Rob Castaneda

Ultrafast Pump-Probe

Email

Caudill 008

(919) 843-6852

B.A. in Chemistry

The University of Kansas, 2022

Research Summary: Rob uses pump-probe microscopy to study the ultrafast dynamics of charge carriers in nanoscale semiconductors, more specifically silicon nanowires. This technique enables us to photoinject carriers at extremely local positions on materials and then probe their transient properties like recombination, diffusion, and drift. This is important in understanding the physical and chemical driving forces that enable the engineering of more efficient applications for these nanomaterials.

Personal Summary: Outside of research, Rob is involved in a few departmental associations and clubs. He served as the president of the Association of Chemistry Graduate Students during the '24-'25 school year, a club that creates events and opportunities for chemistry graduate students to connect and unwind. Rob also likes ultimate frisbee.