Tyler L Cocker

Tyler L Cocker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Michigan State University, pioneering ultrafast terahertz nanoscopy. His research focuses on developing lightwave-driven THz-STM to capture femtosecond-scale electron dynamics at atomic resolution, with recent work revealing molecular orbital dynamics and black phosphorus heterostructures.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., University of Alberta (2012)
  • B.Sc., University of Victoria (2006)

His group explores ultrafast processes in quantum materials using complementary techniques like s-SNOM and THz spectroscopy, addressing fundamental questions about nanoscale charge transport and elementary excitations.

Recent publications include Nature Photonics and Nature Nanotechnology papers on atomic-scale THz spectroscopy and interlayer transport in 2D materials. Awards include the 2024 DOE Early Career Award, 2021 ARO Young Investigator Award, and 2020 IRMMW-THz Young Scientist Award.

• Scientific Awards:
  • DOE Early Career Award (2024)
  • MSU Teaching Award (2023)
  • ARO Young Investigator Award (2021)
  • IRMMW-THz Young Scientist Award (2020)
  • Jerry Cowen Endowed Chair (2019)

The group has secured multiple grants from ONR, AFOSR, and DURIP, supporting development of third-generation THz-STM systems. Former students like S. Eve Ammerman (first PhD graduate, 2022) and Vedran Jelic (now at NRC Ottawa) have received prestigious fellowships and awards.