This article is the third in a new series on the summer experiences of our undergraduate majors. In the coming weeks we will feature brief stories from undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry majors who worked in unique research and internship positions.

From undergraduate Chemistry major Austin Shoemaker,

This summer, I had a wonderful opportunity to participate in an international research project with the Bluhm Group of RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. Supported by Global Quantum Leap (GQL) through the NSF-funded International Research and Training Experience (IRTE) program, I engaged in a computational physics project titled "Multi-Valley Quantum Dot Electron States." The IRTE program is designed to offer undergraduates and early-career researchers the chance to work in world-class laboratories while also experiencing different cultures. My research focused on developing an analytical and numerical representation for the energy spectrum of one and two electrons confined in a single quantum dot (QD). For this study, we considered QDs formed in Si/SiGe heterostructures, and thus the relevant effects of the valley multiplicity. Through this project, I learned about valley disorder in Si/SiGe QDs and how this affects the dynamics of confined electrons. Furthermore, I developed a model capable of predicting energy level crossings and valley state splittings from measured parameters. Finally, I was able to obtain a computationally-produced diagonalized matrix representing the full energy spectrum of two confined electrons based on their interactions with the heterostructure, an external magnetic field, and themselves. As part of this program, I also had the great opportunity to travel throughout Europe and was able to visit many amazing places. Highlights included exploring our local town of Aachen and weekend trips to cities such as Berlin, Amsterdam, Zürich, and Budapest. During my travels, I saw many beautiful cities and countrysides, toured numerous museums and historical sites, and immersed myself in many new cultures. I am incredibly grateful for this experience, and highly recommend international research to anyone considering it.