Who We Are

Nikita Mazotov | Co-President he/him

Nikita is a junior in Pierson College and a Ukrainian international student. He works as a peer tutor for the PHYS 200 course. His research interests have focused on experimental particle physics and occasional use of machine learning in the context of CERN ATLAS ITk Phase-II upgrades. Nikita’s favorite computer game is Kerbal Space Program.

Max Watzky | Co-President he/him

Max Watzky is a sophomore in Benjamin Franklin College majoring in Physics (int.) and S&DS. He is interested in the applications of data analysis and machine learning to physics, and he's currently involved in a biophysics project at Yale's School of Medicine. Outside of SPS, you can find him playing trombone or extending his 600+ day Duolingo streak.

Diya Naik | Vice President she/her

Diya is a sophomore Physics (Int.) major from Columbus, Ohio. She's excited about both the theory and hardware of quantum computers. She also loves to hear about how branches of physics intersect. Hoping to make physics welcoming to all sorts of identities and backgrounds, she's looking forward to hearing any and all input on improving physics. In her free time, you can find her drawing or rambling about her novel of choice.

Richard Lim | Treasurer he/him

Kane Trundle | National SPS Liaison he/him

Kane Trundle is a first-year student in Branford College, majoring in Physics. His academic interests span quantum mechanics to condensed matter theory, with a focus on applying physics to develop cutting-edge solutions to the climate crisis. Beyond the lab, Kane has a passion for writing and reading short stories and enjoys crocheting unique clothing pieces. He's thrilled to support and contribute to Yale's vibrant physics community!

Andrés Luengo | DEI Co-Liaison & IT Support he/him

Andrés is a sophomore in Trumbull College majoring in physics (int.) and getting a programming certificate. He was born in Venezuela and now lives in South Florida. He is a member of the Yale AstroML Group, where he researches the pulsations of stars in stellar clusters. In his free time, he plays the french horn and (in theory) the keytar.

Anh-Thai Le | DEI Co-Liaison he/him

Anh-Thai is a junior from Southern California majoring in Math and Physics. He's interested in the intersection between math and physics, particularly in probability theory and statistical mechanics. In his free time, he enjoys binge watching YouTube videos and (trying) not to play Supercell games.

Matthew Balestier | DEI Co-Liaison they/them

Matthew Balestier is a junior in Jonathan Edwards College majoring in Math and Physics from New Jersey. They also hold a position on the board of Broad Recognition magazine. Aside from school, they hold a strong interest in art history. Their favorite contemporary artists are Mark Maggiori and anything weird and modern.

Vasilisa Malenkiy | Outreach Co-Liaison she/her

Vasilisa is a sophomore Physics (Int.) major from Boulder, Colorado. Her research in nuclear physics involves developing instrumentation for dark matter detection experiments. In her free time, Vasilisa loves dancing, skiing, and hiking.

Andy Ma | Prize Lecture Chair he/him

Darya Dayanim | Prize Lecture Chair she/her

Darya is a freshman in Grace Hopper College majoring in Physics. She hails from Maryland and has joined Professor Moore's Lab on the nEXO experiment. Outside of STEM, you can find her playing the oboe, making moves on the basketball court, or enjoying the outdoors. Darya is fluent in Hebrew, should be a lot more proficient in Spanish, and hopes to pick up Persian.

Madison Butchko | Prize Lecture Chair she/her

Madison is a junior in Pierson majoring in Physics (int) from Wirtz, Virginia. She is specifically interested in astronomy and astrophysics. She is also interested in fostering environments for those new to physics, math, or STEM in general! Outside of the physics community, Maddi enjoys exploring different beaches surrounding New Haven and day trips to NYC (exploring the city is a fun time considering she is most familiar with her rural hometown). When she's not grabbing chai lattes in Steep or working on PSETS in Tsai, she's most likely hanging out in the astro lounge some days!

Lucy Xiao | Website & Media Developer she/her

Lucy is a junior in Berkeley College majoring in Physics and Applied Math. She's originally from Chengdu, China, but has lived in Maryland and New Hampshire. Outside of STEM, you can find her watching movies, making movies, learning German, improving her coffee techniques, cooking, and (most importantly) eating.

Ethan Martinez | Website & Media Developer he/him

Ethan is a junior in Pauli Murray majoring in physics (int.). He is from Wheaton, IL, where he developed a passion for particle physics growing up near Fermilab. Ethan is currently working on software R&D for a future Muon Collider and works as a ULA for PHYS 200/201. Outside of academics, he plays club soccer and IM cornhole.