Jay Narayan, the John C.C. Fam Family Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at N.C. State University, is the 2014 recipient of the O. Max Gardner Award—the highest honor presented by the UNC Board of Governors.
Narayan was honored for groundbreaking contributions to the field of materials science, most notably applying nanotechnology to enhance the efficiency of solid-state lighting’s key technology—light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, into an efficient, viable technology for widespread commercial use. Increased use of LED lighting will significantly reduce greenhouse emissions, energy costs and the consumption of oil, gas and nuclear power.
LEDs also have important applications in the areas of defense, national security, consumer electronics and medicine. Narayan’s work, for example, has led to the creation of microelectronics with increased functionality and the development of smart structures and sensors that can be used to detect bioterrorist threats or create smart grid technology.
Narayan, who has published nine books and 500-plus papers in scholarly journals, holds more than 40 U.S. patents. Since joining N.C. State in 1983, he has developed eight graduate courses that are connected with his research, three of which are offered via the Engineering Online Network to engineers within the microelectronics and photonics industry. He has mentored more than 65 Ph.D. students and trained numerous postdocs who are employed in leading companies and universities.
The O. Max Gardner award, established by the late governor’s will, recognizes faculty who have “made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.” It is the only award for which all faculty members on the 17 UNC campuses are eligible. The 2014 award includes a $20,000 cash prize and was presented by Board of Governors Chairman Peter Hans and Gardner Award Committee Chairman Phil Walker.