Chris Abruscato
Chris Abruscato is a senior at Eastern Washington University (EWU), set to graduate in Spring 2026 with a BS in Physics. He is a member of the Honor’s Society, a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, and the current president of EWU’s Physics Club. During Summer 2025, he participated in University of Nebraska – Lincoln’s research symposium, where he won 1st place in the REU “Emerging Quantum Materials and Technology” for his poster presentation. His research interests are unique quantum phenomena and the philosophical implications of various physical models, including but not limited to the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics. Chris plans to join the private sector immediately after graduation to support his family and get more hands-on experience. Once fulfilled, he will attend graduate school with the goal of earning a PhD in theoretical physics.
2025 Research Mentor: Dr. Xiaoshan Xu at University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL)
Quest to break the memory wall
Abstract: For many years, efforts have been made to develop and implement information storage devices that utilize ferroelectricity. This is particularly important given the increasing demands of computer storage. To this end, the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Ferro Thin Films Lab has studied the ferroelectric properties of dopedhafnium oxide (HfO2, aka “hafnia”) thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). To support this research, a model equation was derived that predicts thin film thickness, as a function of number of pulsed laser shots and O2 background pressure, using experimental data obtained from UNL’s Ferro Thin Films Lab. A program was coded using this model equation to assist with future research predictions and design.
Another Great Summer of Research at McNair: Summer 2025!
Four McNair Scholars Participate in Summer Research Programs across the Country!
McNair Scholar Chris Abruscato Accepted to Washington State University’s Summer Research Program
