Waters Lab – 2D @ DU
The Waters Lab is an experimental condensed matter physics group at the University of Denver (DU). Our research efforts focus on novel properties of two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures such as moiré physics, topology, superconductivity, magnetism, and ferroelectricity. Our lab uses a variety of tools, with the primary techniques being magnetotransport and surface probe measurements. For more about our past and ongoing projects, check out the research page and explore the rest of the site to learn more.
Latest News
2025-2026 – The Waters Lab is taking undergraduate students that are interested in experimental condensed matter and quantum information research! If you are interested in research opportunities, please reach out via email.
May 27th, 2025 – Congratulations to Waters Lab PhD Student Sam Smiley!! Sam was awarded DU’s Graduate Education Doctoral Fellowship for Inclusive Engagement, which was established to support the degree completion of the community of highly talented doctoral students at the University of Denver. As reflected in DU’s Vision, Values, Mission and Goals, the University of Denver strives to create a diverse, ethical, and intellectually vibrant campus community to provide a challenging and liberating learning environment for all of our students.
April 14th, 2025 – DU Physics celebrated international World Quantum Day with a series of public lectures and demonstrations for high school students and educators in the local area. Prof. Waters gave a talk on the exciting realm of quantum phenomena in 2D materials, then him and PhD Student Sam Smiley lead a demonstration in our quantum materials lab, some photos below! Thanks to all who came out!
February 27th, 2025 – Our work titled “Chern Insulators at Integer and Fractional Filling in Moiré Pentalayer Graphene” was published in PRX! This work was from Prof. Waters’ time as a postdoc at University of Washington.
- See also the Condensed Matter Journal Club discussion featuring this paper (the arXiv pre-print version) among other works on this exciting materials platform.
January 22nd, 2025 – Our work titled “Moiré driven topological electronic crystals in twisted graphene” was published in Nature! This work was from Prof. Waters’ time as a postdoc at University of Washington.
Popular science articles on our work:
- “Groundbreaking Research Reveals Exotic Electron Crystal Formed in Graphene” – Science Magazine
- “New research uncovers exotic electron crystal in graphene” – Phys.org
September 1st, 2024 – Prof. Waters officially started as an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department at the University of Denver.