Dacen Waters

Prof. Dacen Waters (he/him/his) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Denver. He holds dual bachelor's degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering from Arkansas Tech University (2013), an MS (2016) and PhD (2020) in Physics from Carnegie Mellon University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington under Prof. Matthew Yankowitz. His research focuses on two-dimensional materials and moiré systems, employing scanning tunneling microscopy and transport studies to investigate correlated and topological states in graphitic systems. He joined DU in Fall 2024.

• Education:
• BS Physics, Arkansas Tech University, 2013
• BS Mechanical Engineering, Arkansas Tech University, 2013
• MS Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, 2016
• PhD Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, 2020
• Research Interests: Condensed matter systems, quantum materials, topological phases, moiré heterostructures, and advanced microscopy techniques.
• Awards: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Postdoctoral Fellowship (2020-2024).
• Professional Affiliations: University of Denver College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics