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Meet some of our graduating physics Buffs

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 22:43:50 +0000

Meet some of our graduating physics Buffs Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 04/17/2025 - 16:43

We asked our graduating physics and engineering physics students what advice they had for other students, where they are headed after CU, and what they will carry with them into their next chapter.

David Abbe, Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Don't worry so much. Enjoy your time in college, hang out with friends, join study groups. There is so much at CU and in life to enjoy so don't get caught up stressing about the little things.

Why did you choose to study physics or engineering physics?

I chose to study physics because I was enamored by the physical world. I really wanted to learn why and how everything worked down to the most fundamental level. This desire and curiosity led me to the physics department at CU.

Where are you headed after graduation?

I am headed to McGill University to pursue a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics.

William Ashcraft, Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Why did you choose to study physics or engineering physics?

I quickly fell in love with physics in my first high school physics class. I still remember the very first lab I did and I never looked back. With every class here at CU I've gotten to see more of the beauty and incredible work in science, and I hope I get to keep doing physics for the rest of my life!

Where are you headed after graduation?

After graduation I'm going to continue my studies, with a masters program in material science from the University of Rochester.

Aaron Barrios, Bachelor of Arts in Physics

What does graduating from college represent for you?

Entering college, I didn't have all the AP credits or come from a background of physicists; nor was I comfortable meeting new people or sharing my ideas. And yet, I have led the student group COSMOS, worked my research position, and even started the legacy of the Undergraduate Research Expo – all in four years. My graduation from physics with honors means more to me than what you can put on a CV. It represents the proof that you can end better than you started: by remaining dedicated to pursuing passions, seeking out advice and help, and above all having faith even when things look bleak.

Where are you headed after graduation?

I am headed to the University of Washington in St. Louis, to study topics in supermassive black hole accretion alongside Professors Chen and Yuan and ultimately earn my PhD in Physics.

Nicholas Golden, Bachelor of Arts in Physics

From your time at CU, what will you carry with you into your next chapter?

Certainly the content of knowledge but especially the connections and friendships.

What was your research focus?

I studied colloids dispersed in ferronematic liquid crystals. Only recently have polar liquid crystals been discovered. Colloidal dispersion's are found everywhere from paint to milk. I studied sphere and disk colloids withing the novel polar liquid crystal. They exhibited unique topological structures, anomalous diffusion, and self assembly.

What does graduating from college represent for you?

It represents a giant leap towards a person who I have sought to be since childhood. Someone who can better appreciate the logic and beauty of the universe and navigate with curiosity and wisdom.

Youssef Hassan, Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Make sure you enjoy your work. Don't compromise on your mental health because a PhD can be the biggest chapter of your most productive years.

Where are you headed after graduation?

Applications in the industry, research and development in quantum technologies.

What was your research focus?

Improving the accuracy of an optical lattice atomic clock at NIST, one of the few most accurate clocks in the world, by engineering a device to shield the clock atoms from thermal radiation.

Ángel Hernández, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

From your time at CU, what will you carry with you into your next chapter?

At ��ɫ��Ƶ, my curiosity didn’t just survive – it thrived. This next chapter of my life is guided by that same curiosity, now sharper and more ambitious than ever.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Lift others as you climb. Lead with compassion, and the rest will follow.

What does graduating from college or graduate school represent for you?

Graduating represents the sacrifices my family made to get me here. From my grandparents migrating from México and enduring the cultural shift to create opportunity for future generations, to my parents working multiple jobs to provide for us, while still showing up for me every step of the way – this is for them.

Caleb Maddry, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics

From your time at CU, what will you carry with you into your next chapter?

I have met some of the greatest people at CU. Professors, friends, and coworkers have helped me grow into a scientist and engineer. We’ve shared lots of great memories and gone on some awesome adventures in the last four years.

Why did you choose to study engineering physics?

I chose to major in engineering physics because it offered the perfect blend of engineering and physics, allowing me to pursue my passion for both. This program has not only deepened my understanding of these fields but has also equipped me with the practical skills needed to excel in the workforce.

Where are you headed after graduation?

After graduation, I'll be backpacking across Europe for three months! Once I return, I'll jump right into my career as a Systems Engineer at The MITRE Corporation, where I interned during my senior year. I worked on a variety of projects that involved radar and satellites, and I look forward to continuing this work!

Justin Niedermeyer, Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Ask questions! Things that seem obvious to others may be more complex than meets the eye. Asking for help allows both you and the person you ask to strengthen your knowledge!

Why did you choose to study physics?

As cliché as it sounds, I’ve wanted to be a scientist since I watched Star Trek with my parents when I was growing up. Carrying out atomic physics experiments sometimes feels like science fiction, but it’s better than that, because we can use our results to help develop scientific facts!

Where are you headed after graduation?

I will move to the United Kingdom and work as a Quantum Scientist at a company called Oxford Ionics. My doctoral research used trapped ions to observe quantum mechanical phenomena. I will use the skills and knowledge I gained during my studies to help research and develop quantum computing technology based on trapped ions.

Alfonzo Paniagua, Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Read the text, as it really gives you that extra knowledge for the subjects and often gives you that extra equation that makes your life way easier.

Where are you headed after graduation?

Rejoining the United States Air Force, as it was great times before college and hopefully will be a great time after college.

Allie Plocki, Bachelor of Arts in Physics

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

If you are doing reserch try to do multiple projects so that you can get a feel for what you want to keep doing. It is also useful to try to go to different types of institutions so you can see what life is like outside of academia.

What was your research focus?

At CU, I did research in precision time keeping for navigation positioning and timing applications. I worked on a new scheme to improve Rubidium optical clocks.

Where are you headed after graduation?

I will be pursuing my PhD in physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Fall.

Michael Reh, Doctor of Philosophy in Physics

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Make friends in the department, and lean on each other for support. You're all in this together.

Why did you choose to study physics?

I always liked learning about the more exotic parts of physics like black holes and quantum mechanics when I was younger, but I always saw myself as an engineer. When I applied to my undergraduate program, I entered the college of science and arts, with the intention of transferring to the engineering school later. I ended up liking my classes in physics my first year, and so I put off transferring to engineering until it was much too late, and so I sort of ended up becoming a physicist on accident.

Murilo Tibana, Bachelor of Arts in Physics

What does graduating from college or graduate school represent for you?

It represents a meaningful step forward for my family, who immigrated from Japan to Brazil, and now I have the opportunity to honor their sacrifices by graduating from an outstanding American university.

What was your research focus?

I conducted research with the Andreas Becker group at JILA, where I worked on extending a theoretical framework to characterize electric fields with attosecond durations. My contributions focused on modeling and reconstructing ultrafast pulse trains using two-photon autocorrelation signals, particularly in regimes where conventional techniques are ineffective due to the high photon energies involved.

Why did you choose to study physics?

The idea that we can grasp the workings of the universe through physics and mathematics is both fascinating and, to me, a fundamental part of what it means to be human.

We asked our graduating physics and engineering physics students what advice they had for other students, where they are headed after CU, and what they will carry with them into their next chapter.

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New quantum ‘game’ showcases promise of quantum computers

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:35:08 +0000

New quantum ‘game’ showcases promise of quantum computers Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 04/17/2025 - 08:35

A team of physicists from ��ɫ��Ƶ teamed up with a group from the Colorado-based company Quantinuum to show how devices called quantum computers can outcompete traditional computers—at least, in some circumstances.

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Three physics students awarded NSF Grad Research Fellowships

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:45:56 +0000

Three physics students awarded NSF Grad Research Fellowships Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/16/2025 - 12:45

The National Science Foundation awarded prestigious graduate research fellowships to 12 ��ɫ��Ƶ students this year, including three physics students. ��ɫ��Ƶ Physics seniors Annalise Cabra, Luke Coffman, and Devayani Ravuri were among the recipients. An additional nine physics students and alumni received an honorable mention.

The highly competitive fellowship recognizes outstanding students across the United States in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. Fellowship recipients receive three years of financial support including an annual stipend of $37,000, as well as professional development and research opportunities.

There was an overall reduction in the number of grad research fellowships awarded by the NSF this year, but ��ɫ��Ƶ ranked in the top 15 of institutions nationwide in terms of fellowships awarded.

“We’re incredibly proud of all of our graduates, and we especially applaud Anna, Devayani, and Luke who are most deserving of this national-level recognition,” said Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics.

��ɫ��Ƶ Physics seniors Annalise Cabra, Luke Coffman, and Devayani Ravuri have been awarded prestigious graduate research fellowships from the National Science Foundation.

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New study shines light on student perceptions of the quantum industry

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:22:37 +0000

New study shines light on student perceptions of the quantum industry Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 04/15/2025 - 15:22

Kirsten Apodaca

Much attention on the so-called “quantum revolution” has focused on the burgeoning industry, but what do students think about entering the quantum workforce?

In a recent study, a team of physics education researchers at the ��ɫ��Ƶ studied students’ perceptions of the quantum industry. They focused on the first cohort of students enrolled in Quantum Forge, a senior capstone course designed to give hands-on experience and prepare undergraduates to enter the quantum industry.

“This project was an opportunity to focus on students interested in the quantum industry and hear about their perspectives and views,” said Kristin Oliver, lead author of the study and fourth year physics graduate student. “We wanted to know how the Quantum Forge course impacted students and what their perspectives were on the quantum industry.”

Quantum Forge was developed as a partnership between ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Department of Physics and Q-SEnSE, an NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute led by ��ɫ��Ƶ. The course was a prime opportunity for the team of researchers, which included Oliver, postdoctoral associate Tori Borish, and professors of physics Bethany Wilcox and Heather Lewandowski.

The quantum industry has attracted incredible growth and attention in recent years. Workforce needs have driven a big push to get more students prepared to enter the industry. But what does it mean to work in the quantum industry and what kind of jobs are available?

“There has been a lack of knowledge around what the industry wants versus what students are prepared for and interested in doing,” said Oliver. Lewandowski noted “there is a real lack of the student perspective in current quantum workforce studies, so we wanted to start including their voice in the conversation.”

“At the beginning of the study, students knew relatively little about the quantum industry – they all acknowledged that,” said Oliver. Over the course of the year, their perspectives shifted from awareness of mostly quantum computing focused companies, to understanding the broader industry includes companies in supporting technology roles.

For the students in Quantum Forge, working on a real-world project with an industry partner helped them see how they could be successful in the industry. Visiting local quantum companies also showcased the work being done and further expanded students’ perspectives.

One surprising result was that most of the students, even those not from marginalized backgrounds, were concerned about access and diversity in the quantum industry. “They want to be in a diverse workspace. Some said this was for personal reasons or because it’s an environment they feel more comfortable in,” Oliver said.

Understanding student perspectives of the industry can help inform what educators can do to better prepare students. The researchers point out in the study that students need more help developing relevant skills, and they need more knowledge about the industry.

Establishing a course like Quantum Forge may not be possible at all institutions. Oliver mentioned an upcoming project will analyze data from the course to inform other educators about the most impactful aspects that could be replicated or adapted to other contexts.

Looking forward, the CU team will conduct a larger-scale survey of undergraduates from across the country, to further understand and analyze student perceptions of the quantum industry.

Oliver added, “this work will hopefully help industry professionals and educators understand the unique perspectives of students entering this developing industry.”

Much attention on the so-called “quantum revolution” has focused on the burgeoning industry, but what do students think about entering the quantum workforce?

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Professor and JILA Fellow Jun Ye receives the 2025 Berthold Leibinger Zukunftspreis Award

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:50:46 +0000

Professor and JILA Fellow Jun Ye receives the 2025 Berthold Leibinger Zukunftspreis Award Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 04/15/2025 - 11:50

Jun Ye, a distinguished Fellow at JILA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and a physics professor at the ��ɫ��Ƶ, has been honored with the 2025 Berthold Leibinger Zukunftspreis. The award acknowledges Ye's groundbreaking work in optical clocks and frequency metrology, which has significantly advanced precision measurement and timekeeping.

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Professor John Cumalat wins 2025 Hazel Barnes Prize

Kirsten Apodaca — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 22:50:27 +0000

Professor John Cumalat wins 2025 Hazel Barnes Prize Kirsten Apodaca Fri, 04/11/2025 - 16:50

John Cumalat, professor of distinction in the ��ɫ��Ƶ Department of Physics, has been awarded the 2025 Hazel Barnes Prize.

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CU Physics alum Stephen Koehler enjoys high-flying career

Veronica R Lingo — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 20:29:30 +0000

CU Physics alum Stephen Koehler enjoys high-flying career Veronica R Lingo Thu, 04/10/2025 - 14:29

The ROTC cadet and physics major turned naval aviator turned admiral was appointed commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet in early 2024.

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��ɫ��Ƶ physicists in CERN collaborations awarded 2025 Breakthrough Prize

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:01:01 +0000

��ɫ��Ƶ physicists in CERN collaborations awarded 2025 Breakthrough Prize Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 04/08/2025 - 16:01

Congratulations to our ��ɫ��Ƶ Physics students, postdocs, and faculty on the ATLAS and CMS collaborations who were recently awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics! This year's prize was awarded to more than 13,000 researchers from the ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb experimental collaborations at CERN's Large Hadron Collider.

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Meet ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Society of Physics Students (SPS)

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:13:32 +0000

Meet ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Society of Physics Students (SPS) Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 04/08/2025 - 06:13

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry

The student-led group is building community, driving professional development, and expanding outreach at ��ɫ��Ƶ.

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) at ��ɫ��Ƶ is one of many student groups helping to foster community and professional development for physics students on campus. Through weekly meetings, collaborative events, and outreach initiatives, SPS provides a welcoming and inclusive space for students interested in physics and related fields. Led by undergraduate co-presidents Aidan Janney and Alexandra Washburn, ��ɫ��Ƶ’s SPS chapter is committed to making a difference for physics students of all backgrounds.

“There’s a famous quote that says something along the lines of physicists are simply particles trying to understand other particles,” Washburn said. “I think that perfectly describes SPS. We’re all trying our best to challenge one another but also supporting each other in times of struggle. I like to see us as a little family.”

Reflecting on his journey into physics, Janney shared that his high school experience with the subject was challenging, especially with the added hurdles of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Aidan’s experiences at ��ɫ��Ƶ helped reignite his passion for the field, allowing him to discover physics in new and exciting ways. “One of the parts that is just the most enjoyable about physics is that it shows up everywhere,” he said, emphasizing how physics connects with atmospheric science and ocean dynamics.

For her part, Washburn never took physics in high school and was never the biggest fan of math. “I realized that I wanted to help the region I so badly wanted to escape, the South.” Washburn elaborated, noting that she wants to work in quantum computing to improve the agricultural sector. “There’s a lot of money in physics, but I want to give back to those who impact everyone: small American farmers.”

As a community for physics students, one of SPS’s primary goals is to create an environment where students feel supported, regardless of their academic background.

“A big focus is on just making it feel like an inclusive environment that people want to spend time in,” Janney explained.

The organization actively promotes professional development by hosting events such as graduate student panels and research presentations, where students can explore careers in academia, industry, and beyond. SPS also collaborates with COSMOS, another student organization at ��ɫ��Ƶ, to offer diverse perspectives and guidance on navigating careers in physics and related fields.

“Many clubs talk about job aspirations, internships, etc., but this year I wanted to focus on helping our members slow down and enjoy life a little,” Washburn said. “What are they truly passionate about? Why? Post-graduation is terrifying for many college students so we’ve tried to give them the tools and the time to come as they are when they want–a phrase always included in our meeting postings.”

Last year, the Dean’s Innovation Fund awarded significant funding to SPS, COSMOS, and other undergraduate and graduate student groups within physics to support students in STEM fields. As part of this award, SPS helped host an undergraduate research expo last year, with poster presentations and a keynote speech from Nobel Laureate, JILA and NIST Fellow, and ��ɫ��Ƶ physicist Eric Cornell.

Inspired by the success of this event, SPS is hoping to expand its reach to include additional departments, such as geology and molecular biology.

Beyond the research expo, SPS has collaborated with COSMOS to help create fellowships for students to participate in research across campus. In 2023, 13 students were awarded these fellowships, with SPS and COSMOS hoping to award more this year.

SPS also plans to extend its reach beyond campus with a budding outreach program at Bear Creek Elementary School. In partnership with COSMOS members, SPS hopes to lead interactive science activities for second graders, helping to inspire the next generation of scientists.

“It would be a more informal community science outreach program,” Janney explained.

The outreach initiative will introduce young students to the wonders of science in an accessible and engaging way.

The ��ɫ��Ƶ physics department has been an essential partner for SPS. ��ɫ��Ƶ Physics professor Keith Ulmer, the SPS faculty liaison, has continuously supported the group’s initiatives.

“He just cares so much about students and making sure they’re supported and involved,” Janney said, reflecting on Dr. Ulmer's positive influence on the organization.

Staff in the Physics Main Office have also offered invaluable assistance with logistical needs for events such as the annual pumpkin drop, hosted in collaboration with CU Prime and COSMOS.

In the future, SPS wants to reach out to other student organizations and increase member retention.

“We want to really help students feel prepared for the vast world ahead of them through financial literacy, professional skills, but also feeling confident in their person,” added Washburn.

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Three physics faculty awarded Research & Innovation Seed Grants

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 22:30:48 +0000

Three physics faculty awarded Research & Innovation Seed Grants Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 04/07/2025 - 16:30

Professors Xun Gao, Juliet Gopinath, and Shuo Sun have been awarded seed grants of up to $60,000 from the Research and Innovation Office and the Office of the Provost.

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