Current Group Members

Principal Investigator

Prof. Yulia Maximenko (y.maximenko@colostate.edu)

Visiting Faculty

Pierre Pantaleón Peralta (pierre.pantaleon@imdea.org)

I am currently a tenure-track researcher in the Theory Group at IMDEA Nanoscience visiting MaxQuantum for the summer 2025. My work focuses on exploring correlated phenomena and superconductivity in graphene heterostructures and other two-dimensional materials, particularly in the presence of artificial superlattices. Before starting my independent group, I worked under the mentorship of Prof. Francisco Guinea at IMDEA Nanoscience, and my research focused on the electronic, topological, and superconducting properties of both twisted and untwisted graphene heterostructures. I completed a PhD in Physics at the School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, UK (2019). Under the guidance of Prof. Yang Xian, I investigated the electronic and transport properties of ferromagnetic spin lattices, revealing the presence of unconventional edge modes. I received my BSc in Physics (2007) and MSc in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (2010) from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexico.

Postdoctoral Researchers

The group currently has no postdoctoral fellows.

Graduate Students

Hasive Ahmad (hasive.ahmad@colostate.edu)

Before joining CSU, I received my M.S. in physics from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. My current research interest is nanofabrication and emergent 2D materials and investigate their exotic properties. Besides work, I love high altitude hiking and literature.
Google Scholar

Rabeya Alam (rabeya.alam@colostate.edu)

I obtained my undergraduate degree from Eden Mohila College under University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have done my master’s with thesis from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. There I had worked with Dr. Muhammad Rakibul Islam on dielectric energy storage and supercapacitor behavior of CNT modified biopolymer composites. I joined Colorado State University in Fall, 2022 in PhD program. I started working in Maxquantum Lab in Fall 2024. My current research interest includes developing quantum dot and 2D material superlattices via atomic manipulation, studying the underlying physics of the emergent topological phases. In my leisure time, I enjoy singing, listening to music, hiking, paddle boating and going to new places.
Google Scholar LinkedIn

I am a second year grad student interested in experimental condensed matter and quantum materials. I studied physics and computer science at the Illinois Institute of Technology and joined the Maximenko group at Colorado State University in Spring 2024.

I am a graduate student interested in nanofabrication, research instrumentation, device physics, and novel materials. I received my B.S from the University of South Florida in Physics. My current personal hobbies include 3D printing and calligraphy. I joined the Maximenko group in Fall 2024.

Aishat Ojuolape (aishat.ojuolape@colostate.edu)

I am a graduate student focusing on the nanofabrication of quantum materials. I earned a Bachelor of Technology in Physics from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria, and a master’s degree in mathematical sciences from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Rwanda. My research centers on fabricating and characterizing artificial superlattices. I enjoy cooking and having quality time with my friends and family.

Undergraduate Students

Michael “Tripp” Pientka

I am a senior undergraduate physics major with interests in crystal growth, topological materials, and quantum computing. I will be pursuing graduate school after graduation. Outside of research, I enjoy cycling, rock climbing, and board games!

Michael Schenck

I am a senior undergraduate interested in condensed matter and nuclear physics. After undergrad, I will be pursuing a PhD in physics.

Spencer Lenius

I am a senior in the undergraduate physics program and minor in the mathematics program. I am interested in micro-technologies and applications for condensed matter physics. My eventual goal is to get a masters in physics post-graduation. When not working on physics, I enjoy skateboarding, hiking, video games, and hanging out with friends.

Stefania Miranda

I am a senior Physics undergraduate student with a minor in Mathematics. I am interested in condensed matter and quantum physics and plan to go to graduate school to further explore these areas. Outside the lab, I enjoy dancing, reading, and trying out different cuisines!

Freyja Ellis-Castejon

I am a senior undergraduate studying physics and math, interested in condensed matter and quantum physics. I hope to go to graduate school, potentially exploring biophysics. Outside of my degree, I love creative writing, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family!

Marin Modric

Ford Stimmler Johnson

High-school volunteers

Alex McFarland

I will be a senior in high school this year! I love physics and especially zooming into microscopic scales. While I don’t know what I want to study in college yet, I know it’ll be something in STEM. Outside of school, I love being outdoors, playing the clarinet, and I am heavily involved in FIRST Robotics on team 4499 The Highlanders!

Former Members

Levi Wakeham, 2023-2024, Current employment: construction