Ryan Kowalski, a second year PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Materials Science at Vanderbilt University, was selected as an X-Force fellow by the NSIN – National Security Innovation Network this summer. He is working under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Goodman and Dr. Robert Cooper at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division to explore the nanoscale vibrational characteristics of semiconductor materials that have been exposed to ion radiation. These materials can host single-photon emitting defects that are critical for developing robust quantum technologies, including secure quantum communication networks. Ryan works for Prof. Josh Caldwell in the Vanderbilt University Mechanical Engineering.
