![Photograph of Linh Nguyen, John Palastro, and Tanner Simpson in PhD graduation cap and gown holding diploma.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/thumbnail_image15.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
![Phil and Dustin posing after graduation.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Phil-Dusin-scaled.webp?quality=100&f=auto)
![2023 LLE graduates posing after graduation](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Five-LLE-Grads-scaled.webp?quality=100&f=auto)
![Dustin, Phil, Dillon, and John posing after graduation.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Dustin-Phil-Dillon-John-scaled.webp?quality=100&f=auto)
![Dillon and John posing after graduation.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Dillon-John-scaled.webp?quality=100&f=auto)
![Manfred Virgil Ambat (6/20/2024) Manfred Virgil Ambat](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Manfred-Virgil-Ambat.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Manfred Virgil Ambat
Mechanical Engineering Department
B. S. Electrical Engineering/Computer Sciences and Nuclear Engineering in 2019 from the University of California at Berkeley
Technical Advisor: Dr. Jessica Shaw
Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
![Barfield2 Zach Barfield](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Barfield2.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Zach Barfield
Physics and Astronomy Department
B.S. Astrophysics 2019 from SUNY Geneseo
Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis title: Heat Transport in High Magnetic Fields
![Chakraborty Photo portrait of Debramitra Chakraborty](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Chakraborty-200x300.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Debamitra Chakraborty
Materials Science
BSc. Physics Honors in 2014 from the University of Calcutta (India)
Advisor: Prof. Roman Sobolewski
![placeholder_square-1](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/placeholder_square-1-200x300.png?quality=100&f=auto)
Jing Cheng
Materials Science
B.S. Materials Science in 2019 from Northeastern University
Advisor: Prof. Roman Sobolewski
![Amanda-Elliot-1 Amanda Elliot.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Amanda-Elliot-1-jpg.webp?quality=100&f=auto)
Amanda Elliot
Physics and Astronomy Department
B.S. Physics, 2023, Florida Institute of Technology
Advisor: Prof. John Palastro
![Daniel Gitlin Daniel Gitlin.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Daniel-Gitlin_300-jpg.webp?quality=100&f=auto)
Daniel Gitlin
Institute of Optics
B.S. Physics, 2020, University of California, Santa Barbara
Technical Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Pigeon
Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
![Isabelle-LaBelle Isabelle LaBelle.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Isabelle-LaBelle-1-jpg.webp?quality=100&f=auto)
Isabelle LaBelle
Physics and Astronomy Department
B. S. Physics, 2023, Utica University
Advisor: Prof. Jessica Shaw
![Lavonne-Mack Lavonne Mack.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Lavonne-Mack-1-jpg.webp?quality=100&f=auto)
Lavonne Mack
Physics and Astronomy Department
B.S. Physics, 2023, Texas Tech University
Advisor: Prof. John Palastro
![placeholder_square-1](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/placeholder_square-1-200x300.png?quality=100&f=auto)
Zachary Manning
Institute of Optics
B.A. Physics, 2019 Lawrence University
Technical Advisor: Prof. William Donaldson
Academic Advisor: Dr. Wayne Knox
![HMarkland _ 140 Hunter Markland](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/HMarkland-_-140.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Hunter Markland
Physics and Astronomy Department
B.S. Physics, 2022 SUNY Geneseo
Technical Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Pigeon
Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
![Kyle McMillen_sm Kyle McMillen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Kyle-McMillen_sm.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Kyle McMillen
Physics and Astronomy Department
B.S. Physics from Missouri University of Science and Technology
Technical Advisor: Dr. Jessica Shaw
Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
![Matthew VanDusen-Gross (11/16/22) Matthew VanDusen-Gross](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/Matthew-VanDusen-Gross-111622.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Matthew VanDusen-Gross
Physics and Astronomy Department
B.S. Physics in 2020, Rutgers University
Associate of Arts in Physics, 2017, Palm Beach State College
Advisor: Dr. Hans Rinderknecht
![ZhangJunchi_140 Junchi Zhang](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/ZhangJunchi_140.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Junchi Zhang
Department of Precision Instrument
B.Eng in 2019 from Tsinghua University
Technical Advisor: Prof. William Donaldson
Academic Advisor: Prof. Govid Agrawal
Thesis title: Slow Light in Photonic Crystal Fiber
Graduated Students
![Bucht Sara Bucht](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Bucht.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Sara Bucht
M.S. Physics 2015 from the University of Rochester
B.S. Physics 2010 from the University of Puget Sound
Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Technical Advisor: Dr. Dan Haberberger/Dr. Jake Bromage
After Degree: Senior Laboratory Engineer, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, NY
![Davies Andrew Davies](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Davies.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Andrew Davies
Ph.D. Physics and Astronomy in 2019 from University of Rochester
B.S. Astrophysics 2012 from St. Cloud State University
Technical Advisor: Dr. Dan Haberberger
Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis title: Picosecond Thomson-Scattering Spectroscopy Investigation of Thermodynamics in Laser-Plasma Amplifiers
After Degree: Senior Scientist, Topcon Healthcare Solutions, San Jose, CA
![Davis Amanda Davis](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Davis.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Amanda Davis
Ph.D. Physics and Astronomy in 2017 from University of Rochester
B.S. Engineering Physics 2012 from the University of Arizona
Technical Advisor: Dr. Tomline Michel
Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis: Laser Ablation and Hydrodynamic Coupling in Direct-Drive Inertial-Confinement-Fusion Experiments
After Degree: National Nuclear Security Administration Graduate Fellowship, Washington DC
![Follett Russ Follett](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Follett.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Russell Follett
Ph.D Physics in 2015 from University of Rochester
B.S. Physics in 2008 from Colorado State University
Technical Advisor/Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis title: The Multiple-Beam Two-Plasmon-Decay Instability
After Degree: Assistant Scientist, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, NY
![Franke-1 Phil Franke](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Franke-1-1.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Philip Franke
Physics and Astronomy Department
Ph.D. Physics and Astronomy in 2022 from University of Rochester
B.S. Physics in 2016 from the University of Texas at Austin
Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis title: Spatiotemporal Pulse Shaping for Laser-Plasma-Based Applications
After Degree: Laser-Plasma Interaction Scientist, Tau Systems, Austin, TX
![Hansen Aaron Hansen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Hansen.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Aaron Hansen
Physics and Astronomy Department
Ph.D. Physics in 2021 from University of Rochester
B.S. Physics in 2015 from the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities
Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis title: Cross-Beam Energy Transfer Saturation
After Degree: Postdoctoral Fellow, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
![Henchen Robert Henchen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Henchen.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Robert Henchen
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering in 2018 from University of Rochester
B.A. Mathematics, B.A. Physics 2011 from SUNY Geneseo
Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis: Direct Measurements of Nonlocal Heat Flux in Laser-Produced Coronal Plasmas using Thomson Scattering from Electron-Plasma Waves
After Degree: Image Science Engineer, Harris Corporation, Rochester, NY
![Leal2 Luis Leal](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Leal2.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Luis Leal
Physics Department
Ph.D. Physics and Astronomy in 2022 from University of Rochester
B.S. Physics, 2012, University of California, Santa Barbara
Technical Advisor: Prof. Andrei Maximov
Thesis: Plasma Dynamics in Magnetized Laser-generated Plasmas
Academic Advisor: Prof. Riccardo Betti
![Milder Avi Milder](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Milder.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Avi Milder
Physics and Astronomy Department
Ph.D. Physics in 2021 from University of Rochester
B.S. Physics & Math in 2015 from the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis title: Electron Velocity Distribtuion Functions and Thomson Scattering
After Degree: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Candida
![Nguyen2 Khanh Linh Nguyen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Nguyen2.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Khanh Linh Nguyen
Physics and Astronomy Department
Ph.D. Physics and Astronomy in 2023 from University of Rochester
B.S. Mathematics and Physics, 2017, University of Mount Union
Advisor: Prof. John Palastro
Thesis title: Kinetic Study of Cross-Beam Energy Transfer
After Degree: Scientist, Focused Energy
![Nwabunwanne2 Soumtochukwu (Somto) Nwabunwanne](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Nwabunwanne2-1.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Solumtochukwu (Somto) Nwabunwanne
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2023 from University of Rochester
Masters Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2013 from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Bachelors of Engineering in Electrical Engineering in 2007 from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Advisor: Prof. William Donaldson
Thesis title: Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Efficient and Ultrafast Ultraviolet Photodiodes Based on Aluminum Gallium Nitride/Gallium Nitride Heterostructures
![Plansinis Brent Plansinis](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Plansinis.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Brent Plansinis
Ph.D. Optics in 2017 from University of Rochester
B.S. Physics 2011 from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Technical Advisor: Prof. William Donaldson
Academic Advisor: Prof. Govind Agrawal
Thesis: Applications of Space-Time Duality
After Degree: Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering, L3Harris Technologies, Orlando, FL
![Ramsey2 Dillon Ramsey](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Ramsey2.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Dillon Ramsey
Physics Department
B.S. Physics and Mathematics, 2018, SUNY Geneseo
Ph.D. Physics and Astronomy, 2023, University of Rochester
Advisor: Prof. John Palastro
Thesis: “Electron dynamics and radiation generation in a flying focus”
Thesis: Electron Dynamics and Radiation Generation in a Flying Focus
After Degree: Assistant Scientist, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Rochester, NY
![Simpson2 Tanner Simpson](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Simpson2.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Tanner Simpson
Physics and Astronomy Department
Ph.D. Physics in 2024 from the University of Rochester
M.A. Physics in 2019 from the University of Rochester
B.S. Physics in 2018 from Oregon State University
Advisor: Prof. John Palastro
Thesis Title: Spatiotemporal control of photoionization and terahertz generation
After Degree: Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
![Stillman Colin Stillman.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Stillman.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Collin Stillman
National Nuclear Security Administration Fellow
Ph.D. Physics and Astronomy in 2018 from University of Rochester
B.A. Physics in 2013 from SUNY Geneseo
Technical Advisor: Dr. Phil Nilson
Academic Advisor: Prof. Dustin Froula
Thesis: High-Energy-Density Radiative and Material Properties Studies using Picosecond X-ray Spectroscopy
After Degree: Image Scientist, L3Harris Technologies, Rochester, NY
![Zhao Yiming Zhao.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.lle.rochester.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Zhao.jpg?quality=100&f=auto)
Yiming Zhao
Ph.D. Materials Science in 2018 from University of Rochester
B.S. Materials Science and Engineering 2012
from Central South University, China
Advisor: Prof. William Donaldson
Thesis: AlGaN Metal-Semiconductor-Metal UV Photodetectors
After Degree: Senor Reliability Engineer, SLD Laser, Fremont, CA