The people behind SMART WISDOM: Wang Yue, Principal Research Scientist

What if machines could “see” the world the way humans do? At the Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM) interdisciplinary research group at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), researchers are working to make this a reality, developing ultra-thin, scalable sensing devices that help machines better understand depth, shape and space like humans do.

Wang Yue, Principal Research Scientist at SMART WISDOM, is driven by a fascination with how tiny changes in materials can shape the technologies we rely on every day. Her work focuses on designing and refining advanced semiconductor materials that form the foundation of functional technologies that can be used across industries, from automotive to consumer electronics, aerospace and healthcare, amongst others.

Learn more as Wang Yue shares how her research work at WISDOM contributes to technological progress, what motivates her through challenges, and the personal mantra that guides her work each day.

What do you do at SMART WISDOM?

I work on semiconductor materials research, focusing on epitaxial growth using Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition (MOCVD). My role involves designing and optimising compound semiconductor structures, particularly III–V materials integrated on silicon. I collaborate with device teams to translate material performance into functional technologies. Through process development and characterisation, I help build the material foundation for advanced electronic and photonic systems.

How did you first become interested in your field of work, and what motivated you to pursue it as a career then?

My interest began during my academic training when I was introduced to semiconductor physics and materials engineering. I was fascinated by how nanoscale changes in materials could significantly alter device performance. The combination of fundamental science and real-world technological impact motivated me to pursue this field. I was inspired by the idea that materials grown in the lab could eventually power modern communication and sensing technologies.

What is the biggest motivation that keeps you going at work now, especially during the challenging times?

Research is often challenging, with experiments that require patience and persistence. What motivates me is the problem-solving aspect — every setback is an opportunity to learn something new. Seeing gradual improvements in material quality after optimisation is especially rewarding. Knowing that our work contributes to future technologies keeps me focused and driven.

How does your work benefit the society/research communities?

Advanced semiconductor materials are essential for communication, computing, and sensing technologies. By improving epitaxial growth and integration on silicon, our work supports scalable and cost-effective innovation. For researchers, better material platforms enable new device concepts and higher performance benchmarks. Ultimately, these advancements contribute to faster, more efficient, and more sustainable technologies for society.

Could you share any highlights or important projects/milestones that you have worked on/achieved at SMART WISDOM?

One key highlight has been contributing to the monolithic integration of III–V materials on silicon substrates, which involves addressing lattice mismatch and defect control challenges. Another milestone has been restoring and optimising MOCVD systems to achieve stable and reproducible growth. These experiences have strengthened both my technical expertise and collaborative skills.