Dr. Michelle Lollie, a member of the second class in our department’s APS-sponsored Bridge program has just been featured in an APS News article highlighting her unconventional route to becoming the first African American women to complete a PhD in Physics from Louisiana State University. Dr. Lollie entered our program after completing a Bachelor’s degree from Rose Hulman, but she started that degree only after spending several years as a banker in Atlanta. The bridge program was designed to provide an on-ramp to graduate studies in physics for students who display a drive and passion for physics, but whose background preparation presents some obstacles for admission through the conventional admissions process. While at IU, Michelle worked in the lab of Phil Richerme and developed her passion for quantum optics. She transferred to the program at LSU after finishing her Masters with us. Her thesis at LSU investigated communication and sensing applications of quantum-engineered light beams (exhibiting orbital angular momentum), and she is now an Advanced Laser Scientist with Quantinuum. She has also been very active in APS efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our field.
Read the APS Story Here:
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