For a full listing of the physics graduate students: see our Department page!
First years
Ricardo Encarnacion
re385@drexel.edu
Research interests: Interested in theoretical astrophysics particularly in the area black holes
Other interests: Galactic astrophysics, AGN physics, gravitational lensing, cosmology, biophysics of nanoparticles, biomedicine
Second Years
Ryan kelly
ryan.oliver.kelly@drexel.edu
Research summary: Researching magnetic thin film multilayers and electron transport in chiral materials.
Things I do besides physics: Video games, bouldering, kickboxing, cooking
Rae stanley (she/her)
ras484@drexel.edu
Research summary: I’m a member of the IceCube group. I am searching for neutrino signals from galactic novae.
Things I do besides physics: reading, hiking, traveling, building terrariums and aquariums
Advice for new grad students: The revolving sushi bar in Rittenhouse Square is my favorite restaurant here
Third Years
Rachit pandey (he/him)
rachit.pandey@drexel.edu
Research summary: Biophysics: amyloid beta study (trying to understand more about the so called culprit of Alzheimer’s disease)
Things I do besides physics: Video games, reading and playing musical instrument.
Advice for new grad students: Zillow.com proved to be the most valuable online resource for my housing search. Additionally, I enjoy the pleasant experience of relaxing or working in the outdoor green space situated in front of the Korman Center, particularly when the weather is favorable.
Mario Frakulla (He/Him)
mario.frakulla@drexel.edu
Research summary: I work in condensed matter theory. I am interested in quantum magnets and quantum spin liquids.
Things I do besides physics: Literature, travelling
Fourth Years
Maxwell franklin (he/him)
maxwell.franklin@drexel.edu
Research summary: I study gender equity and persistence in physics. My research is focused around identifying undergraduate women who need more support to flourish in physics.
Things I do besides physics: I play and coach ultimate frisbee. I also enjoy running, reading, playing D&D, and going to concerts.
Advice for new grad students: Take public transit! The buses and trolleys are especially nice (and cheap). West philly is the best place to live if you want a nice neighborhood, convenience, and a relatively good price.
ariella atencio (she/her)
ariella.maria.atencio@drexel.edu
Research summary: nEXO, looking for neutrinoless double beta decay.
Things I do besides physics: Running, dancing, and yoga.
Advice for new grad students: Try posting something in the Slack if you’re looking for housing. And check out Board and Brew right by Disque!
Riya Shah (she/her)
riya.shah3636@drexel.edu
Research summary: Searching the universe for neutrino sources with the IceCube Collaboration.
Things I do besides physics: Makeup, video games, traveling
Colin green (he/him)
colin.green@drexel.edu
Research summary: Physics Education Research – specializing in gender equity in physics
Other interests: Quantum information/computation, particle physics, aquariums
Brady eckert (he/him)
brady.eckert@drexel.edu
Research summary: Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay in EXO-200 and nEXO
Things I do besides physics: Camping, yoga, Dungeons & Dragons, concerts and Philly sports, farmers’ markets and flea markets around Philly
Advice for new grad students: Public transit is great, especially with the free SEPTA passes Drexel is giving us this year. There’s plenty of good food and coffee shops nearby and around the city.
Irina Baraban (she/her)
irina.baraban@drexel.edu
Research summary: Microwave dielectric properties of the antiferroelectric thin films
Things I do besides physics: Tennis, hiking, pin-pong
Advice for new grad students: Know great happy hours and sips spots! DM me!
Kendall butler (he/him)
kendall.jon.butler@drexel.edu
Research summary: Travelling Waves through spiking neuronal networks. Goal: understanding potential learning and dynamics of travelling waves in the brain’s cortex.
Things I do besides physics: Reading (science fiction and fantasy), video games (legend of zelda, animal crossing, no man’s sky), poetry, playing music (trombone, guitar, bass)
Advice for new graduate students: Housing: Rent is usually cheaper if you have a roomate, but there are some semi-affordable options for single-person housing in university city/west philadelphia. Try not to be on a top floor (roof leaks are common and I’ve had experience with landlord’s taking literal months to fix issues like that). Be stern with landlords/leasing companies and know your rights as a tenant. Transit: I’m starting to bike around the city this year, but you need to be really careful because drivers are chaotic and don’t think twice about danger posed to nearby bikers. Drexel is also starting a SEPTA program for it’s graduate students, so I would recommend looking into that as well. Hot spots: if you can make your way to it’s location in center city, I absolutely love El Vez, both for the atmosphere inside the restaurant as well as their tacos. Nearby campus, Lascala Fire has really good pizzas and pasta (in my opinion).
Fifth Years
Mark fugate (he/him)
mark.k.fugate@drexel.edu
Research summary: Biophysics Experiment
William farner (he/him)
william.r.farner@drexel.edu
Research summary: I study the dynamical and structural evolution of star clusters using supercomputer simulations.
Things I do besides physics: I like video games and fantasy novels, and I recently got into scrapbooking with my husband.
Advice for new grad students: Impostor syndrome strikes indiscriminately. If someone tells you that you belong somewhere, believe them!
Noah lamb (he/him)
noah.r.lamb@drexel.edu
Research summary: Dark matter search
Things I do besides physics: D&D, creative writing
sixth Years +
Justin gambrell (he/him)
justin.e.gambrell@drexel.edu
Research summary: Computational thinking in introductory physics
Things I do besides physics: hair care products
Advice for new graduate students: read the advice for new students that people offer. It typically has good advice.
Jacob Shpiece (He/Him) 
jacob.shpiece@drexel.edu
Research summary: Weak Gravitational Lensing as a probe of the dark matter substructure of galaxy clusters.
Things I do besides physics: Tabletop & Larp, 3D printing, games.
Mike Campana (he/him)
michael.a.campana@drexel.edu
Research summary: Searching for astrophysical neutrinos with IceCube
Things I do besides physics: Video Games, Fantasy/Sci-fi, rock climbing
Evan Arena (he/him)
evan.james.arena@drexel.edu
Research summary: I specialize in mostly theoretical cosmology and astrophysics. I am particularly interested in how gravitational lensing by the large-scale structure of the universe can be a useful probe of theories of gravity.
Things I do besides physics: When not doing physics, you can usually find me watching the Yankees lose.
Alumni
Joseph Fabritius 
jmf399@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Cosmology and Non-galactic Astrophysics
Research Summary: I use a weak gravitational lensing measure called flexion (the “banana-ness” of an image) to probe the underlying structure of dark matter in galaxy clusters. General relativity tells us that extremely massive objects can bend spacetime and thus bend the path that light travels, creating a lensing system between an observer and astronomical objects. Statistical analysis of “weak” lensing signals can allow us to identify areas of high mass, and thus large amounts dark matter.
Fun things I do besides Physics: My interests outside of physics include, but aren’t limited to: Film and Story Critical Analysis, Languages, Mythology, Strategic Intelligence and National Security, etc.
Advice for Prospies: 1) Be smart. 2) Don’t be not smart. That should cover it.
Dustin Jay Hill
dustin.jay.hill@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Astrophysics
Research Summary: I study the magnetic fields of the outer planets (Uranus and Neptune) by creating magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the interiors of these planets.
Fun things I do besides Physics: I am a (very) aspiring novelist and writer, play saxophone, and engaging in political activism.
Advice for Prospies: When visiting different departments, go with your instincts as to whether the school is what you are looking for.
Angelica Rivera
abr54@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Astrophysics
Research Summary: I am investigating the physical origins of the diversity of quasars using multi-wavelength (optical, IR, UV, and X-Ray) and time-domain data to examine which features are correlated across the quasar spectral energy distribution (SED).
Fun things I do besides Physics: read, play videogames, dance, occasionally write (stories or poetry), obsess over Star Trek 😛
Advice for Prospies: Work hard, but also make time to take care of yourself/de-stress.
Joseph Tumulty
jst56@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Computational Biophysics
Research Summary: I work on simulating networks of neurons, using the NEURON package from Yale to simulate the individual neurons. I am currently investigating the columnar structure of neurons and whether connectivity within columns effects the synchronization of the overall network.
Fun things I do besides Physics: I play piano in a band and play for a local Philly men’s rugby team.
Advice for Prospies: Get your work done, find research you are passionate about, and don’t forget to get outside and enjoy life a little.
Joe Wraga
jmw465@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Astro/Cosmology
Research Summary:
Early universe cosmology, in particular the ekpyrotic universe theory and its imprint on the CMB.
Fun things I do besides Physics: In my spare time I like to play guitar and read science fiction.
Paul Xhori
Px29@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Solid state physics
Research Summary: I study the dynamics ultrafast atomic motion through femtosecond laser driven electron diffraction. Currently we are developing the instrument and plan to explore the electron-lattice interactions in the picosecond time scale of tungsten.
Fun things I do besides Physics: Outside of physics, I enjoy hiking and exploring, playing ping pong, photography, and I also play the violin.
Advice for Prospies: Picking a topic and advisor is at the very least a 4 year commitment and shouldn’t be done lightly, but taking some time to pick the right one for you pays off in the end. Also, find some other creative hobbies to let out the stress
Kelley Commeford (she/Her) 
kac473@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Physics Education Research
Research Summary: Characterizing active learning environments in physics using social network analysis and latent profile analysis.
Advice for Prospies: Be social! Grad school sucks if you don’t hang out with friends to de-stress! Make sure to ask older students about professor teaching habits- some looooove questions in class, while some think questions are disruptive and are meant to be asked in office hours. Also, join GSA or PGSA! It is great leadership experience, and also super fun!
Joe Glaser
jpg84@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Computational Astrophysics
Research Summary: I primarily study the kinematic evolution of exoplanets within clustered environments via multi-scale simulations and observational survey statistics.
Fun things I do besides Physics: I am a costume/prop hobbyist which feeds into my year-long enjoyment of LARPs and Renaissance Faires.
Advice for Prospies: My biggest piece of advice is to get to know the people within the department and college at every level and keep a strong sense of comradery with your fellow grad students. In addition to exploring the city around you, it’s one of the biggest keys to having an enjoyable experience at Drexel.
Rebecca Phillipson (She/her)
becka.phillipson@drexel.edu ◊ Website
Post-Graduation Job: Postdoctoral Associate at University of Washington, Department of Astronomy
Field of Study: Astrophysics
Research Summary: I study accretion disks around compact objects of all shapes and sizes! My primary focus is in investigating the role of radiation in accretion disk systems ranging from the babies in stellar-mass X-ray binaries up to the big kids in active galactic nuclei using both radiation-hydrodynamical simulations and multi-year light curves from various NASA missions and applying nonlinear dynamics analysis.
Fun things I do besides Physics: music, music & music, rock-climbing, craft beer-related festivities, hot yoga, running, reading, video games
Advice for Prospies: Find something you love to do outside the department. Getting outside the Drexel Physics bubble will allow you to relieve stress and have fun with people of differing perspectives. Make the most of your time here, both in the physics department and in Philadelphia!
Erin Hansen
evh32@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Particle Physics, Neutrinos
Research Summary: Developing tools to better understand Liquid Xenon detectors. Specifically, (a) simulating the use of radon-injection to map detectors using decay coincidences and (b) designing and building a purity monitor for evaluating detector materials (nEXO).
Fun things I do besides Physics: Video games! And happy hour.
Advice for Prospies: You’re more than a number / test score / GPA.
Also everyone has moments when they feel they “don’t belong” or they’re “not good enough to do ___”. Reach out! Let people convince you otherwise!
Shuting Zhang
sz394@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Biophysics
Research Summary: I do computational simulation on Amyloid beta-proteins, which is related to Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
Fun things I do besides Physics: Knitting/Crocheting; Rubber stamp carving
Advice for Prospies: Come and join us!
Lizz Wills
ejw49@gmail.com
Field of Study: Astro-Particle Physics
Research Summary: Cosmic Ray Anisotropy in the Northern Hemisphere using daughter neutrinos detected by IceCube.
Fun things I do besides Physics: ballet, teaching Scottish dance, playing piano and cello.
Christopher Brown
cdb73@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Biophysics
Research Summary: I work with Professor Ferrone in studying Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease occurs due to a mutation in the hemoglobin protein. Because of this mutation, hemoglobin proteins, when deoxygenated, can link up and form long, stiff polymer strands. This leads to a deformation in the red blood cell, making the cell rigid in the process. In some cases the deformation makes the cell crescent or sickle shaped. Using this structural change that only occurs in blood with Sickle Disease, we’re interested in how to efficiently detect the disease by monitoring the viscous flow of blood through capillary tubes.
Fun things I do besides Physics: In my spare time I enjoy playing games of all sorts (video games, board games, tabletop RPGs). I also try to read when I have the time. Lots of comics (mainstream and avant garde). I enjoy theater and acappella. This is starting to feel like a dating profile…. My perfect date is April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket. …I like movies as well.
Advice for Prospies: Try something new. You may think you know what you want to do upon arriving in grad school, and that’s great! Go for it! But, you may not be as sure. In either case, try something a little different. Get out of your comfort zone. That’s when you grow the most.
Cindy Lin
yl654@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Neutrino physics
Research Summary:Developing purification model for liquid xenon detectors, specifically Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO-200) experiment and the next generation nEXO experiment.
Fun things I do besides Physics: Cooking, puzzling, drinking, and hanging out with friends!
Advice for Prospies: Work/study with the people in your year, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the older graduate students, and don’t be a hermit crab! Also, be involved in the student organizations! They are a great way to meet people outside of the department and you will get a say on the events that your student activity fees go towards.
Michael Schlenker
mjs538@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Solar Physics
Research Summary: I examine how thermal instabilities in the corona’s plasma affect the density profile of the outgoing solar wind.
Fun things I do besides Physics: Video games, reading, game of thrones theorizing, card and board games
Advice for Prospies: You’re going to learn a lot in grad school, not just about physics, but your own interests too. Don’t be afraid to reach out and explore unknown territory, be it activities with the other students, city events, or research interests. You just might be pleasantly surprised.
Rob Stone
rbs55@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Astrophysics
Research Summary: I study winds from the accretion disks around black holes in quasars using optical spectra and radio data.
Fun things I do besides Physics: Outside of research I enjoy playing my tenor saxophone in both Drexel’s fusion band and concert band. I also like playing football, soccer, basketball, video games, board games, and collectible card games.
Advice for Prospies: My advice is to find something that you enjoy doing outside of school work and research to relax and unwind.
John Timlin
jdt74@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Observational Astrophysics
Research Summary: I study the evolution of the large scale structure in the universe by measuring the spatial position of bright galaxies, called quasars, in different snapshots in time. The evolution of quasars is directly linked to both the large scale physics and small scale processes that govern universal evolution.
Fun things I do besides Physics: I am an avid sports fan (particularly hockey) and love to play when I get the chance. I also enjoy lifting weights as a stress relief and playing video games!
Advice for Prospies: “Love what you do and do what you love”
Matthew Mawhinney
mtm93@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Biophysics
Research Summary: My research focuses on the self-assembly process of insulin into amyloid fibrils — structures found in plaques characteristic to Alzheimer’s disease. I utilize varies spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to elucidate the role of the small multi-protein aggregates known as oligomer. These in vitro studies help to understand the mechanisms at play prior to fibril nucleation, a period in which the oligomers present are suspected of being highly cytotoxic
Fun things I do besides Physics: I live for music and guitar. If it’s post, doom, or gaze anything, it’s for me. I travel and try new foods whenever I have a chance. I always enjoy a good beer, preferably IPAs and saisons. I’m a hobbyist photographer and like cacti / succulents. Also, cats are rad
Advice for Prospies: If it doesn’t work, keep trying. It might take months to figure something out, but when you do, it’ll be so obvious and simple. Welcome to graduate school.
Mark ‘Kobra with a K’ Davis
msdavis1776@gmail.com ◊ LinkedIn Profile
Field of Study: BioPhysics
Research Summary: The group uses spectrascopy, and laser microscopy techniques to study the development of Hb in Sickle Cell Disease patients. I personally turn caffeine and patience into error bars.
Fun things I do besides Physics: Basketball, boxing, competitive Magic: the Gathering
Advice for Prospies: Find a stress outlet, quickly.
Kaho Long
kl669@drexel.edu
Field of Study: Biophysics
Research Summary: A major property of classical globular proteins is that in order to perform their specific function they must adopt their native state. However as the proteins attempt to fold into their native state they are susceptible to misfolding. If these misfolded proteins are not properly degraded they could begin to form aberrant aggregates. One major type of aggregates that may be formed are amyloid fibrils, long fiber like structures characterized by a highly ordered cross beta-sheet structure held together by hydrogen bonding running parallel to the fibril axis. The assembly pathway towards these fibrils is not well understood but is generally considered that for most proteins to form fibrils, the process begins with the formation of small soluble assemblies called oligomers. Couple that with the recent idea that oligomeric assemblies of these proteins can be toxic, understanding oligomer formation and structure is important. One of these proteins that exhibit the ability to form amyloid fibrils is insulin, a 51 residue hormone known primarily for regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin has been shown to readily fibrillate in vitro and also rarely in vivo conditions, but there is a lack of data on the role of insulin oligomers as intermediates in fibril formation process. More specifically what I study is the kinetics of insulin aggregation under more physiologically relevant conditions, via the introduction of metal ions and the large crowders.
Fun things I do besides Physics: Well I enjoy practicing long sword techniques with a local HEMA group; HEMA is Historical European Martial Arts.
Advice for Prospies: Always carry a towel for emergencies.
Drexel Physics Graduate Student Association 