Physics

My doctoral research has focused on how collective quantum behavior emerges from interacting electrons in two-dimensional materials, especially graphene-based systems, where correlations, topology, and symmetry breaking give rise to unexpected phases of matter. As a Miller Fellow, I plan to develop new approaches to probe these quantum phases in greater depth while also exploring new directions in quantum science, including quantum information and quantum sensing.

Host: Feng Wang

Ph.D. Institution: MIT

I have broad interests in the theory of quantum matter, with my research to date focused largely on emergent phenomena that occur in systems containing a large number of interacting quantum particles. Sometimes the problems I work on are abstract, such as studying the way in which computational problems can be encoded in certain quantum systems. At other times they are more concrete, such as using hints from experiments to understand how unusual types of superconductors function. In all cases, I am always eager to apply insights from mathematics and theoretical computer science to better...

During my doctoral studies, I used moiré engineering of two dimensional materials to uncover novel correlated electronic phases. As a Miller fellow, I plan to combine the chemical design of novel quantum materials with the versatility of two dimensional devices to further probe correlated electrons.

Host: James Analytis

Ph.D. Institution: Columbia

James Analytis is an experimental physicist who focuses on the discovery and understanding of exotic materials manifesting novel quantum phenomena that have both fundamental and technological implications, particularly superconductors, exotic magnets and topological insulators.

Na Ji’s research bridges neuroscience and optical physics, advancing structural and functional imaging of live brains by developing microscopy tools utilizing adaptive optics, Bessel beams, infinity mirrors, and machine learning. These innovations enable high-throughput, deep-brain imaging of synaptic activity and action potentials across hundreds of neurons. Her lab uses these methods to uncover new insights into visual processing in mice and collaborates widely across multiple disciplines including basic and translational neuroscience, plant biology, and material research and engineering.

Hernan Garcia is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Molecular & Cell Biology and of Physics. His goal is to reach a predictive understanding of how single cells in a developing embryo choose their fates by decoding the regulatory DNA that controls when, where, and how genes are expressed. Using fruit flies as a model, he builds theoretical models that generate testable predictions, then designs experiments to validate them—mirroring the theory-experiment cycle of physics. As a Miller Professor, Hernan will develop technology to dramatically increase the throughput of his genomic...

Benjamin Safdi is an associate professor in the Leinweber Institute for Theoretical Physics in the physics department at UC Berkeley. His research is on understanding the particle nature of dark matter. Around 80% of the matter in our Universe is in the form of dark matter, yet its microscopic nature remains completely mysterious despite nearly a century of effort. Dr. Safdi has made important contributions towards detecting dark matter under a number of well-motivated hypotheses, including the hypothesis that dark matter is an ultra-light particle called the axion. During his Miller...

Shimon Kolkowitz is an experimental atomic physicist and quantum scientist. His research focuses on harnessing atoms and atom-like systems in solids for metrology, quantum sensing, and precision measurement. By preparing, controlling, and then measuring the internal and external quantum states of atoms in vacuum and color centers in diamond using lasers and magnetic fields, researchers in the Kolkowitz group are able to realize exquisitely precise atomic clocks and nanoscale magnetometers and thermometers. They then utilize these clocks and sensors to test fundamental physics, and to study...

Stefania Gori is a theoretical particle physicist specializing in phenomenology beyond the Standard Model. Her research addresses fundamental mysteries of the universe, including the nature of dark matter, the origin of the matter-antimatter asymmetry, the strong CP problem, and the flavor puzzle. She develops innovative search strategies for a broad range of experiments, from high-energy colliders and fixed-target facilities to direct detection experiments and novel quantum sensors. By bridging theoretical frameworks with new experimental techniques, she seeks to uncover "hidden sectors" of...

In my research, I study the physical and chemical properties of materials using theoretical modelling approaches. Currently, much of my work is focused on nanomaterials and energy materials. For example, I am interested in understanding the properties of twisted bilayer materials, catalytic metal surfaces, plasmonic nanoparticles and defects. To learn about the properties of these materials, I employ a variety of modelling techniques ranging from quantum-mechanical approaches, such as many-body perturbation theory (GW/BSE method) or density-functional theory, to classical force fields and...