Research Ambassadors
Iliana Balskas '27
Email me at: ibalaska@u.rochester.edu
Discipline(s) of Research
- Engineering and Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
Major(s) and Minor(s)
- B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- B.A. in Physics
Areas of Interest/Research Focus
Working in the ECE Department in Professor Stephen Wu's lab; my research primarily focuses on the fabrication and characterization of quantum devices made from two-dimensional materials. During the 2025–2026 school year, I primarily used Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques to study the structural and electrical properties of these materials at the nanoscale. I have since expanded my work to include the fabrication processes used to create these devices.
Areas where I may be particularly helpful
- Cold emailing
- Finding the right research group
- Application writing
- Balancing research with a busy course/extracurricular schedule
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
Finding the right research opportunity can take time and it is important to look for a position that not only fits your academic interests, but also the type of mentorship and experience you want from your time in undergraduate research. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel qualified when you begin looking for a group or first join. Research is meant to be a learning experience, and asking questions is an important part of that process. The more you understand what you want from your research experience, the easier it will become to find and make the most of the right opportunity.