This is one in a series of stories about alumni of the Nexus Scholars Program.
Sarah Gates ’25
Physics
Cohort: Summer 2022
As a then-rising sophomore in the 2022 inaugural cohort, Sarah Gates '25 entered the Nexus Scholars Program eager to gain her first experience with academic research working with Professor Abigail Crites in the physics department. Throughout the summer, she contributed to the development of early universe telescope instrumentation, ultimately helping develop technology for future telescope experiments.
Given that this was her first exposure to undergraduate research, this summer challenged her to adapt to the independence and problem-solving demanded by her research project. Beyond learning new technical skills, Gates found that organizing her work was her biggest challenge. Through her regular meetings with Prof. Crites, she was able to develop stronger planning and project management skills that allowed her to remain on track. Her work combined hands-on laboratory experience, including working with cryogenic systems and telescope instrumentation, alongside computational components such as detector readout and calibration software.
During her time as a Nexus Scholar, Gates also developed a growing interest in superconducting detectors, an area that would shape the remainder of her undergraduate research journey. Following the conclusion of the Nexus Scholars Program, she continued working in the Crites group, but also pursued additional research opportunities related to superconducting technologies. These experiences include characterizing superconducting shielding for dark matter at Fermilab and working with Cornell’s own Superconducting RF Group. Looking back, Gates describes Nexus as the experience that “set off a chain of events” that expanded her scientific interests and helped guide her future career.
Today, Gates is pursuing a Ph.D. at the California Institute of Technology where she works to develop detector technology and instrumentation for telescopes studying the early universe, similar to her work in the Crites Group. Her current research involves designing magnetic shielding for detector modules in BICEP Array 4 and developing detector technologies including Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors. Looking ahead, Gates hopes to pursue a career in research, whether as a professor or at a national laboratory, while maintaining opportunities to mentor and teach future scientists.
For current Nexus Scholars, Gates emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships built during the program, encouraging scholars to remain connected with their mentors, lab members, and fellow scholars. Sarah reflected on how Professor Crites remained a key mentor for her even after the program ended, continuing to offer advice and support as she pursued new research opportunities. Gates also notes that these long-term relationships can be valuable sources of guidance and advocacy, helping students navigate future paths.
