Alicia O. Hernandez-Castillo Group Members
Professor Hernandez-Castillo
Attended the National and Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) for her undergraduate work. While at the UNAM, she participated in undergraduate research using group theory to determine the symmetry group of an impenetrable cubic well potential. In the fall of 2014, she moved to the United States to do her graduate work at Purdue University. There she focused on detection and characterization of resonance stabilized radicals using broadband rotational spectroscopy. Her love for the development of new experimental techniques led her to a postdoc at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin, Germany. There she worked on establishing robust experimental schemes for preparing single enantiomers of chiral molecules in selected rotational states using an array of laser-based and broadband microwave methods. She is enthusiastic about carrying out research in molecular spectroscopy and sharing the joys and challenges of scientific research with students. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running, terrible puns, and chocolate.
Group Members
Channing Christian ’25
Channing is a Junior computer science major with a concentration in Spanish. They help with engineering and computer science-related projects in the lab. Outside the lab, Channing likes practicing Jiu-Jitsu, playing the drums and watching true crime television.
Erika Drisko ’28
Erika is a freshman most likely majoring in engineering or computer science. They are excited to learn more about spectroscopy and help work on and with the REMPI-TOF mass spectrometer. Outside the lab, they enjoy crocheting, scuba diving, and reading sci-fi or fantasy novels.
Amir Gonzalez Camacho ’26
Amir is a junior chemistry major with a concentration in sociology. Currently, he is working on assembling and testing the lab’s REMPI-TOF mass spectrometer. Outside the lab, Amir enjoys reading, singing and playing video games.
Huanhuan Huang ’27
Huanhuan is a rising sophomore most likely majoring in engineering. She is very excited to join the MolSpec and learn more about spectroscopy. Outside the lab, she enjoys playing badminton, playing video games, and drawing.
Michael Huynh ’28
Michael Huynh is a first-year prospective Computer Science student at Harvey Mudd College. He explores interdisciplinary sciences through AI-focused research with Professor Alicia Hernandez-Castillo (Chemistry) and Professor Andrés Vindas Meléndez (Mathematics). Beyond HMC, he collaborates with research labs to study invasive ant species using computer vision. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with his dog, Tobias.
Jonas Knudson ’28
Jonas is a freshman most likely majoring in physics. He utilizes Machine Learning to help fit Microwave Spectroscopy Data. Outside the lab, he does track and field for CMS, and enjoys reading, learning languages and playing video games.
Alice Tidmarsh ’27
Alice is a sophomore physics major who is excited to learn about spectroscopy and optics with the MolSpec lab. Outside the lab, they like drawing, painting, and reading about plants.
Cameron Warmerdam ’27
Cameron is a rising sophomore majoring in (probably) physics with some biology and chemistry on the side, and ideally earning an emphasis in environmental analysis. He is very excited to work in the MolSpec lab and learn more about the applications and uses of spectroscopy. When not in the lab, Cameron enjoys playing the bass clarinet, crocheting, knitting, and hiking.
Hamilton (Hammie)
Wrench holder and lab assistant
Spectra
