Research Ambassadors
Marcos Ibáñez Matles ‘26
Email me at: mibanezm@u.rochester.edu
Discipline(s) of Research
- Engineering and mathematics
- Physical sciences
Major(s) and Minor(s)
- BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- BA in Computer Science
Areas of Interest/Research Focus
I work in the High-Energy-Density Physics Theory Group in the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. I’ve worked part-time since Fall 2023 and full-time over the summer developing HPC simulation code for quantum particle interactions. My work involves adaptive mesh refinement, DFT, and C++/MPI/PETSc/deal.II on supercomputers: https://www.lle.rochester.edu/new-code-meliora-released-by-lles-high-energy-densityphysics-theory-group/
During my Qualcomm internship (Summer 2025), I researched ML applications for DSP. I’m also deeply interested in computer graphics and hardware design, especially how GPUs accelerate scientific and visual computing.
Areas where I may be particularly helpful
I can help connect you with professors in both the Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science departments for research or academic guidance.
I can also advise on course selection across both majors. I’ve done HPC research at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics and completed a summer internship at Qualcomm and would be happy to discuss how I got these opportunities and my experience there.
I’m also applying for a Fulbright grant for grad-school.
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
My main piece of advice for prospective or new researchers is not to be afraid to reach out to people, most are happy to help. When it comes to professors, many hire students who either took their classes or reached out to them directly with clear goals, and some have even told me they’ve never turned away a student who expressed genuine interest in their research. The same applies to students.
If you see someone on LinkedIn or for example, a student ambassador who works at a lab or field you’re interested in, ask them how they got that position or if they'd be willing to introduce you to the right people. The key is to take that first step. As soon as you feel you may be ready to start contributing your skills, reach out.