Liam Frank Selected as UArizona Club Athlete of the Month
Liam Frank is a physics PhD student in the College of Science, specializing in research housed in the Wyant College of Optical Sciences with Prof. Jason Jones' lab. However, Liam's talent extends beyond the lab and into the pool as a UArizona club athlete on the Club Water Polo team. For April Liam was named the Student Athlete of the Month! Congratulations, Liam!
Here is a bit more about Liam, and what it's been like specializing in both physics and optical sciences research while being a part of the UArizona Club Water Polo team.
Research
I work in Jason Jones’ lab on a type of semiconductor laser system known as Vertical External Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VECSELs). We are working to passively mode-lock these systems using Semiconductor Saturable Absorber Mirrors (SESAMs) in hopes to eventually use the lasers in applications to Dual Comb Spectroscopy. In the meantime, we are exploring the effects of different cavity configurations on the output pulses and their properties.
Water Polo
Upon entering graduate school, I noticed that the University of Arizona had a club water polo team. I had loved the sport when I played in high school but had chosen to take a break and focus solely on academics throughout undergrad. Missing the sport, I immediately signed up for the team here. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I couldn’t be happier to be involved with the sport again. And now, having been named Student Athlete of the Month, I couldn’t be more grateful. To me, the award symbolizes the culmination of my decision to reenter the sport. And despite it sometimes adding to the busyness of my life as a graduate student, playing water polo has helped to alleviate my stress and make me feel a greater sense of purpose in my academic journey. It brings me happiness every time I get in the pool and allows me to work towards something I’m passionate about aside from my research. In addition, I’ve met countless amazing people through the team. I now urge everyone, especially those who feel consumed by their work, to make time for what you’re passionate about; you won’t regret it!