Student Profiles
Welcome the Class of 2025!
Michael Brodskiy
Michael, originally from the Bay Area in California, graduated with honors from Northeastern University in May 2025 with a combined degree in Physics and Electrical Engineering, and minors in Mathematics, Political Science, and International Affairs. Throughout his time as an undergraduate, Michael worked at Northeastern University’s Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things, where he developed passwordless digital authentication methods by employing machine learning algorithms to large data sets collected from arrays of software-defined radios to identify minute differences in hardware, which occur during manufacturing. Additionally, Michael applied his efforts at General Dynamics – Electric Boat, where he worked alongside the Electromagnetics group to ensure compliance to military electromagnetic compatibility and electrostatic discharge requirements. When he is not busy studying physics, Michael is either traveling, learning about various cultures, languages, and histories (including his own Ukrainian heritage), or training different combat athletics, including wrestling, judo, and boxing. Michael is excited to begin his graduate studies at Georgetown University.
Shoaib Mahmud
I have completed my BSC and MS in Physics from the University of Dhaka. I have worked on the effects of Rashba spin-orbit coupling on the topological and Electrical properties of periodically strained graphene. It involves analytical calculations in Quantum Mechanics, programming, and a detailed study of theoretical condensed matter physics. I am interested in spintronics, topology, and density functional theory. Outside of Physics, I have a passion for cinema, music, and sports.
Manahil Manzoor
I graduated from LUMS, Pakistan, with a love for condensed matter physics—especially the physics behind materials and how we can use them in technology. After graduating, I took a gap year to dive deeper into research and explore life beyond academics. I’m also an artsy person at heart, always looking for creative ways to stay curious and connect ideas.
Students at various stages of the program
Daniel O’Brien, Class of 2017
The GU Physics department was a perfect fit for me; its interdisciplinary nature affords access to specialists in a range of fields. This expertise, when paired with state-of-the-art experimental facilities like GNuLab and ISM, means I have the ability to conduct advanced technological research. Lastly, our geographical placement in DC both brings in speakers and collaborators from government labs and offers access to plenty of “nature” just a few miles outside of town.
Luogen (Logan) Xu, Class of 2018
The physics graduate students here at Georgetown are a close-knit community. I get to discuss research ideas with fellow graduate students with great passion and hang out with them outside of work. During stressful times, they were great companies to have intellectually engaging and calming conversations with. The faculty here is welcoming and caring. They do fascinating research and they really love physics. As it turns out, coming here has been one of the best choices I made in my life!
Davonne Henry, Class of 2018
During my undergraduate work, I was not able to explore specialized Physics topics and engage in research as freely as I have been able to do at Georgetown. I have gotten to engage with experimental and theoretical collaborators and I have the opportunity to take advantage of diverse areas of expertise among the faculty and students. Outside of research, I have enjoyed the opportunity to have serious conversations within the department about our responsibility to build a diverse and inclusive STEM community.