Many would describe using science to defy the laws of physics as a rare feat. But for University of Wisconsin assistant professor Mikhail Kats, it’s just another day in the lab.

Kats is an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at UW and was recently named in Forbes Magazine’s annual “30 under 30” list for his myriad accomplishments in the field of optics.

The Forbes award recognizes 600 young entrepreneurs, innovators and entertainers in more that 20 categories, according to the Forbes website.