Colorado State University physicist Kate Ross studies exotic states in quantum magnets under extreme conditions. Her work in this area was recently funded by an Early Career Research Program grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The award of $750,000 will fund her research in “non-equilibrium effects in quantum magnets” through 2023.

“I am ecstatic to be one of the few young researchers to receive this grant,” Ross said. “It will enable us to do new types of experiments on quantum materials. The idea is to drive quantum materials out of equilibrium with a strong magnetic field pulse and observe the consequences. This type of fundamental inquiry is important for understanding how quantum materials may one day operate in devices, which are intrinsically non-equilibrium settings.”

Ross’ research has also been recognized with the Oxford Instruments 2018 Lee Osheroff Richardson Science Prize for North and South America, the American Physical Society 2016 George E. Valley, Jr. Prize and as a 2016 Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Azrieli Global Scholar.

“By investing in the next generation of scientific researchers, we are supporting lifelong discovery science to fuel the nation’s innovation system,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said in a statement. “We are proud of the accomplishments these young scientists have already made, and I look forward to following their achievements in years to come.”

Recipients of the funding must have completed their Ph.D. within the past 10 years. Ross is one of just 54 university researchers across the U.S. to receive this award.