Showcase 2024: From Nanoengineering to Music, Reyes Embraces Learning
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 5, 2024) — UAlbany senior Kevin Reyes has always been fascinated with engineering concepts, whether building complex lego sets or folding the perfect airplane. At UAlbany's College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, Reyes has found a home to explore the cutting edge technology of the future.
On Tuesday, April 30, Reyes will be one of many UAlbany students presenting their research at UAlbany Showcase.
Growing up in Freeport, Long Island, Reyes was always interested in activities that blend engineering concepts with fun, including Legos, models and music. The interest in building carried over to when it became time for him to choose where to go to college, although he initially thought it might be safer to pursue a field in business.
“Despite being completely enamored with creating and building things, I decided that I should follow in my older cousin’s footsteps become an accountant. To me, it sounded like a safe job,” said Reyes.
He also was unsure if his passion for engineering would translate to success in the classroom. That all changed with a trip during high school to visit his cousin (an accounting major at UAlbany), which included a brief glimpse of the NY CREATES' Albany NanoTech complex.
“As we passed by the Albany NanoTech complex, I asked what this place was all about,” said Reyes, who was informed it was home to some of the most cutting-edge research in the world. “At that moment, I told myself that whatever is going on in that facility must be spectacular and I want to be a part of it.”
It’s been a long journey since then, and Reyes is now a senior, working alongside Professor Spyros Gallis of the Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering (DNSE) on his project, Angle-Resolved Photoluminescence Spectroscopy of Nanophotonic Structures.
Reyes will present his work at UAlbany Showcase, which shines a light on the academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students across all programs and fields. The full-day event includes poster displays, oral presentations, demonstrations, panel discussions, recitals, art exhibitions and performances that reflect new and original exploration of topics in STEM, arts and humanities, social sciences and the professions.
Meanwhile, Reyes has taken the opportunity to immerse himself in all that UAlbany has to offer, including serving as the treasurer of the Nano Student Association Club for three years, and playing bass guitar with the club's group NanoJazz, directed by Professor Robert Brainard.
Reyes credits his high school orchestra teacher, Jill Boardman, for encouraging him to continue to find the right balance between studies and creative pursuits.
“In my senior year Ms. Boardman told me that even though I was going into the STEM field, it was important to make room for music in my life,” said Reyes. “I ended up taking this advice to heart when Dr. Brainard asked me to join the NanoJazz group. I told him that I only knew how to play the viola, but he insisted that I could apply my musical knowledge to learn to play the club’s bass guitar. I took this opportunity straight away and now I’ve been playing bass guitar with this group for 3 years now.”
“Kevin Reyes is a great example of a student who has taken advantage of the broad opportunities that CNSE and UAlbany offer to enhance their college experience and build their resumé’s," said CNSE Dean Michele J. Grimm. "Extracurricular organizations, professional societies, and undergraduate research projects all provide leadership experience and the professional skills — including teamwork and communication — that companies look for. And he demonstrates how excellence in academics does not require students to live in the library or computer lab. Scientific and artistic creativity can go hand-in-hand.”
The experience at Albany NanoTech, working alongside researchers such as Professor Gallis has helped Reyes further reach his potential while fueling his lifelong interest in engineering.
“What I found going and working is that the professors truly care about creating the perfect environment for their students to grow to their fullest potential,” said Reyes. “Not only do you gain the skills necessary for success in your field of study, but the professional connections with companies of the same field and even other schools… you’re set up really nice for opportunities after receiving your degree.”
The next step for Reyes may see him return for further studies at UAlbany.
“Working here has given me great hands-on experience, expanded my creativity and further strengthened my problem-solving skills. I’ll always be grateful for my time here when I move onto the next chapter of my life,” said Reyes. “But I might just first see what UAlbany has to offer at the graduate level first.”