Seven Physical Sciences students receive prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship awards

Seven students from the UC Irvine School of Physical Sciences have received the prestigious 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) award. 

The fellowship is a five-year program that provides full financial support for three years and recognizes outstanding students pursuing research in STEM graduate programs.

“We are very excited about the strong showing that Physical Sciences students had in this year’s GRFP competition, from both our undergraduate and graduate students,” said Franklin Dollar, associate dean of graduate studies and professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. “These students are set to be truly next generation scientists, scientific leaders whose work and outreach benefits so many around our community and the world.” 

2026 Awardees

Ian Bachant, Earth System Science

Ian Bachant is an undergraduate student double majoring in applied physics and Earth system science. At UC Irvine, he conducted research with Claudia Czimczik, professor of Earth system science, and William Heidbrink, professor of physics and astronomy. With Czimczik, Bachant quantified the carbon footprint of warehouses in Southern California using tree-ring radiocarbon analysis. With Heidbrink, he applied information theory and statistical analysis to identify when and how magnetic plasma instabilities lose energy. This fall, he will attend Oregon State University to pursue a PhD in water resources engineering under Pamela Sullivan.

 “I believe this award will open many opportunities for me, personally and scientifically. This recognition also affirms the value of the interdisciplinary direction of my work. My [Ph.D.] proposal integrates my two current projects — in Earth science and plasma physics — and this integration will be a central feature of my PhD research going forward,” Bachant said.

Vincent Caudillo, Physics & Astronomy

Vincent Caudillo is an undergraduate student double majoring in physics and mathematics. As an undergraduate, he conducted research with Manoj Kaplinghat and Kevork Abazajian, professors in UCI’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, focusing on theoretical galactic astrophysics and cosmology. This fall, Caudillo will begin a PhD program in physics at Stanford University, where he will study theoretical astrophysics, including galaxy formation and evolution, dark matter and astroparticle physics.

“To me, the GRFP means validation, opportunity, and responsibility. Winning this award affirms the path I have taken into physics, gives me the freedom to pursue ambitious research on dark matter, and reminds me to keep building the kind of community and mentorship that made that path possible,” Caudillo said.

Brooke Antonia Dorsey, Chemistry

Brooke Antonia Dorsey is a PhD student in chemical, applied and materials physics-chemistry. She conducts research in the group of Rex Handford, professor of chemistry.

Her research focuses on designing polynuclear, homotetrametal clusters that emulate key aspects of metal-surface reactivity and interaction. These well-defined molecular systems allow Dorsey to systematically investigate electron exchange, transfer pathways and structural factors that govern complex surface-mediated chemical processes.

“The NSF GRFP gives me the opportunity to express myself scientifically. It provides me with a space where I can explore ideas with confidence, grow as a researcher, and define the kind of scientist I want to become,” Dorsey said.

Michael Angelo Father, Physics & Astronomy

Michael Angelo Father is an undergraduate student majoring in physics. He conducted research with Howard Lee, professor of physics and astronomy. Father will continue that work next year as a PhD student in Lee’s research group. His research will focus on the fundamental physics and materials science of nano-optical materials and metasurfaces.

“The NSF GRFP reinforces my commitment to performing rigorous and groundbreaking research,” Father said. “I’m grateful for the support to continue my academic research.”

Valeria Maria Orozco Saldarriaga, Earth System Science

Valeria Maria Orozco Saldarriaga is a PhD student in the Department of Earth System Science. Her research examines the relationship between soil moisture and evapotranspiration to better predict how plants will be affected by future climate change. She works in the research group of Angela Rigden, assistant professor of Earth system science.

“Getting that email announcing that I had won the award really affirmed that my science is worth funding and that I am capable of doing the things I set myself out to do,” Orozco Saldarriaga said. “As a Colombian immigrant, I hope seeing me win this award becomes inspiration for my younger siblings, friends and peers to continue working to achieve their dreams. I am so excited about this project and hope that it will contribute to a future where communities are more resilient in the face of global warming.”

Luke Xia, Physics & Astronomy

Luke Xia is an undergraduate student double majoring in physics and mathematics. At UCI, he conducted research with James Bullock, professor of physics and astronomy, and Sandy Irani, professor in UCI’s Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. His research included theoretical galactic astrophysics and quantum algorithms. This fall, Xia will begin a PhD program in physics at Stanford University, where he will study galaxy formation, compact object mergers and cosmic ray transport.

“Receiving the GRFP is an incredible honor that reflects years of growth and excitement as a researcher, and I am deeply grateful to my advisors for their support and inspiration throughout this journey,” Xia said. 

Claire Eva Benjamin, Physics & Astronomy

Claire Eva Benjamin is a PhD student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. She conducts research with professor Judit Romhányi on condensed matter theory, with a focus on magnetic materials and their applications in quantum technologies. Benjamin is especially curious about the emergent phenomena that can arise in magnetic materials and works with models to better understand their interesting behavior.

“It is a really great honor and I’m excited for the opportunity to focus more on my research,” Benjamin said.

2026 Honorable Mentions

• Hannah Rakel Meredith Ang
• Jeffrey Dykstra
• Steven Toan Le
• Victoria Medvedeva
• Katarina Patitucci
• Shaheed Perez
• Hannah Priller
• Catherine Rouch
• Henry Dennison Schrecker
• Paaras Ajit Shah
• Melody Sun
• Wendy Tran
• Jonghyun Won