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 one of the 2019 OPTICA (formerly, The Optical Society) Ambassadors and 2022 OPTICA Senior Members. She is also a member of The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings Alumni, 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.

Fletcher Smith (Student Researcher)

I am a senior Physics major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, completing my final year of study. My senior project in the Cal Poly Photon Lab focuses on laser design, and I am also conducting a fellowship project on light–matter interactions. I am eager to contribute to the ongoing research efforts of the Cal Poly Photon Lab and to further develop my expertise in experimental optics.

Hannah Bauer (Student Researcher)

Hannah is a fourth-year physics major with minors in astronomy and dance. She recently developed interest in optical systems after participating a summer workshop where she learned to use optomechanics to build a spectrograph from scratch. She is excited to continue exploring optics and lasers in the Photon Lab, where she will be building and characterizing solid-state lasers for her senior project. Outside of school, she loves to dance, is an avid reader, and enjoys discovering new hiking spots around SLO.

James Mauck (Student Researcher)

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.

Will Vasser (Student Researcher)

Will Vasser is a fourth-year materials engineering major with a minor in physics. He currently holds positions in leadership at Cal Poly, both as the president of the Materials Engineering Student Society, and as the vice president of the Central Coast Association for Materials Protection and Performance. His primary research interests applications of optical instruments, biopolymers & bionanocomposites, energy storage systems/batteries, and materials characterization techniques. 

At the Cal Poly Photon Lab, Will is focusing on light-matter interactions: specifically, he is aiding in the measurements and calibration of a UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Outside of the Cal Poly Photon Lab, he is also currently involved with research focused on assembling and verifying miniature aqueous organic redox flow batteries for prototyping redox flow chemistries. He has previously completed research as well, on the characterization of zwitterionic electrolyte molecules for use as solid organic electrolytes in cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries. 

Outside of school & in his free time, Will loves to spend time outdoors! Whether it be through biking, backpacking, camping, slacklining, tidepooling, riding horses, or even just reading a book, he really enjoys being intentional with activities while simultaneously spending time connecting with nature. Going forward, he hopes to pursue a graduate degree (PhD) in materials science and engineering, where he may continue to perform high-quality research and apply his expertise in ways that meaningfully benefit society.