By Emily Hubbell

When physics and astronomy graduate student Gayani Perera learned she would be presenting a lecture on her research at this summer’s NSS5-SPSTM2 Joint International Conference, she had no idea what kind of audience to expect. As she walked on stage, she was greeted by a packed Baker Theatre, filled with students and renowned scientists representing more than 12 countries. 

The warm reception Perera received during her lecture is a reflection of the experience many Nanoscale Quantum Phenomena Institute graduate students had at the conference.

“It was a conference for exchanging new ideas among professors, but it was also a conference for graduate students to present their research” and “to communicate with each other,” said physics and astronomy graduate student Kangkang Wang, who is currently studying in Hamburg as part of the SPIRE study abroad program.

The biannual conference, consisting of lectures, poster presentations and social activities, was held in Baker University Center over four days this July. Tokyo and Washington, D.C. have hosted previous conferences. Experts and grad students traveled from as far away as Japan, the Netherlands and Germany to discuss current issues in nanoscience and to present their latest research.

Wang found the presentations well focused and pertinent to his own interests. He learned new techniques for detecting surface confined electronic waves and for preparing STM probes, skills he said he will incorporate into future research.

While graduate students learned from scientists during the lectures, they conversely presented their current findings to a diverse group of nanoscience experts through poster projects and oral presentations.

The most difficult aspect of creating her presentation was framing her research in a “more physics-friendly way,” said chemistry graduate student Alyssa Thomas.

“Physics and chemistry have different perspectives, so I had to alter my presentation to fit the audience,” said Thomas. In her research, she excites bimetallic nanoparticles and then measures how much ice those particles can melt. Her findings could have implications for the pre-application side of cancer therapy, she said.

Although she thought the poster sessions were well organized, Thomas found that lecture sessions often ran longer than expected and took time away from the graduate student presentations. She added that it might have been helpful to have all the projects in one room instead of in three separate ones.

Despite minor issues with the poster setup, students stressed the perks of being able to attend an international conference in Athens at no financial cost to them.

“If the conference weren’t in Athens, I would’ve had to travel far to present my research to an international audience. We just don’t have the funding for that,” said physics and astronomy graduate student Swati Ramanathan. She added that a highlight of the conference was meeting a scientist from her hometown in Bangalore, India.

The conference also showcased NQPI on an international level that will boost the university’s reputation, Thomas said.

But for some, having the conference in Athens benefitted more than just their academic pursuits. 

“Having these advantages within walking distance from home, at the ease of still going to Big Mama’s Burrito for lunch [makes this conference] better than any conference I have been to,” Wang said, adding that his only suggestion is that next time the conference provide better food.

For more on the summer conference, go here.

 Top: OU graduate students take a break to socialize at the conference banquet.

Bottom: Graduate student Swati Ramanathan presents her research during one of the conference's poster sessions.