Dr. Yip-Wah Chung is Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University . He received his BS in physics and mathematics and MPhil in physics from University of Hong Kong , and PhD in physics from University of California at Berkeley . His research interests are in surface science, thin films, and tribology. He has published over 180 refereed publications. His awards and honors include Ralph A. Teetor Engineering Educator Award from SAE, Innovative Research Award from the Tribology Division of ASME, Technical Achievement Award from the National Storage Industry Consortium (now INSIC), Visiting Fellow of the Japan Society for Promotion of Science, Fellow ASM International, Fellow AVS, and Fellow STLE.