Erica Carlson

Erica Carlson is a Professor of Physics at Purdue University, specializing in condensed matter physics with a focus on quantum materials and electronic phase transitions. Her research explores emergent electronic behaviors in strongly correlated systems, leveraging advanced microscopy and machine learning techniques. Key areas include fractal pattern formation in quantum materials, magnetically-driven phase transitions, and nanoscale defect dynamics in vanadium dioxide.

Her work bridges fundamental physics with educational outreach, including developing NGSS-aligned quantum-infused curricula for K-12 students. She investigates spatial complexity in superconductors and nickelates, uncovering universal scaling laws and disorder-induced critical phenomena. Recent studies apply deep learning to decode disorder-driven electronic patterns in cuprates and topological materials.

Collaborations span nanoelectronics, magnetism, and quantum pedagogy, with a particular emphasis on understanding hysteresis mechanisms and memory effects in functional oxides. Her experimental toolkit includes correlative microscopy, quantum Monte Carlo simulations, and advanced noise spectroscopy to probe emergent phases at atomic scales.