Bason Clancy
Bason Clancy grew up in San Leandro, California, near Oakland. He attended the Colorado School of Mines, where he received a degree in Engineering Physics. Weighing his interest in physics against his interest in engineering, he went to Purdue University to pursue a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Bason still felt drawn to basic research, but took a year off school and worked for Habitat for Humanity before coming to Duke. He found the year away from academia helped him focus his interests when he did return. He is now involved in laser cooling and trapping experiments with John Thomas at Duke. Bason's research concerns fundamental properties of statistical and quantum mechanics at temperatures on the order of nanoKelvins. "It's also a lot of fun to play with lasers," he adds. Bason has been comfortable doing research and studying at Duke. "I have made some really good friends, and I appreciate how much everyone is willing to help each other out." He'd be happy to find the same atmosphere in a tech company or national lab after graduation.
Bason finds plenty to do in Durham outside the lab. He may be the department's foremost expert on the West campus gym, and knows the way to the Joyce blindfolded. He appreciates having Raleigh and Chapel Hill nearby, as well as the Durham Bulls, art galleries and restaurants of the Triangle.