This semester I
have been unbelievably fortunate to work as an OSCAR Research Assistant with
Dr. Patrick Vora, a new professor and experimental physicist who is conducting
research in solid state materials and their applications. In the simplest
sense, solid state physics focuses on understanding the properties of rigid
materials (silicon is one example). Researchers modify the geometry and
composition of these materials using quantum mechanics, optics, and electronics
measurements, ultimately looking to understand how they can alter the systems’
behavior in useful ways. Graphene is an excellent example; interestingly, the
electrons in this two-dimensional crystal of carbon atoms actually behave as if
they don’t have mass. And although graphene is only one atom thick, it’s
actually stronger than steel! These properties have the potential to
revolutionize electronics technology, and I am incredibly excited to be
studying both graphene and other nanomaterials with our collaborators at Georgetown
University and Trinity College Dublin.
I started my RA
position at ground zero when Dr. Vora’s lab was just an empty room. I have
enjoyed playing a part in transforming the once vacant space into a fully
functional laboratory, complete with an optical table, spectrometer, CCD
camera, and cryostat (I can’t describe what all this equipment does in such
small space, but just know they are both fun and expensive). Over the past few
months I have helped program software, visited the Naval Research Laboratory in
D.C., assisted in designing an optical microscope, and placed countless Amazon
orders. On any given day, you might find me filling our cryogenically cooled
CCD camera with liquid nitrogen, examining wavelength graphs of Neon and
Mercury lasers to help calibrate our equipment, or cheering loudly as I
successfully program new functions for our software.
Every week I
learn something new – not only about the theory behind our research, but also
about the commitment and dedication it takes to be a successful experimental
physicist. The timelines are long, but the payoff is big. The moment I signed
up for Mason’s Physics program I knew I wanted to be a professor and conduct
research – I just had no idea what specialty I should choose. I hadn’t considered
quantum mechanics or solid state physics before, but today I find the challenge
and growth of the field irresistible. Dr. Vora’s passion for his work is
infectious, and he will gladly run off on a tangent to share details about the
intricate theoretical concepts behind our research. There are always plenty of tasks in the lab
to keep me busy, but these conversations are my favorite. I am excited to
continue my work with Dr. Vora over the summer through a URSP grant and discover
even more about the incredible potential of this field. 
