{"id":12,"date":"2024-06-07T22:34:27","date_gmt":"2024-06-07T22:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-optics-wp.pantheonsite.io\/panda\/?page_id=12"},"modified":"2026-09-15T23:36:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T23:36:59","slug":"people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/people\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/06\/IMG_4046-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-345 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/06\/IMG_4046-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/06\/IMG_4046-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/06\/IMG_4046-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/06\/IMG_4046-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/06\/IMG_4046-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cristian Panda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">cpanda [at) arizona.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I obtained my B.A. in Physics at Reed College followed by a PhD at Harvard. During my PhD, I looked for Physics Beyond the Standard Model by measuring the electron\u2019s electric dipole moment with a record precision enabled by the amazingly high electric field available in the thorium monoxide molecule. As a post doc at UC Berkeley, I developed the lattice atom interferometer which can now interfere Caesium atoms after 70 seconds of hold in an optical lattice, probing the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing video games, cycling and traveling.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GRADUATE STUDENTS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/image_123650291-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-393 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/image_123650291-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/image_123650291-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/image_123650291-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/image_123650291-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/image_123650291.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Paola Luna<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">paolaluna [at) arizona.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I love discovering how our world works, and bridging this knowledge to applications across different disciplinary fields is what motivated me to pursue a PhD in Optical Sciences. When not in the lab, I enjoy being involved in community outreach and science communication. Otherwise, you will often find me biking, reading a book or trying something new.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"871\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/1000007639-1024x871.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-395 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/1000007639-1024x871.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/1000007639-300x255.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/1000007639-768x654.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/1000007639-1536x1307.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2024\/08\/1000007639-2048x1743.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Andrei Zhukov<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">azhukov [at) arizona.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I recently moved to Tucson for the PhD program in Optical Sciences after completing my BS in Physics with a specialization in Optics at Stony Brook University in Spring 2024. I am excited to build a new lattice atom interferometer and find the limits of what it can sense. Outside of the lab, I love the outdoors and look forward to exploring what Arizona has to offer!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/01\/IMG_0208.jpeg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Philip Wondrak<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">pwondrak [at) arizona.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a first-year Ph.D. student at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, I am grateful to participate in this exciting research effort focused on developing a cutting edge lattice atom interferometer. Through my prior industry experience working with laser technology (specifically VECSELs), I developed an interest in the applications of such technology to the study of AMO physics. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona in applied mathematics, and I continue to find great joy in learning and applying new mathematical concepts. Outside of optics, I enjoy playing soccer, climbing, and exploring the vibrant American West.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/09\/dc02d562-b614-457d-a288-ffe7242b1a21.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-631 size-full\" style=\"object-position:50% 50%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/09\/dc02d562-b614-457d-a288-ffe7242b1a21.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/09\/dc02d562-b614-457d-a288-ffe7242b1a21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/09\/dc02d562-b614-457d-a288-ffe7242b1a21-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Max Chen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">maxchen15222 [at) arizona.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>I am a first-year Ph.D. student in Optical Sciences, and I am excited to contribute to our research in quantum sensing and high-precision quantum measurements. I received my B.S. in Physics from National Central University in Taiwan. Outside the lab, I enjoy weightlifting, hiking, and playing basketball, badminton, and pickleball.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"829\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/08\/IMG_0656-2-829x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-625 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/08\/IMG_0656-2-829x1024.jpg 829w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/08\/IMG_0656-2-243x300.jpg 243w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/08\/IMG_0656-2-768x948.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/08\/IMG_0656-2-1244x1536.jpg 1244w, https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/125\/2026\/08\/IMG_0656-2-1659x2048.jpg 1659w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ewan Wolgemuth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">wolgemuth [at) arizona.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I am currently working to complete a BS in Physics. I look forward to learning from and working with Caesium atoms in a lattice atom interferometer and I am excited to contribute to the project. Outside of lab and school work I enjoy exploring the world by biking, hiking, and climbing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Former group members<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Graduate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benjamin Fausto Kanzer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Postbac<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kenneth Nakasone<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Undergraduate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stone Guymon<br>Scarlet Bolton<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Cristian Panda cpanda [at) arizona.edu I obtained my B.A. in Physics at Reed College followed by a PhD at Harvard. During my PhD, I looked for Physics Beyond the Standard Model by measuring the electron\u2019s electric dipole moment with a record precision enabled by the amazingly high electric field available in the thorium monoxide molecule. As a post<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/91"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12"}],"version-history":[{"count":63,"href":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":632,"href":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12\/revisions\/632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.optics.arizona.edu\/panda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}