Duke Physics

Horacio Carias

Horacio Carias was born in Bronx, NY and grew up within walking distance of Yankee Stadium. He moved to Orlando, Fl at the age of eleven. He finished his last two years of high school at Flushing High School in Queens, NY, the oldest public high school in New York City. After graduating from high school, he returned to Orlando to complete his undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida. While attending UCF, Horacio worked in three different research groups, learning organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, cell biology, nanosynthesis and nanophotonics. After earning degrees in chemistry and physics, Horacio decided to attend Duke for his graduate work. He is fond of the climate in North Carolina, though he often longs for Florida's afternoon thunderstorms.

At Duke, Horacio works in the group of Professor David Beratan where he investigates inelastic electron tunneling in molecules as well as methods for rational drug design via discrete optimization. He enjoys applying the tools of physics to the problems of chemistry.

When he is not working at his desk or dreaming about physics, Horacio enjoys spending time with lifting weights, high intensity cardio training, and reading. Horacio also participates in the BOOST program to encourage local middle school students to pursue careers in science.