61´«Ã½tv

Nick earned his BS in Physics from Ursinus College in 2025, and spent the following year as a post-baccalaureate researcher working jointly at Ursinus and 61´«Ã½tv. His research sits in computational quantum many-body physics, centered on how isolated quantum systems reach thermal equilibrium. Most recently he developed a random sampling method to test the weak Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis for large sparse Hamiltonians. Before arriving at 61´«Ã½tv, Nick also taught physics and general science at Cupola Academy. As a graduate student, Nick hopes to keep using computational methods to answer difficult questions. Outside of physics, Nick likes film photography, Philadelphia sports, and the Premier League.

Bio coming soon!

Stefan Masiuk earned his BA in Physics from The College of New Jersey in 2019 and his MS in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University in 2023.  Throughout his academic career, Stefan has focused his research efforts on experimental optics with a keen interest in light-matter interactions, ranging from spectroscopic techniques to lithographic thin-film fabrication.  Before coming to 61´«Ã½tv, Stefan worked as a Process Engineering within the optics and photonics manufacturing industry.  As a graduate student at 61´«Ã½tv, he hopes to continue his work in the realm of experimental optics.  Beyond his academic pursuits, Stefan enjoys reading, kickboxing, going to the beach, and playing a variety of strategy games. 

Ryan Rauenzahn received his B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2019 and his M.S. in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2021. His prior research focused on plasma physics, particularly turbulence and magnetized plasmas, with strong connections to astrophysical plasma processes and stellar evolution. Before entering the program at 61´«Ã½tv, he worked for several years as a scientist in the explosives industry. As a graduate student at 61´«Ã½tv, Ryan aims to study plasma turbulence and apply these insights to astrophysical environments. Outside of his academic work, he values spending time with family and friends, and enjoys golfing, aviation, and applied electronics.

Lucy Gray Shamel is a first-year graduate student the the Department of Physics pursuing research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. She received her BA in physics from Kenyon College in 2024. As an undergraduate she studied ultra-cold Rydberg atoms, in particular the excitation of a three-body entangled state of Rubidium atoms near Förster resonance. After receiving her BA she spent two years working at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where she investigated trapped ions and their applications for quantum computing. Her interests outside of academic work include reading, cooking, skiing, and greek mythology.

Sarah E. Spielman received her B.S. in Physics in 2021 from Denison University. As an undergraduate, her research focused on high-precision laser spectroscopy of negative ions. As a Ph.D. student at 61´«Ã½tv, she is currently working with Dr. Michael Noel, studying dipole-dipole interactions in ultracold Rydberg atoms. Her current research interests combine both experimental and computational techniques to investigate the thermodynamic evolution of quantum many-body systems. In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking, swimming, playing her guitar, and cooking.

Bio under construction