Alexander Balandin is a prominent physicist known for his work in the field of materials science and nanotechnology. He is particularly recognized for his research on graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional lattice, which has unique electrical and thermal properties. Balandin's contributions have advanced the understanding of how materials behave at the nanoscale. Balandin is a professor at the University of California, Riverside, where he leads a research group focused on nanomaterials and their applications in electronics and energy. His work has implications for developing faster and more efficient electronic devices, as well as improving energy storage solutions.