We are continuously seeking for highly motivated Master's and undergraduate students to join our experimental research team. Feel free to send your CV to xuan.zhou@utsa.edu if you are interested in doing graduate or undergraduate research here!
Graduate Students
Kade Johnson
I finished undergrad at Saint Louis University in 2022, majoring in Engineering Physics and minoring in Engineering Mathematics. I am currently working on plasmonic materials under high pressures and carrying out Raman measurements on the semiconductors after shock compressions. I enjoy swimming, biking, and listening to music.
Jeffrey Knoop
I am a PhD student investigating the high pressure polaritonic properties of atomically thin van der Waals materials in Dr. Zhou’s lab. This work includes the use of diamond anvil cells and Raman spectroscopy. In 2023, I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in physics. In 2025 I earned my Masters of Science, also in Physics, from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Upon the completion of my PhD, I hope to work in industry or government labs.
Elisabeth Wang
I am a master's student using spectroscopic techniques to study pressure-induced changes of dye molecules. I received a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University in 2024 with majors in physics and music. Outside of research, I play the organ and carillon.
Undergraduate Students
Chanukya Polavarapu
I am a first-year undergraduate student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. I recently joined Dr. Zhou’s lab, where we study materials and devices under high pressure. I am focused on learning the fundamentals of optics and laboratory techniques. As I begin my degree in physics, I am excited to support the group’s research and gain a hands-on lab experience. In high school, I led my school's robotics club, where I gained valuable experience in robotics, teamwork, and project leadership. I also tutor math and English, helping students strengthen their academic skills. Outside of my studies, I enjoy building FPV Drones, 3D Modeling, and training large language AI models.
Thomas Fereday
I am a junior-level undergraduate student majoring in physics with interests in optics, computational modeling, and nuclear fusion. I recently joined the Zhou lab, where I plan to improve my lab skills and investigate graphene and nanowires under high pressure scenarios. I enjoy device assembly, running, and backpacking.
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