Wes pursued both experimental and theoretical physics during his PhD at Johns Hopkins University, including investigating novel materials that demonstrate the ability to be both a conductor and an insulator. As a Schmidt Science Fellow, he expanded his work in quantum materials, moving to the lab of Johnpierre Paglione at UMD College Park.

His PhD work gave Wes expertise in the physics of unusual materials, including skills needed to utilize cutting-edge tools of large-scale scientific facilities, both domestic and international. During his fellowship, Wes focussed on the synthesis and application of quantum materials, leveraging the new-to-physics mathematical concept of topology to discover and understand superconducting and topological materials that will help to develop new quantum applications. He continues his work back at The Johns Hopkins University but this time within the Applied Physics Laboratory, Space Exploration Sector where he is Senior Scientist and Lead of NASA-LSII.

Wes already has rich experience of crossing boundaries. An alumnus of Berklee College of Music, he played the guitar, bass, piano, drums, and more, in a broad variety of styles. Working in music production and performance, he entered science through a personal curiosity, starting with a community college course in physics and graduated summa cum laude from UC Irvine.