I first became interested in the study
of 2-Dimensional(2D) materials when I began investigating undergraduate research opportunities within the Physics Department at GMU. 2D materials have tremendous potential to
change the landscape of technology as the maximum efficiency and overall sized
of electronics are largely determined by the individual components inside them.
During my time in the Vora Lab I have
learned many valuable skills in 2D material handling and sample preparation. I have learned and practiced methods of optical
experiment design, assembly, alignment and calibration. I have also fine-tuned
techniques of sample data collection and analysis. Finally, I have been immersed in the field of
2D materials research as I review other researcher’s publications, prepare
reports on my own experiments, and write proposals for funding, which are all
invaluable skills within the field of optics.
For a normal week I prepare 2D samples for measurement and then take various images
and spectral measurements of those samples.
I setup, align and calibrate optical equipment that is used in gathering
those data. I process and analyze the
data that I have collected as well as prepare summaries for my mentors and the
other research teams we corroborate with.
I also review several current research papers that my professor
highlights from my field. I converse
with my graduate student mentors several times a day as well as my professor
mentor about once a day. I sit in on
conference calls or meetings with other research groups, both at GMU as well as
other universities regarding various topics currently under investigation in
our lab. Finally, I review and answer
emails from these other groups regarding our research.
I am
honored and grateful for the opportunity provided by the URSP to conduct
research in the field of optics and 2D materials. I am also very grateful my mentors, Dr.
Patrick Vora, and graduate students, Sean Oliver and Jaydeep Joshi who provided
invaluable advice and guidance throughout the duration of this study.
