The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) has named three Illinois State University professors as Researchers to Know: Drs. Matt Caplan, Jeremy Driskell, and Liangcheng Yang. Researchers to Know is an annual recognition from the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) that honors faculty from Illinois universities and research institutions whose work is driving discovery, solving real-world problems, and creating inclusive opportunities for innovation.

Dr. Matt Caplan

Dr. Matt Caplan is an associate professor of physics at Illinois State University whose work explores the extreme frontiers of astrophysics and nuclear physics. He earned his Ph.D. from Indiana University, where he received the American Physical Society’s Dissertation Award in Nuclear Physics. He is a Kavli Scholar and 2023 Cottrell Scholar.

In addition to leading groundbreaking research, Caplan is a passionate science communicator. He contributes as a scriptwriter and consultant to the popular YouTube channels Kurzgesagt and PBS Space Time, translating complex ideas into engaging stories. He also has hosted the NPR audio podcast Twelve Thousand Bombs, which explores the global risks of nuclear weapons through conversations with experts and advocates.

Caplan’s research focuses on the dense matter found in neutron stars, black holes, and white dwarfs. As a computational physicist, he uses large-scale GPU simulations to model plasma behavior and nuclear interactions in extreme environments. His work lies at the intersection of astrophysics, nuclear physics, and materials science, revealing how dense matter behaves under the most intense conditions in the universe. He also investigates the overlap between astrophysics and nuclear weapons, with an eye toward public awareness and policy relevance. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, Caplan aims to uncover new physical insights while also sparking critical conversations about science’s role in society.

Dr. Jeremy D. Driskell

Dr. Jeremy D. Driskell is a University Professor at Illinois State University whose interdisciplinary research bridges chemistry, nanotechnology, and diagnostics. A first-generation college student, Driskell discovered his passion for science through hands-on undergraduate research and collaborative mentorship. His work reflects a belief that innovation stems from both curiosity and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Now a National Institutes of Health (NIH)- and National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded investigator, he mentors students while advancing diagnostic technologies for real-world health challenges. His journey includes leading Department of Defense research teams, serving on national review panels, and earning campuswide awards. Through research, mentorship, and service, Driskell champions the belief that scientific progress begins with people and thrives through collaboration.

Driskell’s research focuses on designing nanoscale biosensors to improve early disease detection. His lab engineers surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) platforms, antibody-nanoparticle systems, and enzyme-modified nanostructures that power next-generation diagnostics.

Current projects include vertical flow immunoassays that use plasmonic particle assembly and gold nanoparticles that retain enzyme activity—efforts supported by major NIH and NSF grants. His long-term vision includes integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable biosensors to expand diagnostic access.

Driskell’s work not only advances chemical sensing technology but also trains the next generation of researchers. He believes diagnostics can be faster, smarter, and more inclusive—and that chemistry is key to enabling health innovation.

Dr. Liangcheng Yang

Dr. Liangcheng Yang is a professor of environmental health and agriculture at Illinois State University, where he holds a joint appointment bridging public health and agricultural sciences. His research is driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, with a focus on improving air quality and advancing anaerobic digestion technologies. From controlling agricultural emissions in environmental justice communities to converting organic waste into renewable energy, Yang’s work addresses real-world environmental challenges with practical, community-focused solutions. A dedicated mentor and collaborator, he draws inspiration from both industry leaders and interdisciplinary peers, and believes research is a long-term investment—not just in technology, but in people. At the heart of his work is a mission to create a greener, healthier future for all.

Yang’s research explores two core areas: improving air quality in urban and agricultural settings, and optimizing anaerobic digestion (AD) as a waste-to-energy solution. He leads efforts to mitigate emissions in environmental justice zones and develop efficient AD systems using food waste and lignocellulosic biomass.

Yang’s work includes community-centered projects like the Environmental Protection Agency-funded BN-CARE initiative and United States Department of Agriculture-supported innovations in farm waste recycling. Currently, he’s integrating AI into environmental research to enhance monitoring, prediction, and process control.

Yang collaborates extensively across disciplines, partnering with institutions like the Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Virginia Tech, and with community groups like the Ecology Action Center. His research ultimately seeks to drive scalable innovations in sustainability, agriculture, and public health.