Biography

John Chan is a Lecturer in the Engineering Product Development Pillar at Singapore University of Technology and Design.

He is interested in the growing intersection of optics, electronics, and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly how hardware and software can work together to create intelligent systems. John’s experience spans computational design and simulation, as well as cleanroom fabrication technologies. As an educator, his aim  is to make abstract concepts tangible through hands-on learning, while equipping students with strong engineering fundamentals to innovate with AI. He hopes to create a learning environment where students feel comfortable being curious, asking questions, experimenting, and learning from mistakes.

Outside the classroom, John enjoys reading, playing chess, and tinkering with geeky projects.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy, Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 2022
• Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), Engineering Science, National University of Singapore, 2017

Research interests

• Optics
• Photonics
• Electronics
• Semiconductors
• Physical Artificial Intelligence

Awards

• Outstanding Thesis Award (Singapore University of Technology and Design), 2022
• Best Poster Award at the 10th International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies, 2019
• Winner of the Singapore Three-Minute Thesis Competition, 2018
• Best Final Year Research Project Award (National University of Singapore), 2017

Media appearance

• Won a game of chess against a former world champion. https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/a-great-game-allows-a-chess-fan-and-a-legend-to-meet-on-a-board

Selected publications

• Y.E. Chan, A. Rajesh, X.Y. Lin, H. Wang, H.T. Wang, X.Y. Zhou, C.W. Qiu and J.K.W. Yang, “Spatially Selective Imaging in Color: What You See is What You Want”, Advanced Science, DOI: 10.1002/advs.202411537 (2024)
• Y.E. Chan, Q.F. Ruan, H.T. Wang, H. Wang, H.L. Liu, Z.Y. Yan, C.W. Qiu, and J.K.W. Yang, “Full geometric control of hidden colour information in diffraction gratings under angled white light illumination”, Nano Letters, DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c02741 (2022)
• Y.E. Chan, Q.F. Ruan, M.H. Jiang, H.T. Wang, H. Wang, W. Zhang, C.W. Qiu, and J.K.W. Yang, “High-resolution light field prints by nanoscale 3D printing”, Nature Communications, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23964-6 (2021)
• Y.E. Chan, Q.F. Ruan, R.J.H. Ng, C.W. Qiu, and J.K.W. Yang, “Rotation-Selective Moiré Magnification of Structural Color Pattern Arrays”, ACS Nano, DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06772 (2019)