Dr. Isinsu Baylam Toker (PI)

Dr. Isinsu Baylam Toker worked as a lecturer at Cal Poly Materials Engineering Department (2022-2023) before starting as an assistant professor at Cal Poly Physics Department in 2023. After completing her PhD, she also worked as a researcher at Koc University Surface Science and Technology Center, Istanbul Turkey.

During her studies, she has been involved in different interdisciplinary projects and collaborations as principal investigator, researcher, and advisor. The projects and collaborations included the design and development of femtosecond and continuous-wave solid-state lasers, biomedical applications of lasers, laser-based micromachining, and optical characterization of different materials such as graphene, supercapacitors, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and semiconductor thin films.

Dr. Isinsu Baylam Toker is a 2019 OPTICA Ambassador, a 2022 OPTICA Senior Member, and currently serves as Chair of the OPTICA Ultrafast Optical Phenomena Technical Group. She is also a member of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings Alumni Network, SPIE, and APS.

As an Ambassador and Senior Member of OPTICA, she has been serving for the selection processes of different awards and scholarships, mentoring students, performing international science outreach activities, and delivering lectures to international student groups from all around the world.

Mico Bonanno (Student Researcher)

My name is Mico Bonanno and I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. I like to be outdoors, hiking, mountain biking, and I also love to sew. As a physics student, I'm very passionate about physics education, research/pedagogy, and I plan to move into physics/STEM educator role in my future career.

James Mauck (Student Researcher, Frost Scholar)

James Mauck is a first-year undergraduate researcher in the Cal Poly Photon Lab, where he contributes to projects focused on laser development and implementation. His research interests include experimental optics and high-energy physics, with a special focus on light-matter interactions.

At the Cal Poly Photon Lab, James is gaining hands-on experience with the design, alignment, and testing of laser-based experiments. He is eager to continue contributing to the lab’s ongoing efforts in advancing photonics and to further his understanding of the field.

Outside of the lab, James enjoys surfing along the California Coast, reading, and exploring the natural and cultural landscape of San Luis Obispo. He plans to pursue graduate studies and hopes to apply his growing expertise in physics and photonics to future work in research and industry.