Meet Student Research Assistant Ben Hughes

The ElectroScience Laboratory (ESL) at The Ohio State University is a hub of research for on many topics, including electromagnetics. Incredible students, both graduate and undergraduate, come work in the labs every year. One of those students is Ben Hughes, an incoming second year student, who has come to ESL to help push the limits of what can be done to integrate classic electromagnetics with quantum physics. Ben recently took time to share about what it has been like working at ESL.

ESL: What is your year and major?

I am an incoming second year, and I actually have a triple major, studying physics, math and astrophysics.

ESL: What is your role here at ESL?

I work as a student research assistant with ESL researcher David Nippa. I am working with him on a Consortium on Electromagnetics and Radio Frequencies (CERF) project to integrate ESL’s knowledge of classical electromagnetics with quantum physics. I run tests of our equipment, design experiments and conduct the experiments.

ESL: What interested you in coming to work and conduct research at ESL?

I was interested in undergraduate research since I got to Ohio State, so I had been looking for opportunities. I saw a listing for this project, so I applied. Then, I was reached out to by ESL, learned more about the lab and the project, and knew I wanted to work here.

ESL: What is your favorite part about working at ESL?

I like that I get a lot of control over the experiments I do. I get to do self-directed research based on my ideas for the direction for the project. I really enjoy having the freedom to design experiments based on what I think is right.

ESL: What have you learned from the researcher you work with?

I’ve learned the importance of developing a good methodology when doing experiments. The small stuff really matters so kinks cab be ironed our before doing the big experiment. We must be able to figure out why an experiment didn’t work and that comes from being patient and focusing on small details before beginning the larger experiment.

ESL: What are your long-term goals after graduation?

Right now, I’m planning on going to graduate school and continuing to do more research in undergrad and graduate school.

ESL: What about favorite hobbies or interests outside of ESL?

I am really into gaming. Also, I really interested in computers and computer science. I even built my own computer for fun.

ESL: What is your favorite part about being an Ohio State student?

There is access to a lot of resources for all sorts of things for students. I appreciate being able to get involved with research and work side-by-side with professors. Many of the academic departments have a lot of information about getting involved with undergraduate research.