PhD Student
Department of Chemistry
University of Rochester
Hutchinson Hall B28
120 Trustee Road
Rochester, New York 14627
Email: aalvar10@ur.rochester.edu
Education
B.Sc. Engineering Physics, Universidad EAFIT 2021
M.Sc. Applied Physics, Universidad EAFIT 2023
Biography
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics (2021) and a master’s degree in Applied Physics (2023) at Universidad EAFIT in Colombia, and I am currently a Ph.D. student in Materials Science at the University of Rochester. My research centers on the experimental study of molecular crystals and their phase transitions, using methods such as X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, and terahertz spectroscopy. In addition, I have investigated photocatalytic activity in TiO₂ for air purification and explored the mechanical behavior of ferroelectric hafnia. My broader interest lies in uncovering how structural dynamics at the microscopic level govern the macroscopic properties of functional materials.
Beyond research, I am passionate about tennis, films, tattoos, and dogs.