Muhammad Hassan Shaikh
Physics & Astronomy
Advised by Chitraleema Chakraborty
Interview submitted in Winter 2024.
CHARM Interviewer (CI): Where did you grow up and go to school for your undergraduate degree?
Hassan Shaikh (HS): I grew up in Karachi, Pakistan where I studied Physics at the University of Karachi.
CI: What got you interested in materials science?
HS: I became interested in materials science because of the fascinating quantum effects that occur at the atomic scale. The physics of materials in the 2D model (single-layer limit) is entirely different and far more intriguing compared to the traditional 3D model. This difference captured my attention and motivated me to pursue a career in quantum materials physics.
CI: In technical language, what is the research you do here at CHARM?
HS: My CHARM-related research focuses on exploring magnon-exciton coupling between two-dimensional (2D) antiferromagnetic materials and 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) heterostructures by leveraging the magnetic proximity effect. This work aims to unravel magnetic order at the atomic scale, with potential implications for advancing ultrafast spintronics and memory devices.
CI: What is a skill you would like to build on while being a part of CHARM?
HS: I am most interested in developing my leadership skills as part of CHARM. As a member of CHARM, I have been given several opportunities to achieve this goal as I consistently found myself in a leading role in the context of my research project. I had the opportunity of being a point person to discuss the research project between different groups and working with all of them to come up with an idea of further advancing the research. I am also the part of CHARM collaborative council which is focused on organizing events and works to improve the graduate student experience working in CHARM. Both of these roles have helped me significantly in developing my skill-set for a leading position and I am grateful to my PI and CHARM for providing me with this opportunity to grow.
CI: Tell us about your career goals and aspirations.
HS: I want to continue my research career in academia, working as a scientist in National Lab.
CI: Are there any other student/campus organizations you belong to?
HS: I’m a part of the current CHARM Collaborative Council.
CI: What do you enjoy doing on your downtime outside of the lab?
HS: Biking, swimming, hiking, traveling, and playing badminton.
CI: What advice would you give to undergraduate students and first-year graduate students?
HS: Explore different research group in your university and try to understand their work that will give you an idea which field do you like most. Together with these try to develop programming skills that will potentially helps you in your future research.