The Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) announced the recipients of the IMS Employee Excellence Awards, recognizing five outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions to the IMS community. These awards honor staff and research faculty who have gone above and beyond their regular responsibilities to advance IMS’s mission and values.

Staff and faculty submitted more than 40 nominations for outstanding employees for their work during the 2025-26 fiscal year. Nominators included IMS staff, facility users, center directors, and affiliated faculty.

Each recipient was recognized at the IMS Summer Staff Event held in June 2026.

Henry Su, Senior Research Engineer

Henry Su was selected for his leadership of the laser micromachining lab, where he drove significant growth in facility usage, revenue, and user training while maintaining high standards of service and operational excellence. Beyond managing the lab, he enhanced research and education through targeted technical training, hands-on support for faculty and student projects, and contributions that were acknowledged in multiple doctoral dissertations and research publications. He also strengthened IMS’s external visibility through industry partnerships, conference participation, and outreach initiatives that expanded the lab’s impact on campus and beyond. 

Thomas Johnson-Averette, Cleanroom Controls Lead

Thomas Johnson-Averette was recognized for his exceptional technical leadership, expertise in semiconductor fabrication, and unwavering commitment to supporting researchers across IMS. He has played a critical role in advancing research through process optimization, equipment installation, troubleshooting, and mentorship, while also leading innovative infrastructure projects that improved operational efficiency, enhanced campus safety through real-time gas monitoring, and reduced costs through the development of in-house monitoring and remote-access systems.

Mengkun Tian, Senior Research Scientist

Mengkun Tian was recognized for his dedication to maintaining the reliability and performance of IMS’s advanced microscopy facilities, ensuring researchers have access to high-quality instrumentation with minimal downtime. Through proactive equipment maintenance, strong technical expertise, and a commitment to user support, he has enhanced research efficiency, data quality, and scientific productivity across multiple disciplines while fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment for facility users.

Todd Walters, Process Equipment Engineer III

Todd Walters was selected for his technical expertise, dedication to users, and unwavering commitment to maintaining and advancing IMS’s electron microscopy capabilities. Known for his ability to troubleshoot and repair complex instrumentation, mentor students and staff, and support both internal and external researchers, Todd has saved IMS significant maintenance costs, minimized equipment downtime, and helped countless users succeed in their research. His combination of technical skill, responsiveness, and genuine investment in the research community has made him an indispensable resource and a cornerstone of the Materials Characterization Facility’s success.

Josh Lee, Research Program Manager

Josh Lee was recognized for his leadership in building the Wearable Intelligent Systems and Healthcare (WISH) Center into a collaborative and broad research community that actively connects researchers across disciplines and institutions. Through thoughtful programming, strategic relationship-building, and a highly cooperative support approach, he has helped foster new collaborations, increase engagement, and create a culture where researchers feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to share their work.