Willow Strey

Willow Strey

Willow Strey

PhD Candidate

Shastri Lab / Quantum Nanophotonics Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

Co-advised with Prof. Nir Rotenberg

Willow is currently working on a physics PhD joint-supervised by Drs. Bhavin Shastri and Nir Rotenberg. She previously studied at UCSD (BA, physics) and TU Delft (MS, quantum technology). Willow was a QuTech scholar at TU Delft (2023-2025) where she focused on building a generalist background in quantum technology. Her PhD will focus on further developing such technologies with an eye towards near-term industrial relevance.
 

 

Sam Lamontagne

Sam Lamontagne

Sam Lamontagne

MASc Candidate (Engineering Physics)

Shastri Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

19snl5@queensu.ca

Stirling Hall

Sam is currently focused on studying Nano-photonic Neural Networks for both analog and digital signal processing applications. Sam received his B.A.Sc from Queen's in Engineering Physics and is eager to expand his knowledge through research and collaboration. Sam has experience with RF and space-based systems and is interested in applying nano-photonics in these fields. When not in the lab, Sam likes to stay active playing sports, going to the gym and enjoying the outdoors.

Corey Mullin

Corey Mullin

Corey Mullin

MASc Candidate (Physics)

Shastri Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

corey.mullin@queensu.ca

Stirling Hall

Corey is currently pursuing his MASc in Physics, where he explores quantum many-body problems using Ising model implementations in integrated photonics. He holds a BSc in Honours Applied Physics and a BCS (Computer Science) from the University of New Brunswick. Outside of academics, Corey enjoys playing guitar, camping, rock climbing, and working on 3D printing projects.

 

Dinel Anthony

Dinel Anthony

Dinel Anthony

MASc Candidate (Engineering Physics)

Shastri Lab / Quantum Nanophotonics Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

25qlx2@queensu.ca

Stirling Hall

Co-advised with Prof. Nir Rotenberg

Dinel completed his undergraduate degree at UBC with a BSc. in Honours Physics. As an MASc. Candidate, he is pursuing the development of photonic memory using photochromic materials for application in photonic neural networks. Outside of his research, Dinel enjoys playing baseball, exploring the outdoors, and learning new recipes.

 

Mashiat Ibtida Huq (they/them)

Mashiat Ibtida Huq (they/them)

Mashiat Huq

PhD Candidate

they/them

Shastri Lab / Quantum Nanophotonics Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

Co-advised with Prof. Nir Rotenberg

Originally hailing from Bangladesh, Mashiat has had the opportunity to complete their BSc (Hons) in Physics from King's College London. They briefly studied remotely for their MSc in Photonics at Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Germany, before moving to Queen's for their PhD studies. Mashiat is highly interested in nanofabrication methods and integrated circuits, and is always eager to find novel and exciting approaches to use them to bring some optical theories into fruition. Mashiat's long-term goal is to build a research environment more conducive to experimental research back in their home country, and they think a great start is to build collaborative networks from the places they have been abroad. Outside of studying, Mashiat is fascinated by contemporary dancing, non-fiction, and traveling. (edited) 

 

Prosper Dellah Allo

Prosper Dellah Allo

Prosper Dellah Allo

PhD Candidate (Electrical Engineering)

Shastri Lab

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

p.allo@queensu.ca

Walter Light Hall

Pursuing a PhD with interests in building neuromorphic and quantum computing at cryogenic temperatures and designing and packaging of electro-optic systems. In his MASc at Queens, he demonstrated silicon color centers as potential light sources in foundry devices. His BSc was in Physics with a specialization in Electronics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. He's generally interested in building novel and innovative unconventional computing systems at scale. He enjoys spending time with family and loved ones, listening to music, drawing, skating and soccer. Hopes to lead an impactful life and inspire people from similar socioeconomic backgrounds to reach for that which is seemingly beyond.

 

Lazar Paroski

Lazar Paroski

Lazar Paroski

BASc Candidate (Engineering Physics)

Shastri Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

lazar.paroski@queensu.ca

Stirling Hall

Lazar is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a BASc in Engineering Physics, specializing in Computing. His interests include Ising machines, machine learning, and accelerating computation with novel approaches. Outside of academics, Lazar plays varsity water polo for ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´, enjoys exploring nature, and likes watching physics YouTube videos.

 

Andrea Hiltz

Andrea Hiltz

Andrea Hiltz

NUCLEUS Program Officer & Laboratory Manager

Shastri Lab / Quantum Nanophotonics Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

Andrea is the NUCLEUS (CREATE grant) Program Officer and Laboratory Manager for the Shastri Lab and the Quantum Nanophotonics Lab. Andrea obtained a B.Sc (Honours) in Life Science from Queen's and a M.Sc. in Pharmacology and Physiology from McMaster.  She worked as a Study Coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Trials Group at Queen's for 14 years before becoming a Research Projects Advisor - Institutional Programs and Strategic Initiatives within the Vice Principal Research Portfolio.  In her spare time, Andrea loves weightlifting, curling, playing piano and enjoying life with her amazing daughter Clara.

 

Ammar A. Ibrahim

Ammar A. brahim

Ammar Ibrahim

PhD Candidate

Shastri Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

ammar.ibrahim@queensu.ca

Stirling Hall

Ammar received his BSc. in Electrical Engineering (Electronics and Communications) with a focus on Electromagnetics and Photonics in 2024: grade excellent with highest honors. He is interested in researching how to use photonics for signal processing and computing, specifically looking for novel architectures that can create breakthroughs. Apart from his academic life, Ammar loves traveling and hanging out.

 

Jennifer Low

Jennifer Low

Jennifer Low

NUCLEUS Program Officer & Laboratory Manager

Shastri Lab / Quantum Nanophotonics Lab

Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy

Jennifer is the NUCLEUS (CREATE grant) program officer and laboratory manager for the Shastri Lab and the Quantum Nanophotonics Lab. Jennifer has a history in scientific research and research administration at several Canadian academic institutions (ºÚÁϳԹÏ×ÊÔ´, the Royal Military College, The University of Winnipeg, and the University of Manitoba) and associated research institutions (The Manitoba Institute for Materials, and the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute). In her spare time, Jennifer can be found enjoying quality time with her family, or at the barn with her horse.