What was the focus of your research and who did you work with?
I studied equilibrium and non-equilibrium many-body quantum phases of matter, often making use of simple toy models and general mathematical frameworks. My PhD advisor was Michael Levin, but I also worked with other professors and postdocs at U Chicago and elsewhere.

Was there a moment during your PhD when you thought, “Yes, this is why I do physics”?
There were a few “ah-ha” moments that were particularly memorable. One example was when I was on a run, listening to Taylor Swift, and the image of the solution to a problem I had been stuck on for over a month finally came to me. I was so excited and started immediately working out the solution when I got back. There were also many fun meetings with collaborators that made me walk away happy and excited and thankful that I get to do physics.

What are you doing now, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am doing much the same as I was during my PhD! But with more multitasking on different projects. As a postdoc, I am enjoying the freedom I have to focus on research and spend time with other people in my field at conferences/workshops. I will have more responsibilities once I start my faculty position.

What is something you are proud of from your time here?I am proud of the projects I continued pursuing even after being stuck with little progress for months (and even years!) (and I’m thankful for the people who stayed with me through those long periods of being stuck!). These projects gave me faith that, often, after I sit with a project long enough, the answer will reveal itself.

What do you miss most about being part of the department community?I felt that the theory group at U Chicago was very cozy — it was small enough for everyone to know each other well and even know what most people are working on. A lot of people (not only students and postdocs but also faculty) would regularly eat lunch together, chat at the coffee machine, and gather for happy hour on Fridays.

How did you find support or inspiration when things got challenging?Thankfully I had a great advisor and other mentors in the physics department who always gave me thoughtful advice. I also had a wonderful roommate, bible study group, church community, climbing group, running group, and family that helped me through challenging times like the pandemic.

What advice would you give to future PhD students?