People
Picture courtesy: Lucy Lu
Hari Padma
Principal Investigator
Hari Padma is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Case Western Reserve University, and the inaugural holder of the Frederick Reines endowed chair. His research is centered on light-matter interaction as a means to interrogate and control quantum materials. Prior to joining the faculty at Case in January 2026, Hari was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Physics at Harvard University, where he investigated strongly correlated materials using ultrafast terahertz and resonant x-ray spectroscopy. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Penn State University, studying topological materials using magneto-optical spectroscopy.
Junaid Imran
Graduate ResearcherJunaid is a graduate student in Physics. He earned his BS in Physics at Denison University where he worked on building laser systems for optical traps. Junaid is developing quantum optical spectroscopic tools to probe electronic correlations in quantum materials.
William Hernandez
Undergraduate ResearcherWilliam recently completed his BS in Physics here at Case Western Reserve. He is exploring nanophotonics as a means to engineer electromagnetic vacuum fluctuations, in collaboration with Giuseppe Strangi’s group.
Daniel Kim
Undergraduate ResearcherDaniel is a sophomore Physics major and pre-dentistry student. He is interested in efficient methods for storing and analyzing large, high-dimensional datasets in quantum materials research. He enjoys playing the drums and going to local jam sessions.
Phoebe Elliott
Undergraduate ResearcherPhoebe is a senior in Physics. She is developing machine learning tools to analyze RIXS datasets, as part of her senior thesis. Outside of the lab, she spends her time bouldering and riding her motorcycle.
Tyler Kirkpatrick
Undergraduate ResearcherTyler is a junior in Engineering Physics. He is working on developing hyperbolic metamaterials in collaboration with Giuseppe Strangi’s group. Outside of physics, he enjoys playing music and is involved with music groups around campus.
Max Ebaugh
Undergraduate ResearcherMax is a sophomore majoring in Physics and CS. They are developing machine learning tools to analyze RIXS datasets. In their free time, they enjoy reading and game design.
Madeline Crowley
Technical Staff
Madeline is our go-to person for all technical matters relating to instrumentation and facilities in the laboratory.
Georgia Wilkins
Administrative Assistant
Georgia is an administrative assistant who supports our group as well as other professors in the Physics department.