Physics and Materials Science News
New Faculty: The Department of Physics and Materials Science is excited to welcome two new faculty members with expertise in quantum sciences for the 2025-26 academic year.
Assistant Professor Ramakanta Chapai received his PhD in physics from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA and joins the department after postdoctoral research positions at Argonne National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His expertise is in the area of topological properties of correlated electron materials and superconductivity.
Assistant Professor Sunil Karna received his PhD from National Central University in Taiwan. He joins the department from Prairie View A&M University where he was an Assistant Professor of Physics. His research focuses on magnetic quantum materials and emergent spin phenomena.
New Laboratory: The NSU Quantum MagLab opened for operatio
n in November 2025. Research in the lab explores challenges at the intersection of quantum materials, quantum devices, and emergent quantum phenomena. In this rapidly evolving frontier, we strive not only to understand the behavior of complex quantum systems, but also to design and control them for the fabrication of precisely engineered devices—advancing technologies with the potential to influence everyday life. This state-of-the-art f
acility houses a Quantum Design PPMS (14 T and 50 mK), XRD (room temperature to 14 K), Laue x-Ray crystal orientation system, optical float zone crystal growth furnace, and a maskless, direct laser write lithography system for device fabrication.
Students Win 1st Place at ERN Conference Spring 2025: Senior phys
ics major, Layla Smith, won first place at the Emerging Researchers Conference in Altanta, GA in the undergraduate oral presentation category Nanoscience, Material Sciences, and Physics for her presentation Quantum Hall Measurements in InAs Quantum Wells. Materials science doctoral student, Orrin Clarke-Delgado, placed first in the graduate oral category physics for his presentation Single Crystal Growth of BaFeGaO4 Using the Floating Zone Technique.