Faculty

Juan Merlo

Assistant Professor of Physics

Profile
Contact
In the Media

Juan M. Merlo-Ramírez has a PhD in optics from the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics in Puebla, Mexico. His research focuses on near-field microscopy, plasmonics, and more recently in topological phases of matter in classical systems. Juan is a first-generation college attendee; as such, he is interested in the dissemination of scientific knowledge by science books for kids.

BS, MS, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla; PhD, National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics

At Vassar since 2019

Contact

jmerloramirez@vassar.edu

845-437-5755

Sanders Physics
Box 103

Website

Research and Academic Interests

Near-field microscopy
Plasmonics
Topological phases of matter in classical systems
Science books for children

Departments and Programs

Physics and Astronomy

Courses

PHYS 200: Modern Physics
PHYS 202/203: Experimental Physics
PHYS 375: Microscopy Techniques
PHYS 240: Electromagnetism I
An intensive in Fundamentals of Micro- and Nano-Fabrication

In the Media

A person with long brown hair stands in front of a wall of large windows. The person is wearing a brimmed hat, camouflage pants, and a black T-shirt with a yellow cartoon drawing of a skunk on it. The person is holding a long fishing pole.

Students Compete (and Win Cash) in Inaugural Shark Tank-like Pitch Competition

The inventor of a uniquely designed freshwater fishing rod won Vassar’s first Entrepreneur Pitch Competition.

Physics Faculty Duo Creates Bilingual Children’s Books to Make STEM Fun

Professor of Physics Cindy Schwarz and Assistant Professor of Physics Juan Merlo-Ramirez are working on various initiatives, including writing children’s books in English and Spanish, to inspire Latinx children to learn about science.