Malak Rayes

I'm developing tunable optical materials and light-manipulating systems at Pennsylvania State University, where I engineer iridescent materials using metal thin films, dyes, and liquid crystals.

I designed and built a custom Fourier microscopy system with dual high-power laser and LED illumination for angularly resolved spectroscopy of iridescent microstructures. I also develop optical simulations to model how composition, geometry, and illumination govern interference.

As a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Research Fellow at Tokyo Institute of Science, I developed polarization-dependent interference systems for anticounterfeiting and data-encryption materials. My work spans experimental fabrication, optical characterization, computational modeling, and data analysis.

I'm motivated by sustainability and applied technologies, and I enjoy building collaborative research communities through multidisciplinary projects, mentoring, outreach, and sustainable-lab initiatives.