Explorer Categories: Physics

I am a fourth year Physics PhD candidate working on quantum error correction, quantum simulations, and tensor networks. In my research, I synthesize and develop graph inference algorithms for decoding quantum codes. In addition, I work on developing (approximate) tensor network methods for large scale quantum simulations. I am currently interested in constructing theoretical methods to learn correlated effects on quantum devices to supplement decoding. Beyond physics, I enjoy STEM outreach, singing and listening to music, and am fascinated with maps and history.

Madelyn Rahimi is an undergraduate student studying Physics and Astrophysics at UC Berkeley. Her research has involved quantum optics and open quantum systems, where she helped develop simulations to constrain the measurement sensitivity of the prospective Quantum Invisible Particle Sensor. She is also interested in the intersection of quantum measurement and high-energy theory, particularly in questions involving quantum gravity and cosmology. Her time at Université Paris Cité strengthened her interests, where she was introduced to the intricacies of de Sitter space and its role as a geometric background for describing our accelerating universe. Beyond research, Madelyn co-founded Astrophotography at Berkeley and enjoys shooting film photography in her free time.

I am a PhD candidate in the Physics department at UC Berkeley, working with Martin White. My research is on large-scale structure cosmology, which uses the distribution of galaxies and matter to constrain fundamental physics and the model of the universe. I am broadly interested in modeling and interpreting data from international survey collaborations. I was born in Tokyo, Japan, grew up in San Diego, CA, and completed a double major in Physics and Mathematics at Cornell University. During my undergraduate studies I worked under Michael Niemack, working on Cosmic Microwave Background experiments. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, museum visits, and traveling.

Hello! I’m a fourth-year undergraduate working with Prof. Frances Hellman in experimental condensed matter physics. I study amorphous materials for the highly reflective mirror coatings used in gravitational-wave detectors, with a particular focus on reducing the thermal noise that limits their sensitivity. This work is part of a broader effort to improve future detectors like LIGO so that we can “hear” even fainter gravitational-wave signals.

Outside the lab, I’ve been heavily involved with music and play a few brass instruments. I also enjoy going to the gym, hiking and going on walks, reading, trying different matcha shops, and spending time with my cat, Astro (AKA the best cat in the universe).

I am a third year undergraduate physics major working with Prof. Stamper-Kurn in the Ultracold atoms lab at Berkeley. There, as part of the cavity tweezer array experiment, I work with lasers and electronics to cool and control neutral atoms for quantum computing and simulation. I have broad interests across AMO, condensed matter, and high energy physics. Recently, through an REU program, I worked with Prof. Sheehy at LSU on theoretically understanding analogs of the Hawking effect in strained graphene. In my free time, I enjoy singing, cooking, rock climbing, and strolls around campus.

I am a fourth-year undergraduate at UC Berkeley majoring in Physics and Statistics. I am interested in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, particularly in combining theoretical and experimental approaches to understand and control complex physical systems. In Prof. Naomi Ginsberg’s group, I use computational imaging to study the formation of self-assembling materials; I am now investigating how these systems can be controlled to guide their assembly. Outside of research, I enjoy organizing events for the undergraduate physics community through the Society of Physics Students (SPS) at Berkeley and participating in K-12 science outreach. Other hobbies of mine include running, hiking, and reading.

I am a fourth-year PhD student in the Physics Department at UC Berkeley. My research focuses on two-dimensional materials. These materials are only one atom thick, which makes their properties highly tunable. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, I image their electronic structure down to the atomic scale. Specifically, I study how strongly interacting electrons organize into crystals, correlated liquids, amorphous states, and other phases of matter. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, playing the cello, and trying fruit from Berkeley Bowl.

I’m a 7th year PhD Candidate advised by Holger Mueller. We are developing a next-generation quantum sensor for inertial and gravitational sources. Our quantum sensor takes the form of laser cooled atoms whose temperature is extremely close to absolute zero. Using these ultracold atoms, we measure tiny inertial and gravitational forces by creating fragile spatial superposition states, where the atoms are in two places at once. We use our quantum sensor in search of new physics like quantum gravity and dark energy and to push our understanding of quantum mechanics. Before coming to California, I grew up in Indiana eating delicious American-Chinese food at my parents’ restaurant. Thereafter, I attended Purdue University, West Lafayette and graduated in 2020 with degrees in mechanical engineering and physics, where I was a mellophone player in the All-American Marching Band. In my free time, I enjoy reading, practicing wing chun, playing piano, and hanging out with friends.

I am a second-year PhD student in Physics at UC Berkeley. I study neutrinos, small particles that are produced through many physical phenomena. Neutrinos can help us study the life cycles of stars, the origin of the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe and much more. I work on the Eos detector, a testbed for future neutrino detection technologies that was constructed at Berkeley. Currently, I am developing a machine learning model that can improve the optical calibration of Eos. In my free time, I enjoy baking, going on hikes and rock climbing.

I am a fourth year physics PhD candidate working with Prof. David Limmer, and I did my undergraduate degree in Physics at MIT. In my research, I apply the tools of classical and statistical mechanics to active matter, a class of out-of-equilibrium systems, to study their collective behavior and microscopic structure. I find a lot of joy in improving the quality of and access to advanced STEM programs, such as the Physics Olympiad training programs. Beyond science, I love cooking and baking, and I enjoy hiking and paddling.