Justin grew up in the Midwest, first outside Detroit, MI and then near Milwaukee, WI and is a lifelong Michigan sports fan (Go Blue!). He completed a dual bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he also played the trumpet in the Screaming Eagles Marching Band. Escaping the cold weather, Justin received his PhD from the University of California, Irvine under the guidance of Bill Evans. Following graduation, he pursued postdoctoral studies at Yale University under the supervision of Nilay Hazari. He began his independent career at FIU in August 2026. He enjoys the pedagogy aspect of his work and is a strong advocate of teaching and mentorship at all levels and collaborative science. He loves looking at neat single crystals. Outside the lab, he enjoys creating and listening to music and recently began working to visit all US National Parks (currently 6/63) (...he thought this was a realistic goal when first made).