Alexander R.H. Smith

Alexander R.H. Smith, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Saint Anselm College and holds an adjunct appointment at Dartmouth College. His research employs information-theoretic methods to investigate quantum theory and gravitational physics, focusing on quantum time dilation, relational quantum mechanics, and quantum field theory in curved spacetimes.

Education

• Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, University of Waterloo, Canada (2017)
• Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, Macquarie University, Australia (2017)
• M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics, University of Toronto, Canada (2012)
• B.Sc. in Physics, University of Waterloo, Canada (2011)

Academic Appointments

• Assistant Professor of Physics, Saint Anselm College (2020–present)
• Adjunct Assistant Professor, Dartmouth College (2020–present)
• Junior Fellow, Society of Fellows, Dartmouth College (2017–2020)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (2017–2019)

Research Interests

Smith's research adopts John Wheeler's 'radically conservative' approach, pushing quantum theory and general relativity to their extremes. Key areas include:

• Quantum Time Dilation: Exploring quantum corrections to relativistic time dilation using superposed clocks.
• Relational Quantum Physics: Developing frameworks for quantum reference frames to eliminate classical dependencies.
• Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime: Studying operational probes like Unruh-DeWitt detectors to analyze spacetime effects.
• Satellite-Based Tests: Leveraging quantum technologies for experimental tests of general relativity.

Publication Trends

Recent articles (2019–2021) concentrate on quantum time dilation, relational dynamics, and entanglement in curved spacetimes, with experimental implications for fundamental physics. Earlier work (2016–2018) established foundations in quantum reference frames and relativistic quantum information.

Awards and Fellowships

• Junior Fellow, Society of Fellows, Dartmouth College (2017–2020)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, NSERC Canada (2017–2019)

Smith teaches undergraduate physics courses including Calculus-Based Physics, Classical Mechanics, and Quantum Mechanics.