by Victoria Vuz ‘24

In a remarkable showcase of academic excellence, two engineering physics students from Ramapo College made a notable impact at the American Physical Society (APS) Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota this spring. Undergraduate students Suraj Neupane ’24 and Agrim Gupta ’24 presented their cutting-edge research in two separate presentations, garnering praise and recognition from peers and professionals alike.

The APS Conference, known for its rigorous standards and prestigious platform, provided an ideal stage for Suraj and Agrim to showcase their innovative work. Their presentations showcased not only their intellect but also their dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry.

Suraj’s project, titled “Magnetoimpedance of magnetic amorphous alloys, measured by a contactless technique,” delved into the magnetic properties of materials called magnetic amorphous alloys (MAA), which can help measure mass, density, viscosity, humidity, and temperature. Not many researchers have explored the magnetoimpedance of MAA ribbons due to the difficulty of studying it without making physical contact with the materials. Suraj discussed, however, using a radiofrequency resonator technique that does not require physical contact which was discovered in their research. Upon this discovery, he also addressed that magnetoimpedance exhibits significant and unique sensitivity to magnetic fields, both at room temperature and cold temperatures. 

Suraj’s research, characterized by meticulous experimentation and insightful analysis, drew keen interest from attendees, sparking engaging discussions and inquiries.

“It was an honor to receive the opportunity to give a presentation at the APS Conference,” remarked Suraj. “It was an amazing experience to be able to meet other physicists who have received Nobel Prizes and connect with other scientists in the field.”

Meanwhile, Agrim’s presentation titled “Optical conductivity of high-entropy alloys based on BaMnSb2*” looked to characterize the properties of crystals that had been doped, which refers to the process of adding impurities to intrinsic semiconductors to alter their properties. They purposefully introduced bacteria to the crystals and utilized infrared light to get information about them and take raw reference data. They concluded the doped material still behaves and shows direct band dispersion, which means the exciting properties don’t go away when you introduce impurities. Therefore, their research demonstrates when doping materials, you can tune them and use them for a variety of applications. 

“Attending the APS Conference was one of the most outstanding experiences of my college career,” noted Agrim. “The conference brings together students and professionals from all over the world, giving us the opportunity to network and explore new technologies and advancements in the field of condensed matter.”

During the conference, Agrim and Suraj fielded questions with confidence and eloquence, demonstrating not only their mastery of the subject matter but also their ability to articulate complex ideas to a diverse audience. Their poise and professionalism left a lasting impression on all who witnessed their presentations.

Agrim and Suraj are inspiring examples for aspiring physicists, showcasing the profound impact that dedicated individuals can make in engineering physics. Their contributions to the APS Conference mark a significant milestone in their academic careers, setting the stage for future achievements and advancements in the realm of scientific inquiry and innovation.

“I am immensely proud of Suraj and Agrim for their outstanding achievements,” remarked Dr. Catalin Martin, associate professor of engineering physics. “Their research represents the culmination of hard work and is a testament to their passion for pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.”

The impact of Suraj’s and Agrim’s research extends far beyond the walls of Ramapo College. Their findings have the potential to catalyze further exploration in the field of physics and inspire future generations of scientists to pursue bold and innovative research endeavors.

As they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their academic journey, Agrim and Suraj remain committed to their pursuit of excellence. Agrim will attend Missouri University of Science and Technology to pursue his Ph.D. in the fall of 2024. Suraj will begin searching for a job after graduation from Ramapo this spring.

Their success at the APS Conference is a beacon of hope and inspiration, illuminating the path forward for aspiring physicists everywhere. In recognition of their exceptional contributions to the field of physics, Agrim and Suraj have solidified their place among the brightest minds of their generation, leaving an indelible legacy that will endure for years to come. Learn more about the Engineering Physics major and faculty mentorship opportunities available to Roadrunners!