Bio
I am a physicist by training who approaches problems through the lens of materials science. I am driven by a deep curiosity to figure out why materials behave the way they do. I want to understand how unusual electronic and magnetic properties can be manipulated at the atomic limit, and how those properties can be used to engineer new technologies.
My research centers on the crystal growth technique called molecular beam epitaxy (MBE, see Reference [1], Reference [2]), which is a powerful means of designing and controlling materials with atomic-scale precision, while also exploring novel approaches for tailoring materials beyond conventional synthesis. By controlling structure, interfaces, defects, and dimensionality, I aim to shed light on the origins of materials behavior and open new pathways for engineering quantum materials, topological phases, and devices with novel functional properties.
Professional Experience
- 2025 Senior R&D Staff Scientist-Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- 2023 R&D Staff Scientist-Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- 2018 Associate R&D Staff Scientist-Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- 2014.11-2018.06 Post-doctoral Scholar—Materials Science and Engineering-Penn State University
Awards
- 2024 ORNL, Early Career Development Program
- 2023 ORNL, Materials Science & Tech. Division Early Career Research Award
- 2023 Department of Energy Early Career Research Project Award
- 2018 QuantEmX Scientist Exchange Award
- 2015 Rutgers University Richard J. Plano Dissertation Prize
- 2014 Rutgers University Dean's Research Award
- 2014 The American Physical Society-Ovshinsky Student Travel Award
- 2013 Laboratory for Surface Modification Symposium Best Oral Presentation Award
- 2009-10 Rutgers University GAANN Fellow
- 2008 Florida Atlantic University Undergraduate Award in Physics
- 2004-08 Palm Beach State College Presidential Scholar/Florida Bright Futures Scholar
Education
- 2009.09-2014.11 Ph.D. Physics—Rutgers University (2015 Richard J. Plano Dissertation Prize)
- 2006.09-2009.05 B.S. Physics—Florida Atlantic University (summa cum laude, GPA-3.94)
- 2004.09-2006.05 A.A. Physics—Palm Beach State College (summa cum laude, GPA-3.86)