Shyam Raj

Why FSU?

When I was exploring potential opportunities for my graduate studies, I discovered that the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), headquartered at Florida State University, offered an ideal environment for pursuing my research interests.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

As an experimental condensed matter physicist, I have always been fascinated by electron and spin phenomena in the quantum regime. Understanding these fundamental behaviors is essential for advancing emerging technologies and developing new functional materials.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

For my doctoral research, I primarily investigate electron transport phenomena in magnetic materials and their connection to nontrivial topological behavior. In parallel, I explore twodimensional magnetic materials, focusing on how their magnetic and electronic properties can be manipulated for potential device applications, including logic, memory, and computing. Through these studies, I aim to understand the fundamental interplay between magnetism, electronic transport, and topology while exploring pathways toward next-generation technologies.

Who has been influential in your graduate journey?

Throughout my graduate school journey, my advisor, Prof. Luis Balicas, has been a constant source of motivation and encouragement. Every conference I attend, such as the American Physical Society Global Physics Summit, gives me an opportunity to interact with faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and fellow graduate students from different backgrounds. These interactions and discussions have always inspired me to think beyond my current work, explore new ideas, and broaden my perspective as a scientist.

Career aspirations

I am passionate about quantum materials, semiconductor technologies, and process engineering, I enjoy applying experimental techniques and data-driven approaches to solve challenging scientific and engineering problems. So I would like to be a part of an industrial R&D team working on similar interests.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am particularly proud of the research contributions I have made during my doctoral studies, which have resulted in publications in leading journals, including Physical Review Materials, the American Physical Society, and ACS Nano, a highly regarded journal in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Attending GRC conference in 2026 was very meaningful to me which gave me an opportunity to meet the leading experts in the field.

I was selected for the 2D Crystal Consortium Resident Scholar Visitor Fellowship at Pennsylvania State University, where I gained hands-on experience with device fabrication and characterization techniques for two-dimensional materials. Through the FSU–ORNL Graduate Research Opportunity, I also had the opportunity to learn inelastic neutron scattering techniques at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, further expanding my expertise in investigating magnetic excitations and microscopic magnetic properties.

Hobbies outside academics

In my free time I like to go for hiking. In general, I like to travel a lot. If I am at home I would love to cook with my friends and watch movies.