Chanel Tobon

B.S. in Accounting from New Jersey City University

With a solid foundation in accounting earned at NJCU, I’ve navigated a dynamic professional journey marked by success in managing a Samsung Service Center. My expertise in overseeing operations has been finely tuned through this experience. Now, stepping into the role of Lab Manager at XYZ Lab, I am excited to bring my skills to the world of Chemistry. My commitment to contributing to the lab’s success is unwavering, and I eagerly anticipate the exploration of new frontiers in the realm of science. Beyond the professional realm, I find joy in spending quality time with my family and immersing myself in the rhythmic world of Salsa dancing. Ready for the next chapter, I am poised to make a lasting impact in the fascinating intersection of accounting and laboratory management.

Email: ct3232@columbia.edu

Dr. Jeongheon Choe

Ph.D. from University of Texas at Austin

During my Ph.D. at UT Austin, I investigated collective excitations in magnetic materials. I used inelastic light scattering to study the coupling between spins, lattices, electrons, and orbitals. Currently, I am focused on studying excitons, electrons, and magnon dynamics in emerging semiconductors. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and walking around the city.

Email: jc6225@columbia.edu

Dr. Esteban Rojas Gatjens

Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology

Originally from Costa Rica, I did my undergraduate degree at Universidad de Costa Rica and then received my Ph.D. in chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology. My work focused on characterizing the coherent and incoherent nonlinear dynamics in metal-halide semiconductors using ultrafast spectroscopy (e.g. 2D electronic spectroscopy). Now, I am interested in interrogating quantum phases in two-dimensional materials from a time-domain perspective. Outside the lab, I am a terrible chess player, an average reader, and pretty good at walking my dog, Juli.

Email: jr4529@columbia.edu

Dr. Jonathan Stensberg

Ph.D. from University of Pennsylvania

My basic interest lies in the emergence of and dynamics surrounding quantum order in condensed matter systems, where the characteristic energy scales of both order and excitation can reside at the meV scale, corresponding to terahertz frequencies. During my Ph.D. at Penn, I utilized linear and nonlinear terahertz spectroscopy methods to probe the interaction of topology and superconductivity. In my present work, I exploit a variety of techniques to study the ultrafast electrodynamics of highly correlated states in moire materials at scales below the terahertz diffraction limit. In the wild, I can usually be found listening to podcasts on the train, reading on the couch, or walking around the neighborhood.

Email: js6750@columbia.edu

Dr. Zhuquan Zhang

Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology

My research focuses on discovering, probing, and controlling quantum states of matter to advance our understanding of materials’ properties and functionalities with implications for both fundamental science and technology. During my Ph.D. at MIT, I used nonlinear light–matter interactions—from terahertz and infrared to X-ray frequencies—to reveal and manipulate emergent phenomena in and out of equilibrium. Building on this work, I now investigate how collective electron behavior gives rise to fragile quantum phases using sensitive spectroscopic and imaging tools. Outside the lab, I enjoy visiting museums and exploring other areas of science.

Email: zz3431@columbia.edu

Gillian Minarik

B.A. in Physics and Chemistry with Honors from Boston University

As an undergraduate at Boston University, I investigated spin-correlated resonance Raman enhancement in 2D antiferromagnets. Hooked on 2D materials and optical spectroscopy, I’m excited to learn ultrafast techniques to study dynamics of emergent quantum phenomena in correlated 2D systems, particularly those involving spin! I hope to leverage light-matter interactions to untangle the interplay of magnetic, electronic, and vibrational states in these materials from a time-domain perspective. In my free time I love running, tennis, and anything else that gets me outside.

Email: gem2167@columbia.edu

Lauren Schaffer

B.A. in Chemistry with Highest Honors from Oberlin College

During my undergraduate studies at Oberlin College I studied solid-state cocrystallization kinetics and mechanisms. After graduating, I worked as a research technician at MIT with Dr. Robert Griffin machining ultra-fast spinning (111 kHz) diamond rotors with nanosecond lasers and building a highly sensitive transmission line nuclear magnetic resonance probe. I look forward to developing an expertise in optical spectroscopy and applying my knowledge of spin dynamics to study the quantum properties of 2D materials. I was born and raised in Colorado and like to see live music, practice martial arts, and read science fiction novels in my free time.

Email: lauren.schaffer@columbia.edu

Julie Schwartz

B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Washington

At UW, I worked on synthesizing colloidally stable upconverting nanocrystals with the aim of exploring their excitation and relaxation pathways. At Columbia, I hope to leverage ultrafast spectroscopy to study the charge-carrier dynamics of novel materials, with the goal of understanding the underlying principles that govern their macroscopic properties. In my free time, you can most often find me fawning over any dog I meet or rock climbing. 

Email: j.schwartz2@columbia.edu

Emmanuel Reynoso Bernardo

BS with Honors in Chemistry and a minor in Applied Mathematics from Trinity College, CT

I’m a first-generation Latino-American and graduate student from Massachusetts. In undergrad, I spent a brief stint doing research in enantiospecific organic synthesis before diving into the world of materials, where I was involved in the synthesis of temperature-responsive hydrogel-Au nanorod microcomposites. Personal contributions include novel developments in characterization using 2D NMR spectroscopy and in post-synthetic treatments to optimize their optical response. In moving to NYC, I intend to continue my investigation of low-dimensional materials and their quantum properties, as well as everything else the city has to offer. Whether it’s food, the gym, anime, nature, science, the arts, or anything in between, I’m always on the hunt for new experiences!

Email: er3251@columbia.edu

Dorian Gavilanes

City University of New York, Lehman College ’26

Born and raised in the South Bronx of NYC, I’ve been a native New Yorker for my entire academic career. I started as a pre-med student but found chemistry to be much more academically stimulating when I got to college. Before joining the XYZ group, I mainly conducted research on histidine-based PEMs for use in hydrogen fuel cells under Donna McGregor. Currently, I work with Prof. X.Y. Zhu on improving large-area monolayer exfoliation techniques. Outside of the lab, you’ll usually find me trekking the east coast as a sightseer and/or looking for some good food in any city.

Email: dg3354@columbia.edu

Matthew En-Hao Wang

Columbia Engineering ’28

I was raised on Long Island, where I spent most of my school years. I’m a sophomore at Columbia SEAS, planning to major in applied physics and mathematics. I previously completed a computational-based research project, which used machine learning clustering techniques to identify key social factors of adolescent mental health. In the lab, I’m currently helping to create samples and support various studies. I enjoy photography and hanging out with friends in my free time.

Email: mw3510@columbia.edu