People — CREATE Materials

Members

Dr. Hang Chi

Dr. Chi is the Canada Research Chair in Quantum Electronic Devices and Circuits at the University of Ottawa.

He obtained his B.Sc. in Physics from Peking University, Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, carried out postdoc research at the Brookhaven National Laboratory and MIT, before joining uOttawa in 2023 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, cross-appointed to the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Chi Lab studies (i) magnetic topological interfaces for novel memory & logic with superior performance, and (ii) proximity superconducting devices & circuits towards practical quantum computation.

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Dr. Vikas Saini

Postdoctoral Fellow

Vikas joined Chi Lab in 2025 as a Postdoctoral Fellow, after holding a postdoctoral associate position at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory (2023–2025), focusing on transport and proximity detector oscillations under extreme fields. He earned his PhD in 2023 from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), India, specializing in synthesizing and characterizing topological single crystals. He developed extensive expertise in crystal growth, materials characterization, and transport measurements, while also using density functional theory to complement and interpret experimental results. His currently focuses on uncovering and understanding topological phases through a combination of advanced experimental techniques and theoretical modeling. Outside of research, Vikas enjoys Python programming and digital drawing.

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Dinura Hettiarachchi

PhD Student

Dinura joined Chi Lab in 2024. In his doctoral studies, he is returning to materials physics, which has been his passion since the beginning of his academic journey.

He obtained his BSc in Physics from the University of Peradeniya, where his "Magnetic MgO Nanoabsorbent for Effective Removal of Pb(II)" project was recognized as the Best Undergraduate Research Project in 2021 by IPSL.

He obtained his MSc in Physics from the University of Mississippi, where he shifted his focus to particle physics and joined the Belle II group. His research there focused on making the first direct CP asymmetry measurement in the charm baryon sector.

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Jean-Félix Milette

PhD Student

Jean-Félix joined Chi Lab in 2024 after completing his undergraduate studies in physics at the University of Ottawa, where he investigated two-dimensional semiconductors using both in situ and ex situ reflectance techniques to monitor their growth and optical properties. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in physics, with his research focusing on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel quantum materials and engineered heterostructures. He is particularly interested in emergent physical phenomena such as topological effects, interfacial interactions, and unconventional superconductivity for next-generation electronic and quantum devices. Outside of academia, Jean-Félix has a strong interest in programming, emerging technologies, culture, and politics.

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Aidan Karmali

MSc Student (CGRS M)

Aidan joined Chi Lab in 2024 as an undergraduate student at the University of Ottawa. Now equipped with a BSc in Physics and an additional minor in Biology, Aidan is pursuing a Master's in Physics under the supervision of Dr. Chi from 2025. Aidan aspires to work at the interface of physics and biology so that he can combine his strong appreciation for biological systems with his training in physics, believing that such interdisciplinary research will power the scientific discoveries of tomorrow. He spent over a year in uOttawa’s state-of-the-art 2D crystal growth and characterization facilities, where he studied large-area WS2 thin films for optoelectronic applications. During his time in Chi Lab, Aidan expects to expand his knowledge in nanofabrication and design. Beyond his studies, Aidan leads an active lifestyle and enjoys camping.

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Maxime Laniel

Undergraduate Student (URS, USRO, USRA)

Maxime joined Chi Lab in 2024 as a recipient of the uOttawa Faculty of Science Undergraduate Research Scholarship (URS). In 2026, he continues to study topological quantum materials through the USRO program.

Maxime is a Honours BSc Physics-Mathematics student with several academic distinctions, including the uOttawa Faculty of Science Perfect 10 Award, the Victor Linis Mathematics Scholarship, and the Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal. He plans to pursue graduate studies in theoretical physics, with a research focus on topological condensed matter physics.

Beyond his academic and research pursuits, Maxime is passionate about science outreach and education. He has been involved in several uOttawa student organizations, including the Science Students’ Association (SSA), Connecting Young Minds (CYM), the uOttawa Physics Society (SPS), and serves as a tutor with Learning for Charity (LFC).

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Jennifer Campbell

Undergraduate Student (USRE)

Jennifer joined Chi Lab in 2026. She is a third-year Physics and Electrical Engineering double-degree student at the University of Ottawa, working toward a B.Sc. and B.A.Sc. She is planning to specialize in Power and Sustainable Energy in her electrical engineering degree. She is very interested in quantum materials research to build a strong foundation for sustainable electrical technologies and connect her physics and engineering interests! She is excited by research and loves learning while working with others. Outside of school, She loves the outdoors! One can usually find her camping, kayaking, or hiking.

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Shenaya Halahackone

Undergraduate Student (USRE)

Shenaya joined Chi Lab in 2026 and is a second-year dual-degree student at the University of Ottawa, pursuing a B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering alongside an Honours B.Sc. in Biochemistry. Her research interests are surface and interface engineering, particularly engineered quantum materials, as she aims to combine molecular-level understanding with engineering principles to study and design advanced materials. Shenaya is passionate about science and mathematics and holds leadership roles in STEM organizations such as Women in Math and ChemUnity. She is motivated by interdisciplinary research that bridges fundamental science and real-world engineering applications. Beyond academics, she enjoys travelling, reading, teaching martial arts, and playing the piano.