Thanks to the support of the M.R. Metzger Family Foundation, three students—Ashley Haar, Lydia Mazeeva, and Ryan O’Connor—have been awarded funding to pursue research projects that push the boundaries of computational physics, astrophysics, and planetary science.
An education in physics thrives on curiosity, innovation, and hands-on experience. In the Department of Physics at WashU, undergraduate students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, tackling complex scientific questions under the mentorship of faculty experts. Thanks to the support of the M.R. Metzger Family Foundation, three students— Ashley Haar, Lydia Mazeeva, and Ryan O’Connor—have been awarded funding to pursue research projects that push the boundaries of computational physics, astrophysics, and planetary science.
From modeling neutron stars to exploring nuclear reactions and investigating the composition of Jupiter’s moon Io, these students are applying their skills to some of the most intriguing challenges in modern physics. Their research not only enhances their own academic growth but also contributes valuable insights to the broader scientific community.
In this article, we highlight their individual journeys, the projects they are undertaking, and the impact this opportunity has had on their education and aspirations.
Investigating the Composition of Jupiter's Volcanic Moon
First-year student Ashley Haar has long been fascinated by space. Originally from California, she is the youngest of three children and the first in her family to pursue a degree in physics. Her passion for the field, combined with a curiosity about the outer solar system, led her to an exciting research opportunity at WashU. “It has always been a dream of mine to pursue research in the field,” Ashley said.
With support from the M.R. Metzger Family Foundation, Ashley is working with Dr. Ryan Ogliore to investigate Jupiter’s moon Io, the most volcanically active body in the solar system. Her research applies theoretical models and partition coefficients to evaluate the moon’s composition, with the ultimate goal of enhancing our understanding of Io and the origins of the outer solar system.
Ashley was drawn to this project after exploring various research opportunities in the physics department. “When I came across Dr. Ogliore’s work, I was immediately intrigued,” she said. “I read some of the papers that he wrote or contributed to, and I was fascinated by the combination of space sciences and chemistry.” Now, she is eager to deepen her understanding of the outer solar system and contribute to exploring a moon that has fascinated astronomers for years.
She credits several mentors with helping her find her way into research, including Professor Mikhail Tikhonov, who guided her through her first semester of physics, helped her grow a passion for the subject, and encouraged her to approach Dr. Ogliore. She also found support through the Society of Physics Students, who introduced her to undergraduate research opportunities and helped her connect with experienced student researchers. “Not only was I in the know about events such as research symposiums, but I was able to connect with people who had also done undergraduate research to get a better understanding of what it was like,” she said.
While Ashley is still considering her long-term career path, she knows that physics will play a central role. “My current research will allow me to develop the proper technical skills that can be applied to a variety of fields in the physics realm,” she said. As she embarks on her first major research experience, she is excited to continue learning and exploring the field that has captivated her since childhood.
Combining Computational Skills with Quantum Physics
Sophomore Lydia Mazeeva, a Seattle native pursuing a computer science major with a physics minor, is also among the latest recipients of the M.R. Metzger Family Foundation Research Award. Outside of academia, Lydia has a love of ballet dancing which she has been able to continue here at WashU. Although she initially planned to focus her studies solely on computer science, an unexpected passion for quantum physics led her to explore research in the field.
“The goal of my research is to develop a user-friendly Python interface for the Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) code to enable streamlined computations for studying nuclear reactions,” Lydia explained. “QMC methods are among the most precise ab initio approaches for solving the nuclear many-body problem, but their complexity and computational intensity make them challenging to apply to nuclear reaction processes. This project helps to bridge this gap by designing a Python-based interface that simplifies input preparation and automates key computational steps, facilitating data analysis for nuclear reactions.”
Her interest in research was sparked during Dr. Maria Piarulli’s Introduction to Quantum Physics course, where she became intrigued by real-world applications of quantum mechanics. “What excites me the most about this project is the ability to apply my computational background. There is a lot of physics theory I need to learn first, but I’m eager to eventually combine it with my other academic interests,” she said. “I’m also really looking forward to working with and learning from my mentors Dr. Piarulli and Dr. Flores.” She credits their support as instrumental in keeping her research on track and helping her navigate complex theoretical concepts.
Dr. Piarulli spoke highly of Lydia’s initiative and intellectual curiosity, recalling their first interactions in the classroom. “She distinguished herself as an engaging, curious, and studious student. Her genuine curiosity and active participation in discussions showcased her eagerness to understand complex concepts deeply.” When asked about her future, Dr. Piarulli said “Lydia's ability to navigate between theoretical physics, computational methodologies, and practical problem-solving sets her up for an exciting future in physics research.”
While Lydia is still exploring her long-term aspirations in physics, she sees this research experience as a pivotal step in shaping her academic path. “Ultimately, I aspire to gain as much knowledge as I can here at WashU, exploring new areas and building on my previous studies. As such, this research will be a key part of that journey, fueling my academic pursuits and expanding my intellectual curiosity.” Whether she chooses to pursue physics in the long run, her contributions to this project demonstrate a remarkable ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge into impactful research.
Using Statistics to Probe the Mysteries of Neutron Stars
Ryan O’Connor, a sophomore from Homer Glen, Illinois, is majoring in Astronomy and Astrophysics with minors in Writing and the Philosophy of Science. Outside of his studies, he is an active member of the WashU Rowing team, WUTV, and a writer for Student Life. His passion for physics research began early—at just 12 years old, he visited Fermilab and was captivated by its particle physics and astrophysics research.
Now, through the support of the M.R. Metzger Family Foundation, Ryan is investigating neutron stars, some of the densest and most mysterious objects in the universe. His project applies Bayesian statistics to refine models of neutron star interiors, helping researchers determine the likelihood of physically significant scenarios. “Neutron stars are enigmatic objects, and whether we are trying to model their surface or their internal structure, we are playing a complicated guessing game,” Ryan explained. “Through a creative application of Bayesian statistics, however, we can refine that guessing game immensely.” His research focuses on evaluating whether two neutron stars with the same mass but very different radii could exist—an outcome that would have major implications for nuclear physics.
Ryan works closely with his advisor, Dr. Alex Chen, and graduate student Chun Huang, both of whom have helped guide him through the complex statistical and computational methods involved in his research. Their discussions have often led to shifts in the project’s direction, allowing Ryan to explore new applications of astrostatistics. “In learning the statistical and computational methods for conducting this research, I’ve certainly had my fair share of setbacks and misunderstandings,” he said, “but I have always received sage guidance from Dr. Chen and Chun.”
Dr. Chen commended Ryan’s sharp analytical abilities and enthusiasm for research. “He is an extremely quick learner and always strives to understand all the concepts thoroughly,” Dr. Chen said. “His deep curiosity and clarity of mind are extremely valuable for a researcher.”
While Ryan’s long-term career plans remain open-ended, he envisions continuing in research or even pursuing scientific journalism. He sees his current work as a strong foundation, given the widespread relevance of astrostatistics in physics. “Above all, this project has served as a great introduction to physics research as a whole,” he said. “Working with the WashU physics community continues to be an enlightening, enjoyable, and invaluable part of my education here.”
Building a Foundation for Future Discoveries
For Ashley Haar, Lydia Mazeeva, and Ryan O’Connor, undergraduate research has been more than just a learning experience—it has been a gateway to new academic possibilities. Through mentorship, hands-on problem-solving, and collaboration, they are developing the skills and knowledge that will shape their futures in physics and beyond.
The M.R. Metzger Family Foundation’s support plays a crucial role in fostering early research experiences, allowing students to explore their scientific interests in meaningful ways. Each of these students is making strides in their respective fields while gaining invaluable experience that will guide their next steps.
As they continue their journeys, their stories serve as a testament to the power of undergraduate research—opening doors, sparking new ideas, and shaping the next generation of physicists.
