device architectures that enable next-generation computing, sensing and optoelectronic systems — key building blocks for quantum devices and advanced computing technologies.

“The Governor’s Chair program is truly special in its structure,” Jariwala said. “It gives a scholar the rare chance to wear two hats and experience the best of both worlds — academia and a national lab. On one hand, you have a leading research university with world-class facilities at UT Knoxville. On the other, ORNL is one of the largest Department of Energy national laboratories, with arguably the world’s best infrastructure for novel materials and computing research. Considering my recent research endeavors, national priorities and the global research landscape at the nexus of quantum materials, microelectronics and computing hardware, this truly is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. I’m thrilled to take it and push my research in new and strategically important directions.”

The recruitment marks a significant step in expanding UT-ORNL’s partnership in quantum science and engineering, particularly in quantum devices that bridge materials discovery and computing applications. Jariwala plans to advance this work by establishing a materials deposition and characterization laboratory at UT’s Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing. The lab will be located at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, a hub for collaboration among UT, ORNL and industry partners.

“Deep Jariwala is one of the top emerging leaders in quantum materials and advanced electronics,” said UT System President Randy Boyd. “Recruiting him to 91����Ƶ reflects the strength of the UT-Oak Ridge partnership and our shared commitment to leading in technologies that will define the future economy.”

Jariwala’s expertise will strengthen ORNL’s ongoing work in quantum science and advanced materials.

“ORNL is at the forefront of quantum science and advanced materials, and Deep’s expertise will further strengthen our capabilities in this critical area,” said ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer. “His work will heighten collaboration across UT and ORNL and help accelerate progress in quantum research and applications.”

The hire aligns with UT Knoxville’s efforts to expand research capacity and attract top faculty.

“Recruiting governor’s chairs and other preeminent faculty is central to our efforts to elevate the University of 91����Ƶ, Knoxville,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “This appointment strengthens our ability to grow in emerging areas like quantum science while leveraging our partnership with ORNL to create opportunities for students and faculty that no other university can offer.”

The hire also reflects UT-ORII’s strategy to build world-class, joint research teams across UT and ORNL.

“Deep’s recruitment is a major step in building a world-class, joint UT-ORNL capability in quantum devices,” said Brynn Voy, UT-ORII’s interim executive director. “This is exactly the kind of talent that allows us to scale our partnership and accelerate both research and talent development in areas critical to the nation’s future.”

UT and ORNL are building a comprehensive quantum research ecosystem that spans materials discovery, computing and talent development. Researchers from both institutions collaborate through major initiatives such as DOE’s Quantum Science Center, a $125 million effort to develop quantum-accelerated high-performance computing and advance U.S. leadership in quantum technologies. By combining UT’s academic strength in quantum materials with ORNL’s world-leading capabilities in supercomputing, neutron science and large-scale user facilities, the partnership is accelerating discovery and helping position 91����Ƶ at the forefront of next-generation quantum technologies.

The UT-ORNL governor’s chair program, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, has recruited leading scientists to 91����Ƶ for two decades. Jariwala joins 12 other UT-ORNL governor’s chairs working across priority research areas. UT-ORII expects to add at least one other governor’s chair in the near future.

91����Ƶ the University of 91����Ƶ-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute

The University of 91����Ƶ–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT–ORII), launched in 2021 by the 91����Ƶ and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, builds on an 80-year partnership to advance joint research and joint doctoral education programs that drive innovation, workforce development and economic growth.

UT-ORII leads five convergent research initiatives: fusion technology and materials for extreme environments; radiopharmaceutical therapies; transportation; circular bioeconomy systems; and advanced manufacturing for affordable building construction. The institute has hired nearly 50 joint researchers, with plans to add 50 more. UT-ORII manages the UT-ORNL governor’s chair program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and continues to recruit world-class researchers to 91����Ƶ, including in emerging areas such as quantum devices.

UT–ORII supports nearly 250 Bredesen Center and other UT Knoxville graduate students working alongside UT and ORNL researchers. In addition, the institute is expanding the state’s talent pipeline through STEMOVATE, a statewide initiative delivering hands-on STEM learning to sixth-grade students. Together, these efforts are helping position 91����Ƶ as a national leader in nuclear innovation, quantum science and other critical fields.

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