Benjamin Frandsen grew up just outside of Los Angeles, California. He earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University with a double major in physics and German, and is now in his fourth year as a PhD student in the Department of Physics at Columbia University. He combines muon spin spectroscopic techniques with x-ray and neutron total scattering to study local structure and magnetism in strongly correlated electron systems, such as unconventional superconductors and Mott insulators. He is also working on the development of magnetic pair distribution function (mPDF) analysis, the magnetic analog of the more familiar atomic PDF. In his spare time, he enjoys trying new NYC restaurants, playing the piano or cello, adventuring outdoors, running, playing soccer, and traveling with his wife.

A list of Ben’s publications can be found here.