The second annual Cross-College Magnetics Center Workshop at Northeastern University brought together researchers, students, and international collaborators for scientific exchange on October 24–25, 2025, at the Boston Campus. With approximately 65 participants in attendance, the event showcased cutting-edge research in magnetics while fostering crucial academic partnerships across continents.
A highlight of this workshop was the presence of five professors from Tohoku University in Japan, reflecting a deepening relationship between the two institutions. The timing was particularly significant, as Northeastern and Tohoku officially established a formal partnership in November 2025, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration.
College of Science Interim Dean Professor Brent Nelson and Associate Dean for Research Professor Erin Cram welcomed the distinguished guests from Tohoku and delivered opening remarks that set the tone for the collaborative spirit of the event.
The workshop’s robust program featured four tutorials and nine technical talks delivered by Northeastern faculty members and invited guest speakers, providing participants with both foundational knowledge and insights into current research frontiers in magnetics.
Professor Laura Lewis delivered a special lunchtime talk “Checking in — Why Are You Here? A Reflection on Conducting Research and Being a Graduate Student,” offering participants a thoughtful examination of the motivations behind academic pursuits and the challenges of the scholarly journey, resonating with students and established researchers alike.
The Best Poster Award competition drew eighteen entries from a diverse group that included high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. After careful evaluation, Professor Xufeng Zhang, who served as Chief Judge, recognized four researchers for their outstanding work: Brycen Bonilla, Ting Wei Hsu, Vipul Sharma, and Nicole Voce.
The Best Oral Presentation Award competition featured eight graduate students and postdoctoral researchers presenting their research findings. Professor Qimin Yan served as Chief Judge, and ultimately honored Zhenyao Fang and Vijaysankar Kalappattil for delivering exceptional presentations that demonstrated both scientific rigor and clear communication.
The workshop’s success was made possible through joint support from Northeastern’s College of Science and College of Engineering, reflecting the inherently interdisciplinary nature of magnetics research and the university’s commitment to fostering cross-college collaboration.
