Dr. Pascal Bassène

• I was born and raised in Casamance, Senegal. I came to Dakar for High school.
• License/Master 1 University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (2010). 
• Master 1&2  University Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC/Paris/France) 
•  (Fundamental Physics & Materials Science and Nano-objects (SMNO)) (2013)
• Ph.D. Applied Physics – University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (2019)
• Visiting associate research Scientist, Institut des NanoSciences de Paris (INSP/UPMC) (2016-2019). 
• Postdoc Associate Researcher, RPI (2020)
• bassep@rpi.edu

Saad Bin Ali Reza

I am a graduate student at the department of Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering here at RPI. Born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have completed my undergraduate degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I am interested in researching in the fields of Optics and Photonics. Besides my academic interests, I also love music and astronomy.

• alires@rpi.edu
• LinkedIn

Tianhong Wang

I am an international student from China. I speak Chinese and a little bit Japanese besides English. I enjoy watching anime and reading light novels in my leisure time

• wangt13@rpi.edu

Joseph Daafour

I am a graduate student studying physics at RPI. I was born and raised in Accra, Ghana. I completed my undergraduate degree in Materials Science and Engineering. My research interest lies in the field of optics, more specifically light-matter interactions. I love music (playing the piano) and also soccer.

• daafoj@rpi.edu

Viet Tran

I am a graduate student in the Physics Department from Hanoi, Vietnam. I first came to the United States as an undergraduate of Howard University. I am interested in optics, especially computational optics. As for hobbies, I like history and mythology. I also currently have more points than chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen in Fantasy Premier League.

• tranq@rpi.edu

Russell Berger

I am a Physics graduate student here at RPI. I completed my BS in Physics at Binghamton University and have continued to explore my passion for experimental optics. I am deeply interested in researching nonlinear and quantum light-matter interactions , and witnessing these interactions through optical setups I construct. My interests outside of research involve chess, exercise, cooking, video games, and getting involved in community service!

• berger2@rpi.edu

Nate Laposky

I am an undergraduate physics major and electrical engineering minor in my senior year at RPI. While in this research group, I have worked mostly on free space optical communications, culminating in a poster presentation at the undergraduate research symposium in the summer of 2024. During my arch away semester, I traveled to see old friends and make new ones.

• laposn@rpi.edu

Angelina Dobal

I am an undergraduate Physics and Math student at RPI, and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. My role in the group consists of simulating experiments and building models with the simulation software COMSOL, which has many engineering and physics coupling applications.  

• dobala@rpi.edu

Skyler Bell

Born and raised just outside Chicago, Illinois, I came to RPI to study Electrical Engineering and Physics. Since 2023, I’ve worked in the N’Gom Research Group to investigate quantum light and its utility in nonlinear response, imaging, and communication systems. Aside from photonics, I’m passionate about audio engineering and spend my free time producing with my Stratocaster. 

• bells4@rpi.edu
• LinkedIn
• RPI Summer Undergraduate Research Award Recipient, 2024

Claudio Giavalisco

I am a physics undergraduate student at RPI with a minor in economics of banking and finance. I am from western Massachusetts, specifically the Pioneer Valley. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, skiing, listening to music, video games, and reading.  

• giavac@rpi.edu

Jacob Merida

As an applied physics undergrad, I enjoy learning the science and applying it to various disciplines. My primary research focus lies in the domain of using nonlinear optics to study material properties.  I also enjoy learning about condensed matter and integrated photonics. In my free time, I tackle people on the field as well as listen to alternative rock and heavy metal.

• meridj@rpi.edu

Yue Zhu

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, originally from Suzhou, China — a city known for its culture and beauty. I am currently working with Tianhong on research related to SPDC (Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion). Outside of academics, I enjoy playing Rainbow Six: Siege and aspire to reach the Champion rank.

• zhuy25@rpi.edu

Arthur Kardos

I am an undergraduate Physics and Electrical Engineering student at RPI, from Westchester, NY. My research in this group focuses primarily on the second harmonic generation of light in 2D materials. Outside of work, I like to play hockey and listen to music (my favorite band is Rush)!

• kardoa@rpi.edu

William-John Krause

I’m an undergraduate Applied Physics Senior here at RPI, with a concentration in Materials Science. I work in the laser machining section of Dr. N’Gom’s Optics Lab. Originally I am from Lewistown Montana, so I love being outdoors whether it be hiking or mountain biking. Also in my free time I enjoy lifting weights and running.

• krausw2@rpi.edu