Our Research
Our research interests lie in understanding the physical properties of strongly correlated materials and applying this fundamental understanding to develop functional thin film and devices with potential applications in electronics and sensors
Education
Our educational initiatives aim to engage undergraduate students in science research while enhancing the communication and teaching skills of Physics students. By involving students in experimental design, expanding hands-on learning opportunities in our Electronics Lab, and conducting outreach activities for K-12 students and teachers, we strive to foster a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and improve the training of future educators. Through these efforts, we are committed to creating an inclusive and impactful learning environment that inspires the next generation of educators.
Armando Rúa de la Asunción
Material Physics Group
Armando Rúa de la Asunción is an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM). He holds a Ph.D. from the Graduate Center and Hunter College of City University of New York, a Master’s degree in Physics, and a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from UPRM. Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Rúa completed his B.S. in Math and Physics at the University of Atlántico. Dr. Rúa’s research focuses on the physics and applications of materials with Metal-Insulator Transitions (MITs), with a particular emphasis on vanadium oxides. His interests extend to other areas, including superconductors, low-dimensional materials, neuromorphic devices, and material characterization under extreme environmental conditions. Professor Rúa was named one of the 2023 Moore Foundation Experimental Physics Investigators
Our Sponsors
Facilities
Pulsed Laser Deposition
X-ray Diffraction
Other Facilities
Students interested in becoming part of our group should contact us by email to discuss the research opportunities we have available.
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