Prize Recipient

Lucas Orona
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Background:

My name is Lucas Orona and I am a class of 2014 physics major at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  I am most interested in condensed matter physics and more specifically in materials with novel electrical and magnetic properties like superconductors and graphene.  I have spent the last year and a half researching topological insulators in the Jarillo-Herrero Group.  Working with this group has been the best experience of my undergrad so far as it has given me hands on experience with an interesting subject and a mentor.  It has also allowed me to experience working in a real lab environment and speaking at a conference.  My favorite classes so far have been the statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics and I am very excited to be taking my first solid state physics course this fall.  At this point I intend to pursue a Ph.D. in experimental condensed matter physics.  Outside of physics, I enjoy rock climbing, ice skating and exploring Boston.  I am very grateful to APS for receiving this scholarship.