Members
Dr. Hang Chi
Dr. Chi is a Canada Research Chair in Quantum Electronic Devices and Circuits at the University of Ottawa.
He obtained his B.Sc. in Physics from Peking University, Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, carried out postdoc research at the Brookhaven National Laboratory and MIT, before joining the Faculty of Science at uOttawa as an Assistant Professor of Physics and EECS in 2023.
Chi Lab studies (i) magnetic topological interfaces for novel memory & logic with superior performance, and (ii) proximity superconducting devices & circuits towards practical quantum computation.
Dinura Hettiarachchi
PhD Student
Dinura joined Chi Lab in 2024. In his doctoral studies, he is returning to materials physics, which has been his passion since the beginning of his academic journey.
He obtained his B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Peradeniya, where his "Magnetic MgO Nanoabsorbent for Effective Removal of Pb(II)" project was recognized as the Best Undergraduate Research Project in 2021 by IPSL.
He obtained his M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Mississippi, where he shifted his focus to particle physics and joined the Belle II group. His research there focused on making the first direct CP asymmetry measurement in the charm baryon sector.
François Drouin
MSc Student
François joined Chi Lab in 2024. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, where he developed a deep interest in physics. He is currently pursuing his master’s, focusing on the characterization of crystal growth using Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD). He has always been passionate about physics research, driven by a desire to explore the depths of condensed matter physics. In addition to his academic pursuits, François is a former high-level hockey player drafted into the Ontario Hockey League, demonstrating his dedication and discipline both on the ice and in the lab.
Jean-Félix Milette
MSc Student
Jean-Félix joined Chi Lab in 2024. He recently completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in physics at the same institution. His research focuses on the growth of 2D materials using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), with an emphasis on developing new techniques for scalable synthesis. Additionally, he is interested in computational physics, exploring simulations and developing software to better understand the properties of these materials. Outside of his academic work, Jean-Félix has a keen interest in programming, new technologies, culture, and politics.
Aidan Karmali
Undergraduate Student (USRE)
Aidan joined Chi Lab in 2024 as an undergraduate Physics student with a minor in Biology at the University of Ottawa. Aidan aspires to work at the interface of physics and biology so that he can combine his strong appreciation for biological systems with his training in physics, believing that such interdisciplinary research will power the scientific discoveries of tomorrow. He spent over a year in one of the university's state-of-the-art 2D crystal growth and characterization facilities, where he gained experience studying potential candidates for next-generation optoelectronic devices. Beyond his studies, Aidan leads an active lifestyle and enjoys camping.
Alexander Duong
Undergraduate Student (USRA)
Alexander joined Chi Lab in 2023. He is a student taking the Honours BSc Physics-Mathematics at the University of Ottawa. He has received multiple awards and scholarships, including the Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA), the Armen Manoogian Memorial, and the Perfect 10 Award. His love for physics stems from watching a Big Think video by Dr. Michio Kaku when he was only eight years old. Outside of his studies, he enjoys playing the piano, playing tennis, watching the news, and reading quotes as well as books. He also has a newfound hobby in wildlife photography, and loves nature.
Maxime Laniel
Undergraduate Student (URS)
Maxime joined Chi Lab in 2024 as part of a two-summer internship. He is one of the 16 recipients of the 2024 Undergraduate Research Scholarship (URS) of the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Science. He is taking the Honours BSc Physics-Mathematics program. Maxime likes to share his passion for physics with others. Most notably, he created a website to make the world of advanced physics more accessible to the students at his high school and other French-speaking students. Aside from his passion for physics, Maxime is also a big sports fan and has a great interest in geography.
Keerthy Gireesan Shani
Undergraduate Student (Mitacs)
Keerthy visited Chi Lab in 2024, via Mitacs Globalink Research Internship, from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India. She has received 2 fully funded foreign training programs during her study. Along with her passion for research, she has held various student leadership positions at her institute and enjoys classical dancing. She looks forward to doing a PhD in condensed matter physics.
Patrick Steinkraus
Undergraduate Student (Mitacs)
Patrick visited Chi Lab in 2024, via Mitacs Globalink Research Internship, from University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. Following the internship, he will commence his MSc Physics Program at the same university, continuing his research in magnetism at the Farle working group. At his home university, Patrick leads a student group dedicated to bringing the world of physics in research and career opportunities closer to his fellow students. Outside of his academic pursuits, he is an avid hiker, nature enthusiast, and enjoys playing hockey.
