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.

• 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)

• Stanford University Postdoc (EE, 2023-2026)
• University of Rochester, M.S. & Ph.D. (ECE, 2017-2023)
• Adelphi University, B.S. (Physics, 2014-2017)

• NSF Mathematical & Physical Sciences Ascend Postdoctoral Fellowship
• NSF Graduate Research Program Fellowship
• University of Rochester’s Provost Fellowship