Meet Don Fahey, Physics Ph.D. candidate

Don uses radiation pressure and the Doppler Effect to cool a gas of atoms and slow the atoms’ movement. Then, with lasers, he excites the atoms to high-energy states and observes how they interact with each other.  The applications of Don’s research are broad and include the research and development of a quantum computer and a greater understanding of low-temperature plasmas.

Don is using his Bryn Mawr experience to develop the skills to reach his goal of teaching and researching at a liberal arts college. In Bryn Mawr’s small graduate program in Physics, Don is able to build close relationships with faculty and work one-on-one with them in the lab. These experiences help him learn how to build and maintain a lab of his own, define research goals, fund a lab, write grants and direct undergraduate students in research.