P. D. Yoder received the B.S.E.E. degree from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY in 1989, and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in 1991 and 1993, respectively. Upon graduation, he accepted a research position with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. He subsequently worked as a Member of Technical Staff at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey, and then with its micro-/opto-electronics spin-off, Agere Systems. Dr. Yoder joined the faculty of Georgia Tech in Fall 2003.
- B.S.E.E., Cornell University (with Distinction), 1990
- M.S., University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, 1991
- Ph.D., University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, 1994
Prof. Yoder’s research focuses on computational electronics and photonics, developing predictive models and simulation tools for micro-, nano-, and optoelectronic devices. His work integrates solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetics, and advanced numerical algorithms to analyze optical, electrical, and thermal behavior in next-generation semiconductor components. He collaborates closely with experimental groups in academia and industry to guide device design and optimization, linking rigorous theory and simulation with practical technology development in optoelectronic and nanoelectronic systems.
Professor Yoder's teaching interests span foundational and advanced topics in electrical and computer engineering, including software design, circuit analysis, electromagnetics, micro- and nano-electronics, probability, and semiconductor devices. Across undergraduate and graduate offerings, the instructor emphasizes thorough comprehension of underlying physical, mathematical, and computational principles, encouraging students to construct clear, logically sound arguments in their work. Courses in semiconductor devices, microelectronic circuits, and electronic device theory highlight rigorous connections between quantum/statistical models and modern technologies, while software and probability courses cultivate disciplined analytical and computational thinking essential for contemporary engineering practice.
- Member of Tau Beta Pi
- Member of Eta Kappa Nu
- Recipient of Hertz Foundation Graduate Research Grant (University of Illinois, 1990)
- Recipient of Unisys Scholarship (Cornell, 1988)
- Recipient of MITRE Corporation Scholarship (Cornell, 1986)
- J. Sculley, P.D. Yoder, Traveling Charge Domains in AlGaN/GaN Triode, PSSA, 2025.
- P.D. Yoder, Theoretical Modeling of Avalanche Currents in GaN, 2025.
- W.A. Doolittle et al., Prospectives for AlN electronics…, APL 123(7), 2023.
- R. Dupuis et al., III‑N UV lasers and APDs by MOCVD, 2022.
- K. Mehta, P.D. Yoder, Philosophy of laser design…, PSSA 217(18), 2020.