UC Santa Barbara electrical and computer engineering professor Umesh Mishra will deliver the 63rd Annual Faculty Research Lecture, the highest honor bestowed upon UC Santa Barbara professors in recognition of extraordinary scholary distinction. The event on Monday, Nov. 26 at Corwin Pavilion is free and open to the public. It begins with a reception at 4 p.m., followed by the lecture at 5:15 p.m. Titled “Thank God for GaN,” Mishra’s lecture outlines the power of GaN to not only drive innovation but also to modernize existing technology, reduce power consumption and limit energy waste.

Mishra anticipated the need for higher performance and energy efficiency a long time ago. For decades he has focused his research on the development of GaN electronics, opto-electronics and materials. Due in part to his efforts, GaN has now become the cornerstone for advanced, energy-efficient technologies including power electronics, optical data storage, semiconductor lasers and — last but not least — white LEDs, which have revolutionized lighting throughout the world.