Tell us, what drew you to study physics? Did you always envision yourself involved in this field?
In high school, I was fascinated by quantum mechanics and the way it is applied to answer profound questions about the behavior of nature - from the interactions between electrons to the origin of the universe. During my undergraduate, I had the opportunity to learn about different subfields from experts, and I found myself drawn to condensed matter physics, which explores novel properties of matter. This interest has stayed with me and it has been a lot of fun in graduate school to focus and think deeply about the fundamental questions in condensed matter.
What makes physics interesting, fun, or exciting to you?
Physics is indeed a world of mysteries. It is so exciting to be part of a team of scientists to solve complex problems and see how the pieces come together to create a more complete picture of nature. It is also fascinating that physics has been used in a wide range of applications in our daily life and is contributing to the development of future technology and innovation. Another enjoyable aspect of working in physics is the opportunity to learn how to think creatively and differently about difficult problems. The experts in the field often have a unique perspective that can inspire new approaches and ideas, and it's always exciting to learn from their knowledge.
Tell me about the most exciting thing you're currently learning or working on at the moment.
My research focuses on experimental condensed matter. I am investigating two-dimensional quantum materials using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). I am interested in understanding the novel electronic properties of these materials, which arise due to electron interactions, leading to emergent quantum phenomena. The collective behavior of electrons and many body interactions play an important role in material properties and can be extremely complex to understand and I am currently trying to learn more about it.
What advice would you have for future graduate students wanting to study physics?
Graduate school is a unique journey that surprises you in so many ways. It provides opportunities for both professional and personal growth as well as the chance to meet incredible people along the way. This journey comes with ups and downs and I recommend future graduate students to be curious and learn from the expertise and knowledge of others in their field. A graduate program is an exceptional experience with endless opportunities to learn and grow and hard work is the key.
When you're not engaged in physics, what's something you do for fun?
I enjoy learning new languages, traveling, and exploring new places in the city. I love outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and biking. I also enjoy checking out exhibitions at MET or MoMA to learn more about art and culture.
