When Jun Jiao joined Portland State University (PSU) in 1999, the institution was not widely known for its research capabilities. One reviewer of her first major grant proposal remarked skeptically, “This assistant professor wants to change the history of PSU.” Over the next 25 years, Jiao did just that. As a leading researcher in materials science and nanotechnology, she established PSU’s Center for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication (CEMN), secured over $15 million in funding, was granted five patents, and mentored generations of students. Her career is a story of persistence, innovation, and the transformative power of education.
From Physics to Materials Science
Jiao’s academic journey began in China, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and optics from Shandong University. She was one of the few female students in the male-dominated physics/optics major who graduated with honors in the class of ‘82. “We often wondered why our male peers finished homework assignments so quickly while we, the female students, spent hours on the same problems,” she recalls. “We realized we thought differently—they applied principles directly, while we focused on understanding every detail.” What initially seemed like a disadvantage later became a strength in her research, as her attention to detail allowed her to uncover phenomena others overlooked.
In 1991, Jiao moved to the United States to pursue graduate studies at the University of Arizona. There, she earned a master’s degree in physics and a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering. Her doctoral work, which focused on Carbon 60 —a groundbreaking nanomaterial at the time—used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopy to analyze its molecular structures and other properties. “I realized I wanted to learn not just how to look at materials but how to make them,” she says. This marked a shift in her career from pure physics to materials science, where she could apply fundamental knowledge to practical challenges.
Jiao’s postdoctoral work further refined her expertise in TEM for microanalysis, a skill she brought to PSU when she joined the physics department in 1999. Before long, she was recruited into the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science to help build the graduate program in materials science and engineering. “The dean saw my interdisciplinary background in materials science as an asset,” she explains. “It was an opportunity to connect physics, engineering, and industry.”
Establishing PSU’s Research Identity
At the time, PSU’s research profile was modest, with annual research expenditures of less than $10 million. However, Jiao saw opportunities for growth. Located in Oregon’s tech corridor, PSU was surrounded by industry leaders such as Intel and FEI (currently Thermo Fisher Scientific). Jiao envisioned PSU as a bridge between academia and the region’s technology sector.
Her vision materialized in 2003 with the creation of the Center for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication (CEMN). To secure funding, Jiao worked closely with her PSU colleagues and local company collaborators, convincing them how advanced research facilities could benefit both PSU and the community. While some questioned her ambitious plans, Jiao’s persistence paid off. Today, CEMN is a hub for interdisciplinary research and collaboration, helping PSU attract funding, talent, and industry partnerships.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Throughout her career, Jiao has prioritized mentorship, particularly for students from underrepresented groups. She developed a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program that has provided research opportunities to undergraduate students for over two decades. The program begins with a survey asking students about their confidence in pursuing graduate school. After eight weeks of intensive research training, the survey is repeated. “The biggest change is always confidence,” Jiao emphasizes. “Once students believe in themselves, they start taking initiative—applying for programs, finding opportunities, and discovering what excites them.”
Jiao’s mentorship style balances high expectations with strong support. “I tell my students, ‘This is your project—you own it,’” she says. “When they take ownership, they grow into independent researchers.” Her guidance often extends beyond academics, as she helps students navigate personal challenges and build resilience. “Sometimes they come into my office looking lost. I listen, encourage them, and remind them of their strengths. Mentorship isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about helping students see their own potential.”
Research Rooted in Precision
Jiao’s detail-oriented approach has been central to her research. Early in her career, she noticed subtle variations in electron microscopy data that others dismissed as noise. By investigating these anomalies, she uncovered new material behaviors. “Sometimes, the smallest details reveal the most important phenomena,” she says. Her work has led to advances in materials science, with applications ranging from electronic devices to cancer therapies.
Jiao also recognizes the value of diverse perspectives in science. Reflecting on her experience as a female scientist, she notes that women often bring a unique, detail-focused approach to problem-solving. “This isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength when applied effectively,” she says
A Legacy of Impact
Jiao’s contributions have earned her national and international recognition, including the NSF CAREER Award, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECADE), and the Outstanding Scientific Research Award in Physical Sciences (International Scientific Honorary), Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Society, and PSU President’s Diversity Award. However, she considers her greatest accomplishment to be the success of her students. Many of her former mentees now hold leadership positions in industry and academia, including roles in quantum computing at Intel and department chairs at major universities. “The best reward,” she says, “is seeing my students become independent researchers. They no longer think about what I would do—they’ve made the work their own.”
As a full professor since 2006, Jiao continues to combine her passion for research with her dedication to education. Despite her many achievements, she approaches each day with curiosity and purpose. “Someone may think once you become a tenured full professor, you can relax,” she says. “But I don’t. Every day, I feel like I’m starting fresh because there’s always more to explore.”
Jun Jiao’s story reflects the power of perseverance, collaboration, and mentorship. From her early days as a physics student in China to her role as a leader in materials science, she has built a career that inspires others and creates lasting impact. Through her work, she has not only advanced science but also helped shape the future of PSU and the next generation of researchers.