Zeling Chen is a PhD student in the Nanophotonics Lab in the Department of Physics. His research focuses on free-electron interactions with photonic modes or materials in free space. His previous work includes two main areas: the theoretical upper limit of free-electron–photon quantum coupling strength in arbitrary geometries, and broadband measurements of quantum surface response functions. These studies have motivated him to explore the possibility of utilizing free electrons in electron microscopy to probe and control quantum material properties, such as topological phase transitions and unconventional superconductivity. To achieve these goals, Zeling aims to advance his understanding of theoretical frameworks and computational methods in condensed matter physics, particularly for 2D materials, fractional Chern insulators, and related systems.