Steve Denbaars

Steve DenBaars is a prominent figure in the fields of materials science and electrical engineering, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Aeluma and SmartKem, Inc., while also co-directing the Solid State Lighting & Energy Electronics Center at the University of California Santa Barbara. With a longstanding academic position as a Professor within the College of Engineering at UCSB, Steve has significantly contributed to advancements in Gallium Nitride based technologies. steve's entrepreneurial experience includes co-founding SLD Laser and Soraa, both of which have achieved notable acquisitions. Steve's extensive background also encompasses leadership roles at various organizations, including Akoustis and NITRES, which highlighted their expertise in LEDs and RF technologies. steve holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. in Materials Science from the University of Southern California, alongside a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Arizona.