Tara Peña
Tara Peña
Materials Science and Engineering

Tara Peña

Assistant Professor

Faculty Information

Research and Interests
Prof. Peña's research interest focuses on atomically thin materials that hold promise for next-generation nanotechnology (e.g., logic, memory, photovoltaics). Our group aims to advance nanoscale optical spectroscopy, scanning probe metrology, and materials synthesis to unravel the impact of atomic-scale defects and strain. We intend to leverage these techniques to understand and optimize control over ultra-scaled high-performance devices.
Notable Publications and Books
  • T. Peña, A.E.O. Persson, A. Krayev, Á. Friðriksdóttir, H. Su, Y.-M. Lee, Y.S. Song, K. Neilson, Z. Zhang, A.T. Hoang, J.A. Yang, L. Hoang, S.X. Wang, A.J. Mannix, P.C. McIntyre, & E. Pop, “Scaling Nanoribbon Transistors with Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides”, Nat. Nanotecnhol., 21, 803-809 (2026);
  • C.A. Nattoo, T. Peña, K. Nassiri Nazif, X. Wu, S. Rahimisheikh, G. D’Acunto, S.F. Bent, J. Hadermann, & E. Pop, “Optoelectronic Properties of Atomic Layer Deposited and Sputtered MoS2 Films”, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 17, 47347-47354 (2025).
  • T. Peña, A. Dey, S.A. Chowdhury, A. Azizimanesh, W. Hou, A. Sewaket, C. Watson, H. Askari, & S.M. Wu, “Moiré Engineering in 2D Heterostructures with Process-Induced Strain”, Appl. Phys. Lett., 122, 143101 (2023).
  • T. Peña, S.A. Chowdhury, A. Azizimanesh, A. Sewaket, H. Askari, & S.M. Wu, “Strain Engineering 2D MoS2 with Thin Film Stress Capping Layers”, 2D Mater., 8, 045001 (2021). (IOP Publishing Top 1% Cited Paper Award North America)
Education
  • Stanford University Postdoc (EE, 2023-2026)
  • University of Rochester, M.S. & Ph.D. (ECE, 2017-2023)
  • Adelphi University, B.S. (Physics, 2014-2017)
Awards and Recognition
  • NSF Mathematical & Physical Sciences Ascend Postdoctoral Fellowship
  • NSF Graduate Research Program Fellowship
  • University of Rochester’s Provost Fellowship