Principal Investigator
Fazel Tafti
Associate professor
fazel dot tafti at bc dot edu
Fazel Tafti was born in Yazd, a city that dates back to 4000 BC in central Iran, and is famous for its rich history, unique architecture, and delicious sweets. Fazel completed his undergraduate studies at Tehran University and then immigrated to Canada. His Ph.D. thesis at the University of Toronto was supervised by Prof. Stephen Julian and focused on developing transport measurements under ultrahigh pressures in diamond anvil cells. He completed two postdoctoral positions, one in physics at the University of Sherbrooke with Prof. Louis Taillefer, and another in chemistry at Princeton University with Prof. Bob Cava. He joined Boston College in 2016 to build a cross-disciplinary research lab at the junction of physics, chemistry, and materials science. Research in the Tafti Lab is focused on the design of new quantum materials with specific functions such as magnetocaloric effect, topological superconductivity, and quantum entanglement. Such materials have applications in atomically thin devices, quantum computers, sustainable energy, and ultra-fast electronics. Fazel is a hands-on adviser who enjoys discussing physics and spending time with his students. His interests outside physics are reading novels, playing Flamenco guitar, hiking, and rock climbing.
Graduate Students
Xiaohan Yao
Sixth-year PhD student
yaoxj at bc dot edu
I received my BSc degree from the physics department at Peking University in 2014. My undergraduate research involved activities on nanoscale semiconductors in the junior year at Prof. Ye’s Lab, where I synthesized and characterized a series of two-dimensional semiconductors, especially heterostructures. I joined Boston College as a Ph.D. candidate at the Tafti Lab in 2019. My research is focused on understanding the hydrodynamic limit of electron transport via a combination of DFT calculations and transport experiments.
Kyle Fruhling
Fifth-year PhD student
fruhling at bc dot edu
I am from Madison, Wisconsin where I received my B.Sc. from the University of Wisconsin in 2020. My undergraduate research was focused on visualizing modeled asteroseismic oscillations. After coming to Boston College, I made a big pivot from astronomy to experimental solid-state physics and joined the Tafti Lab. My current research is focused on synthesizing and investigating the magnetic properties of intermetallic compounds with a Kagome lattice structure. Such materials are potential candidates for a quantized anomalous Hall effect in a special phase known as a Chern insulator. When I am not in the lab, I spend my free time playing ultimate frisbee and cooking.
Sudhaman Balguri
Fourth-year PhD student
balguri at bc dot edu
I received my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in 2019. During my undergrad I developed deep fascination towards foundations of quantum mechanics especially from the Bohr-Einstein debates and double slit experiment. My undergrad thesis was on Entanglement and Bell’s inequality. I formally shifted to physics and received my masters in 2021. I got intrigued by the quote “More is Different” by Philip Anderson and idea of emergence where seemingly innocent electrons can create phenomena like Magnetism. I joined the Tafti Lab to pursue research in this direction. In my free time, I post physics memes and videos.
Enrique Gonzalez
Third-year PhD student
gonzaahi at bc dot edu
I received a bachelor’s degree in Physics applied to Electronics from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao in 2021. As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to explore different areas of condensed matter Physics through research. Because of these experiences, I became interested in quantum phenomena that emerge in materials. My research is focused on x-ray and neutron diffraction, with the aim to study topological Dirac magnons in oxide materials for spintronic applications. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano and watching movies.
Xinyi Zhao
Second-year PhD student
zhaoakb at bc dot edu
I earned my Bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Mathematics from Denison University. Following that, I embarked on a journey to obtain my Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Washington University, focusing my research on microwave superconducting resonators. In 2023, I became a part of the Tafti lab. Drawing from my experience in utilizing resonators for crystal property detection, my current research delves into the captivating realm of honeycomb magnets. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy exploring diverse culinary experiences with friends at various restaurants in my free time.
Siddharth Nandanwar
Second-year PhD student
nandanwa at bc dot edu
I received my bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Iowa in 2023. I had my first exposure to the vast world of Condensed Matter Physics in 2020 when I started my research on van der Waal materials at Prof. Folland’s Lab, specifically on the fabrication and optical characterization of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides. My passion for exploring different systems and not being confined to the 2D limit led me to join Tafti Lab. My research here is on trying to understand the Hydrodynamic behavior of electrons through DFT predictions as well as transport experiments.
Daniel O’Leary
First-year PhD student
oleard at bc dot edu
I received my B.S. in Physics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2023. During my senior year, a solid-state physics course introduced me to the beauty of emergent phenomena. I knew then that I wanted to pursue experimental condensed matter research. I joined the Tafti Lab to follow this sense of awe, and I look forward to discovering where this journey leads. Outside of research, I enjoy spending time with friends, watching the latest movies, and reading science fiction.
Logan Wall
First-year PhD student
walllo at bc dot edu
I graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a BS in Engineering Physics. My undergraduate research was focused around creating rocks, microwaving rocks, electrocuting rocks, and playing with magnets. Now that I have joined Professor Tafti’s lab, I plan to continue creating rocks, electrocuting rocks, as well as play with different magnets. In my free time, I think about magnets and electrocuting rocks.
Undergraduate Students
Elizabeth Baggett
Junior student, Physics Major
baggetel at bc dot edu
I am studying physics with a minor in computer science. I joined Tafti Lab in the fall of 2024, with an interest in neutron scattering and materials that exhibit topological magnons. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion in this field alongside skillful, driven researchers. In my free time, I enjoy listening to jazz, writing letters, fishing, and going to museums.
Mira Mahendru
Junior student, Physics Major
mahendru at bc dot edu
I am studying physics, chemistry, and German and began working in the Tafti lab in the fall of 2021. I am currently working on the synthesis and characterization of materials with colossal magnetoresistance. I joined the lab due to my interest in the overlap between physics and chemistry and their applications in solid-state physics. I am passionate about research and am grateful for the hands-on learning opportunity and ability to work with such a brilliant group of individuals. Aside from research, I enjoy playing squash, reading classic science fiction, aquarium-keeping, and astrophotography.
Calum Taylor
Junior student, Physics Major
tayloroc at bc dot edu
I am studying physics and human-centered engineering, and I joined the Tafti lab in the spring of 2024. I am currently investigating various synthesis methods for antiferromagnetic materials. Throughout my time here, I have been able to explore a field I am passionate about and develop and hone my skills in the lab, and I am grateful to work alongside such talented and respected peers. Outside of the lab, I compete with the BC chess club, and I also enjoy tennis, backpacking, reading fantasy novels, and competitive poker.
Cassidy Wichman
Junior student, Chemistry Major
wichmasa at bc dot edu
I am studying chemistry and history on the pre-law track. I joined the Tafti Lab in the spring of 2024 and am currently working on the intercalation of tantalum disulfide to produce a chiral superconductor. I joined the lab to explore my interest in the intersection of chemistry and physics. Obtaining an interdisciplinary education is highly important to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to develop my skills as a scientist and researcher. Outside of the lab, I recently ran a half marathon and enjoy cooking, swimming, and reading.
Former Members
Dr. Bhawana Mali
Former postdoctoral researcher at the Tafti Lab. Currently a scientist at the Indian Institute of Science.
Grace Naugle
Former undergraduate researcher at the Tafti Lab. Currently a graduate student at Brown University.
Nathan Tolva
Former undergraduate researcher at the Tafti Lab. Currently a graduate student at Dartmouth College.
Olivia Remcho
Former undergraduate researcher at the Tafti Lab. Currently a senior student in the engineering department.
Dr. Faranak Bahrami
Former Ph.D. student in Tafti Lab. Currently a postdoc at Princeton University.
Andrew Cole
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Physics major).
Emilie Dufault
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Chemistry major).
Kemal Atay
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab.
Prof. Zhi-Cheng Wang
Former postdoc in Tafti Lab. Currently a faculty member at Southeast University.
Dr. Hung-Yu Yang
Former Ph.D. student in Tafti Lab. Currently a postdoc at UCLA.
Thomas Tartaglia
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Physics major). Currently a graduate student at Cornell University.
Renee Nichols
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Physics major). Currently a Ph.D. student at UCSC.
Summer Mills
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Chemistry major). Currently a medical intern.
Nikhil Chellam
Former REU student in Tafti Lab (Physics major). Currently a Ph.D. student at Northwestern University.
Dr. Mykola Abramchuk
Former postdoc in Tafti Lab. Currently a scientist at the Intel Corporation.
Thomas Mier
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Chemistry major).
Troy Xu
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Chemistry major).
Samantha Jaszewski
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Chemistry major). Currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Virginia.
Evan McDonnell
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Chemistry major).
Isabella Reilly
Former visiting undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Physics major).
Ilektra Andoni
Former undergraduate researcher in Tafti Lab (Chemistry major). Currently a Ph.D. student at UC Irvine
