Q: What are your physics/science interests?

Condensed matter physics, especially 2D materials, by far is my favorite area in physics and science. To me, it is comparable to playing on a playground. Because 2D systems are highly tunable, we can quite easily engineer electrons in these materials, like graphene, to behave bizarrely. Fascinating excitations that arise from symmetry breaking or topological order can emerge as a consequence. It amazes me how something so small can have so much robust physics.

Q: What are your other interests?

Outside of physics, I enjoy reading manga/manhua/manhwa. I also enjoy practicing calisthenics and hope that one day I can somewhat defy gravity.

Q: What would you like to do after college?

Get a Ph.D. researching 2D materials and heterostructures!

Q: Tell us one strange but interesting fact about yourself.

I can make a loud popping sound when I fully open my jaw...I should probably have my doctor look into that.

Q: What first sparked your interest in Physics?

As a child, I always loved learning about our universe. Discovering the fundamental properties and origins of the world around us sounded so cool to me. However, I was not a great student and thought that I could never be smart enough to do physics, even though I was so interested in it. What pushed me to pursue Physics in college finally was my high school teacher that never gave up on me no matter how confused I was in class. Thank you, Mr. Bennett!

Q: If you could have any pet, what would it be?

I want more kitties. I love cats.

Q: If you had a free month and unlimited funds, how would you spend your time?

I would probably kickstart as many projects as possible on the implementations of renewable energy sources such as nuclear, solar, wind, etc. around the world. Donate a bunch of money to fusion research, travel the world, and then donate money to whoever I meet on my journey.

Q: If you could get a grant to study anything, what would it be?

Do you even have to ask? 2D materials and heterostructures!