Jacob Clerc
Graduate Student, Physics
Matt Day Research Group
I began my undergraduate studies with the intention of pursuing electrical engineering. However, it didn’t take long to realize that my true passion was physics. After my first summer research experience at my undergraduate institution, I was determined to pursue a career in physics research. I was drawn to condensed matter for its breadth of research, ranging from discovering exotic phenomena to developing cutting-edge technology with everyday applications.
Now, as part of the Day Lab here at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, I work in the field of Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy. Coming from a small school, I initially felt out of my element because I had little experience in this research area, but the VINSE community has made my transition into graduate school easier. The students, faculty, and staff here foster a learning and mentoring environment where I always have a helping hand. This community has provided an invaluable introduction to the interdisciplinary world of nanoscience and fabrication, which has only bolstered my passion for research.
The next step in my research is to complete the fabrication of one of our THz circuits for on-chip THz spectroscopy. Once this is done, we can begin probing quantum materials to investigate emergent behavior that is otherwise difficult to access.
Outside of the lab and classes, I enjoy fishing, hiking, watching just about any sport (especially college football), and spending time with my wife and our cats, Kevin and Hamilton.
