SSLEEC is focused on new semiconductor based technologies for disinfection, advanced mobile displays, energy efficient lighting, and power electronics. The objective of the SSLEEC is to provide a forum for its members - key industry partners and the faculty and student researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara - to work in collaboration and across scientific disciplines to address the most challenging problems in these important and timely areas of research.
As a collaborative research center at UC Santa Barbara, SSLEEC partners key industry leaders and UCSB researchers to advance solid-state lighting and energy-efficient power switching using wide-band gap semiconductors. In 2025, Steven DenBaars, who has served as a co-director at SSLEEC since its founding twenty-five years ago, stepped into his role as director of IEE and initiated a merge between SSLEEC and IEE. To hear Steven Denbaars' sentiments regarding this partnership, his detailed interview of the transition can be found here.
Shuji Nakamura, who has also served as SSLEEC's co-director since 2000, is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in semiconductor technology and the development of blue LEDs. Awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for the invention of efficient blue LEDs, Nakamura's research has transformed energy-efficient lighting and modern display technologies. In June 2026, he will be presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Oxford, recognizing his contributions to academia and pioneering advancements in physics. Through SSLEEC, his work continues to advance innovations in solid-state lighting, power electronics, and wide-band gap semiconductor research in collaboration with industry and university partners.
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SSLEEC Staff
Brian Carralejo is a SSLEEC Development Engineer with over 30 years experience in Semiconductor Industry and Research (including experience in SEM, FIB, MBE, HVPE, and MOCVD). Responsible for lab equipment management, working with Facilities to design new laboratories and upgrade lab spaces, and working with UCSB Environmental Health and Safety and the County Fire Marshal to comply with all safety regulations for research facilities.
Nicole Dinh is the SSLEEC Student Assistant.
Michael Iza is the Principal Development Engineer responsible for SSLEEC's MOCVD lab. Recent projects focus on development of novel nitride based devices and materials for applications in solid state lighting. Responsibilities include supervision of MOCVD equipment and facilities as well as all safety and training requirements.
Stacia Keller, PhD is a Research Advisor and SSLEEC Affiliate who has several decades of experience inventing and developing crystal growth and characterization of group-III nitrides, as well as nitride based electronic and opto-electronic devices.
Brenda McGowan is the SSLEEC Business Officer. She oversees and manages all center operations and finance. Provides direction and support to faculty, researchers, and staff regarding space, budget, equipment, lab renovation, student affairs, facilities management, and special projects.
Fukiko Miyazaki is the SSLEEC Finance and Administrative Analyst. She provides financial and administrative support for the SSLEEC/Materials faculty, researchers, and staff. Key contact for Gateway Purchasing and Concur Travel and Entertainment.
Yukina Warner is the SSLEEC Corporate Affiliates and Patent Officer. She is responsible for corporate relations, patent processing, and event management.
David E. Whitlatch is a SSLEEC Development Engineer. He is responsible for the maintenance and repair of MOCVD equipment. Maintains peripheral equipment, gas systems, and lab inventories.