Mona El Morsy , Ph.D.
Email: Mona.Elmorsy@utsa.edu
Research: I am a postdoctoral researcher at UTSA, where I lead the development of the ExplorinG Research on Exoplanets and Technology (EGRET) optical bench, focusing on two key projects: Exo-NINJA and the Thermal Phase Shifter–GLINT. My research also involves analyzing data acquired from CHARIS/SCExAO, located at the Subaru Telescope. I earned my Ph.D. in 2023 from the Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille (France), where I conducted research on the development of a prototype instrument for the direct characterization of young giant exoplanets as part of the HiRISE project. My research focuses on astrophotonics, fiber optics, and both medium- and high-dispersion coronagraphy, as well as the characterization of exoplanets.
Mira Khair, Ph.D.
Email: Mira.Khair@utsa.edu
Research: I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Extreme Environment Material Laboratory (EEML). My work focuses on synthesis and microstructural characterization of nuclear fuel (UN, UB2, UMo) for power nuclear reactors and Steel (Fe-Cr, Ni-Cr). My first postdoctoral position was at University of Lille, France, where I focused on U-Mo fuel characterization (XRD, SEM, EBSD). I obtained my PhD in Physical Chemistry of Condensed Matter from University of Bordeaux, France, in December 2019.
Jose Raul Montes Bojorquez, Ph.D.
Email: Joseraul.montesbojorquez2@utsa.edu
Research: My previous work has focused on the modeling and fabrication of nanophotonic and optoelectronic devices. Currently, as a member of the Planetary Material Characterization Facility (PMCHEF), my research focuses on laboratory investigations of photochemical hazes relevant to planetary atmospheres.
Sara Port, Ph.D.
Email: Sara.Port@utsa.edu
Research: My primary focus is investigating mineral-gas interactions on planetary bodies. My current research includes experimentally studying mineral aerosols in the atmosphere of Exoplanets.
Lulu Zhang, Ph.D.
Email: Lulu.Zhang@utsa.edu
Research: My research interests are 1) spatially resolved studies of infrared properties of different galactic systems, 2) spatially resolved studies of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon properties and their correlations with different physical conditions, and 3) multiwavelength diagnostics of star formation and AGN activities, and their feedback effects including outflows.