Current REFS

Rachael Klaiss

Physics | Alemán Lab| 6th year | ​she/her/hers

Rachael is originally from the South Jersey area, moved cross-country to attend college at the University of California, Berkeley and chose to stay West Coast for graduate school here at UO. She studies quantum light emitted from artificial atom defects in 2-dimensional crystals to learn how new systems are created within existing materials and how they can be used in future technology. Outside the lab, Rachael is involved in STEM focused student groups at UO such as UO Women in Physics and The North Star Project, and counts trying to replicate recipes from New Jersey Italian restaurants as a hobby.

Ashley Mapile

Physical Chemistry | Richmond/Scatena and Brozek Groups | 4th year | she/her/hers

Ashley is PNW born and raised. She lived in Washington where she attended the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA before moving to UO for graduate school. In the Richmond lab, Ashley uses non-linear spectroscopy to study the interface of oil and water with the addition of surfactants, while in the Brozek lab, she studies the colloidal stability of nano-sized metal organic frameworks (MOFs). In her free time, Ashley likes to dog sit, frisbee golf, cook with her girlfriend, and play with her cat, Nibbler.

Marla Trox

Earth Sciences | Graduate Coordinator | she/her/hers

Although never having experienced graduate school as an actual graduate student, Marla’s first career was as a research assistant in the Forest Service, so working with academics and bureaucracy is old hat.  She left that world to be a full-time mom, soccer coach, school volunteer, and (as her own kids moved into middle school) a nanny for several families.  Since 2015 she’s been the Graduate Coordinator at the Earth Sciences department, applying all her prior work experience into smoothing the path for grad students, cat-herding, and professional nagging.  When not working, you can find her running around the soccer pitch, Nordic skiing, paddling a kayak, loving on dogs, or with her face buried in a book.

Jack Maurer

Physical Chemistry | Marcus Lab | 6th Year | he/him/his

Jack grew up in Seattle, WA and lived in Colorado prior to moving to Oregon. His research focuses on spectroscopic techniques to study biomolecular structure and dynamics. Outside of research, Jack enjoys skiing, cooking, playing games with friends, and playing with his dog, Lola! 

Alex Rosen

OIM Chemistry | Darren Johnson Lab | 3rd Year | he/him/his

Alex grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio before starting grad school at UO. His research focuses on the use of metal-oxide clusters as sustainable precursors for industrially relevant processes. He is heavily focused on industry, engaging with the NRT Sensors program and having multiple industry and government collaborators. He is currently holding the position of Vice President of the Board of Directors for The Duck Store, and is looking to get involved in the GTFF as a union steward! Outside of school, he enjoys playing DND (looking to make his own RPG system!), fishing, reading and creative writing, and exploring the outdoors with his friends!

Uriel Hernandez

Physics | Alemán Lab | 4th Year | he/him/his

Uriel grew up in East Los Angeles and went to undergrad at UCLA. In the lab, he is particularly interested in questions that arise when materials get extremely thin (2D), super small (nanoscale), and/or strongly correlated (e.g. FQHE). Uriel has recently served on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Climate committee and is currently involved with The North Star Project. Otherwise, you’ll likely find him tending to his houseplants/garden, reading, running, or playing video games.

Renee Nassif

Earth Sciences| Thomas Small Earthquake Lab | 4th Year | she/her/hers

Renee is a 4th year PhD student in the Earth Sciences department. She grew up in Florida and attended the University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree. Between growing up and getting her bachelor’s degree, she served six years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear machinst mate. Currently, Renee studies surface mass unloading and seismicity using remote sensing with the small earthquake lab in UO’s department of Earth Sciences. After hours, she enjoys video games, trivia nights, and road trips.