Dan-Ashley Fauni

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1.     Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am doing research with Dr. Roberto Ramos this summer. The project I am working on is to develop low-noise electronics by hand. These electronics are used to measure Superconducting-to-Normal state transitions of superconducting artificial atoms with an optical transmitter and oscilloscopes.  

2.     What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

Superconductivity is a concept that I have always been excited about. This concept is something that is involved with modern technology such as magnetic levitation, MRI’s, particle colliders, various electrical transportation and more. WIth that, getting the experience throughout my college career to work with superconductivity and low-temperature in general is amazing. I get to have hands-on experience with superconductive states and the technology that many industries use on the daily. That being said, conducting research on new low-noise electronics and even building them by hand is something I never thought I’d do during college but I am glad I am able to. Hopefully I get to work with more as I continue in the future. 

3.     What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

Throughout this summer, I am increasing my knowledge on material physics as a whole while also gaining key skills whether it is overall researching skills to engineering. I am also enhancing my experience with how common low-temperature equipment works, techniques used in the field, and even developing analysis skills. In my field, there will be many cases where I would use a solder and construct circuits/ machines to which I feel that this summer is giving me the best opportunity to learn how to. Getting experience with universal items such as National Instruments, circuits and more is something that I truly value with this research. But also, I am starting to learn more about coding in LabView and other programs. These skills are all key to what I want to be in the future.

4.     What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

My knowledge at the moment regarding circuits and how to physically implement them is heavily limited at the moment. This uncertainty is something that is constantly fighting with me. However as research goes on, I aim to be persistent and continue learning new techniques and successfully completing this project.

5.     How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

USURF is giving me the opportunity to continue focusing on my field of interest, material physics. With that, I get to have the chance to experience what I’ll be potentially doing in the future. This experience is truly something that many others might not be able to get throughout their education. Throughout the project, it also made me wonder how material physics is related to other STEM areas and how my work can collaborate with others. With that, I am able to see  what an actual material physicist might be doing on a daily basis in their careers and am excited to do the same in the future. I am truly grateful for USURF as they gave me the opportunity to do this project.

6.     Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I enjoy playing video games and even streaming some with a few of my childhood friends. I also watch anime and read manga. My all-time favorite for years is TenSura.