Physics Alumni in Graduate School

Niksa Praljak

Education:

BS Physics Honors (Cleveland State University – 2020)
BS Math Honors (Cleveland State University – 2020)
Currently: PhD Candidate, Biophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago IL

Experience:

CSU SPS Math Club Liaison (2018 – 2020)
NSF’s REU student at CSU (2018)
NSF Graduate Research Fellow (2020 – 2023)

Current Research

“Niksa, a native of Bosnia, will continue his research in the physics of living systems. This area of study explores the most fundamental physical processes that living systems utilize to perform their functions in dynamic and diverse environments. He has also been inspired to educate the public in the physical

sciences due to his work with students at Campus International School as part of an outreach program run by CSU’s Society of Physics Students. ”

Nicholas Barron

Education:

BS Physics Honors (Cleveland State University – 2018)
Minor Math (Cleveland State University – 2018)

Experience:

Currently: PhD student, Meteorology & Atmospheric Science, Pennsylvania State University – College State, PA 
 

Why CSU Physics? At CSU Nick participated in atmospheric science research focusing on understanding the physics of shallow cumulus clouds utilizing a variety of high resolution atmospheric simulations. This experience inspired him to receive formal training in atmospheric science as a Ph.D. student at Penn State.

Current Research

“His research now applies statistical concepts to further understanding of asymmetrical dynamics and structure in tropical cyclone.”

Joshua Clark

Education:

BS Physics Honors (Cleveland State University – 2018)
Currently: PhD student, Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Experience:

NSF’s REU student at CSU (2018)

A bit about him: Josh did research at CSU as USRA student and as 2018 REU student. He published 4 peer-reviewed articles and a peer-reviewed abstract. He currently works as an R&D Scientist at GrafTech International in Cleveland using Finite Element Analysis for a variety of physics related problems. 

Angela Noreck

Education:

BS Physics (Cleveland State University – 2021)
BS Chemistry (Cleveland State University – 2021)
Currently: PhD student. Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH 

Experience:

NSF’s REU student at Miami University (2021)

A bit about her: Angela has been an active member of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) serving as Math Club/SPS Liaison and dedicated helper at the Physics Olympics and Physics LN2 Ice Cream parties, as well as a moderator for the SPS Discord server. She also worked on campus as a tutor in the Math Learning Center and as a STEM Peer Teacher (SPT) with the Operation STEM (OpStem) program throughout her time at CSU, dedicating her time to helping students understand math concepts across a wide array of disciplines. As an SPT, Angela worked in the classroom developing lessons to help students understand and practice mathematical concepts throughout the semester. In addition to working on her two degrees, helping SPS, and tutoring, Angela was an undergraduate researcher who secured a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) position at the Miami University Physics Department (Oxford, OH) in the summer of 2021.  

Jacob Adamczyk

Education:

BS Physics Honors (Cleveland State University – 2020)
BS Math (Cleveland State University – 2020)
Currently: PhD Candidate, Physics Department, University of Massachusetts – Boston, Boston MA

Experience:

SPS Fabulous Physics Question Creator
NSF’s REU student at CSU (2018)
Summer Research Associate at Néel Institute, France (2019)
2019 SPS Leadership Scholarship
 

A bit about him: Jacob has enjoyed learning physics and engaging in undergraduate research experiences as a high school student taking part in college coursework. Throughout his time studying he have continued to witness the importance of one's personal connections and advantages of networking. Jacob did summer research at CSU as REU student in 2018 and Neel Institute (France) in 2019. He is currently in PhD Physics program at University of Massachusetts – Boston, where he is working with a research groups on Quantum Computing.

Andrew Scherer

Education:

BS Physics Honors (Cleveland State University – 2022)
BS Environmental Science (Cleveland State University – 2022)
Currently: PhD Student, Physical Oceanography, Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR

Experience:

SPS Outreach Coordinator 2019-22; SPS Treasurer 2020 
SPS President 2021-22
NSF’s REU student at California State University (2021)
2021 SPS Leadership Scholarship
 

In his own words: I have been a dedicated researcher throughout my time at CSU. My experience includes over three years working on understanding polymeric microgels through laser light scattering in Dr. Streletzky’s lab and a year working on cross-shelf nitrate fluxes on the Oregon continental shelf and presenting the results of my research across the country. The latter is a project I began working on in the summer of 2021 through the Ocean Sciences REU program at California State University, Monterey Bay. I have taught multiple introductory physics labs for the physics department as undergraduate TA since 2020.

Collin Douglas

Education:

BS Physics Honors (Cleveland State University – 2023)
MS Physics (Cleveland State University – 2024)
Currently: PhD physics student, Rice University, Houston TX

Experience:

CSU SPS Secretary 2021-23
SPS Treasurer 2023-24

A bit about him: Collin is graduating with his master’s in physics with a specialization in optics and materials. He completed his bachelor’s with honors and a 4+1 year for his master’s at Cleveland State University. He has worked in Dr. Streletzky’s lab for 2 years doing various light scattering methods including SLS, DLS, DDLS, & SAXS. He also was active withing Society of Physics Students (SPS) by serving first as it’s secretary and then its treasurer. Collin written his name into the history of the CSU’s chapter of SPS as a 4 time champion of the Physics Jeopardy. 

George Tomaras

Education:

BS Physics (Cleveland State University – 2023)
BS Chemistry (Cleveland State University – 2021)
Currently: PhD physics student, Rice University, Houston TX

Experience:

CSU SPS Vice President 2022-23

A bit about him: Joined CSU in the Fall of 2021 after he had almost completed my undergraduate studies in mathematics at Notre Dame College. In addition to guiding his explorations of basic physical topics, the physics department at CSU offered him opportunities to conduct scholarly research, travel to national conferences, and become a member—and eventually vice-president—of SPS. George was involved in his first major research project in the summer of 2022, working with Drs. Fodor and Kothapalli in the field of microfluidics (fluid flow in channels of dimensions comparable to the thickness of the human hair), the results of which led to a peer-reviewed publication which I lead-authored. A very important part of his time at CSU has been his involvement with SPS. Being an introvert, through SPS he has been able to realize the breadth of the impact of our science and the importance of promoting it. Finally, he strived to promote his enthusiasm for physics through his teaching assistantship, guiding lab sections of introductory physics classes.