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Dr. Arpit Dua is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Virginia Tech. Previously, he held positions including a joint Simons-IQIM postdoc at Caltech under Xie Chen and a PhD at Yale University under Meng Cheng and Liang Jiang. His research focuses on theoretical quantum information systems, with emphasis on quantum error correction, topological order, and integrating machine learning principles into physics frameworks. Education: PhD in Physics from Yale University, Postdoctoral research at Caltech. Research Interests: Quantum error correction (developing novel codes using conventional and machine learning methods), thermalization in topological systems, self-correcting models, and applying physics-based insights to AI architecture design. His current projects explore fault-tolerant protocols, fracton orders, and Floquet codes. Publications reflect contributions to topological codes, subsystem symmetries, and fracton physics. His work bridges quantum information theory with condensed matter physics.

• Theoretical Quantum Information Systems
• Quantum Error Correction
• Topological Order
• +4 more

Meng Cheng is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Yale University, specializing in condensed matter theory. He holds a B.S. from Nanjing University (2008) and a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Theory from the University of Maryland (2013). After a postdoctoral position at Microsoft Research Station Q (2013–2016), he joined Yale in 2017. His research focuses on quantum criticality, fractonic phases, and symmetric topological phases, with a particular emphasis on classification and characterization of exotic quantum matter. He has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2019) and the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2019). Key research interests include topological superconductivity, global symmetry interactions, and applications in quantum information. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with experimental implications, exploring topics like Wilson loop operators, disorder operators, and entanglement entropy in gapless systems. He has contributed to advancements in understanding symmetry-enriched topological phases and their surface topological order. Publications span high-impact journals and cover topics such as fractionalization in electronic insulators, quantum Hall effects, and topological stabilizer models. His talks highlight interdisciplinary approaches, including seminars at the Perimeter Institute and Université de Montréal on fractonic topological phases and infinite-component Chern-Simons theories. Awards and grants underscore his contributions to advancing theoretical physics, with a focus on fostering innovation in quantum materials and computational methods. Teaching and mentorship activities further his commitment to education within the Yale Physics Department.

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Criticality
• Fractonic Phases
• +3 more

Taylor L. Hughes is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly topological insulators/superconductors, quantum information/entanglement techniques, and mesoscopic transport in low-dimensional materials. His research also explores connections between high-energy physics, gravity, and condensed matter systems. Education : B.S. in Physics and Mathematics (2003, summa cum laude) from the University of Florida; Ph.D. in Physics (2009) from Stanford University under Shou-Cheng Zhang. Research Interests : Topological insulators and superconductors Quantum entanglement in condensed matter Mesoscopic transport in heterostructures Topological order and quantum Hall effect Spin-orbit coupling and low-dimensional systems Interdisciplinary links to high-energy physics Scientific Awards : Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar (2020, 2022) ONR Young Investigator Award (2015) University of Illinois Center for Advanced Study Fellowship (2014) NSF CAREER Award (2014) Dean's Award for Excellence in Research (2014) Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellow (2013) Teaching and Advising : Hughes has taught advanced courses including Condensed Matter Physics I (PHYS 560) and Special Topics in Physics (PHYS 598 CMX). He actively mentors highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students in computational and theoretical physics projects.

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Information Science
• Topological Insulators
• +5 more

Shawn Xingshan Cui is Associate Professor in the Departments of Mathematics and Physics & Astronomy at Purdue University. His research bridges low-dimensional topology, quantum field theory, and quantum information science, with focus on topological quantum computation and tensor category applications. His work develops mathematical frameworks for topological quantum computing using knot theory, Hopf algebras, and modular tensor categories. Recent publications explore quantum error correction in topological codes (Kitaev model, toric code), non-semisimple invariants of 3-/4-manifolds, and quantum circuit implementations. He leads research on constructing fault-tolerant quantum gates using topological phases and anyonic braiding. Current projects investigate Floquet codes, fracton models, and the application of neural networks to quantum state representation. His SIAM News article 'Fighting Errors with Space' highlights spatial approaches to quantum error correction. He supervises graduate students working on quantum algorithms, topological phases of matter, and mathematical foundations of quantum computation. Teaching includes MA 261: Multivariate Calculus and specialized topics in topological quantum computation.

• Topological Quantum Computing
• Quantum Information
• Low-dimensional Topology
• +3 more

Zhen Bi is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Eberly College of Science and the Department of Physics. His research focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly topological phases of matter, quantum phase transitions, quantum field theory, and 2D materials such as moiré systems. He holds a B.S. from Peking University (2008-2012), a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2012-2017), and was a Pappalardo Fellow at MIT (2017-2020). Key research areas include topological materials, quantum critical phenomena, and the interplay between symmetry and topology in condensed matter systems. Recent work explores moiré heterostructures, fractonic phases, and symmetry-protected topological states. His studies often involve novel theoretical frameworks like nonlinear sigma models and gauge theories to classify and predict exotic phases. Publications highlight contributions to understanding topological order in mixed states, symmetry-breaking-driven phases, and interaction-driven quantum Hall effects in moiré systems. His work bridges high-energy physics concepts with condensed matter systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to quantum materials.

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Theoretical Physics
• Topological Materials
• +4 more

Joaquin Rodriguez Nieva is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, specializing in quantum matter dynamics away from thermodynamic equilibrium. His research focuses on discovering universal principles governing non-equilibrium quantum systems, including thermalization, quantum chaos, and applications in quantum sensing. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT (2016), followed by postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University (2016–2019) and Stanford University (2019–2022). Research interests span computational quantum physics, magnetism, strongly correlated electron systems, and the intersection of machine learning with statistical mechanics. His work explores how quantum systems evolve dynamically, particularly in low-dimensional materials and cold atom systems, with implications for quantum technologies. Recent publications highlight studies on entanglement dynamics in chaotic systems, thermalization in Heisenberg models, and hydrodynamic behavior in magnon fluids. These contributions underscore his expertise in bridging theoretical frameworks with experimental applications in quantum materials.

• Computational Quantum Physics
• Computational Statistical Physics
• Magnetism and Superconductivity
• +5 more

Andriy Nevidomskyy is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University, serving as Chair for the Colloquium Committee. His research focuses on theoretical condensed matter physics, with expertise in strongly correlated electron systems, quantum materials, and unconventional superconductivity. Nevidomskyy investigates phenomena such as quantum spin liquids, topological phases, and emergent quantum states in frustrated magnets and heavy fermion materials. He earned an M.S. in Physics from Ivan Franko State University of Lviv (Ukraine, 2001) and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Cambridge (UK, 2005). Prior to joining Rice in 2010, he held postdoctoral positions at Université de Sherbrooke (Canada) and Rutgers University (USA). His research explores novel quantum phases in pyrochlore magnets, iron-based superconductors, and topological materials. Methodologically, he employs analytical modeling, numerical simulations, and first-principles approaches to study electron interactions and emergent phenomena. Recent work includes studies on dipolar-octupolar spin liquids, quantum criticality in Kondo insulators, and topological superconductivity. Nevidomskyy has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award and the Cottrell Scholar Award. He actively participates in interdisciplinary initiatives, such as workshops on topological superconductors at Rice’s Center for Quantum Materials (RCQM).

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Materials
• Strongly Correlated Electron Systems
• +6 more

Kevin Slagle is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University. His research focuses on deep learning and emergent phenomena in quantum matter and fundamental physics, including quantum computing, quantum simulators, and neural network architectures. He holds a Ph.D. in theoretical condensed matter physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2016) and B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the University of California, Irvine (2011). Prior to Rice, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto and a Sherman Fairchild Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech. Research Interests Theoretical Quantum Matter — Studying superconductivity, topological orders, and their experimental realizations in quantum simulators (e.g., Rydberg arrays and moiré materials). Quantum Computing — Exploring foundational aspects and applications of quantum computers, including testing quantum mechanics and characterizing noise. Neural Networks — Investigating architecture improvements and their intersections with physics. Publications Trends His recent work emphasizes quantum dynamics simulations using tensor networks, gauge theories in quantum systems, and the interplay between quantum spin liquids and topological phases. He also advances methodologies for testing quantum mechanics on NISQ devices and analyzing noise in quantum hardware. Advising & Grants Dr. Slagle's academic trajectory includes postdoctoral roles focusing on quantum matter and foundational physics. His research has been supported by grants exploring topics such as fracton order, moiré materials, and quantum simulation. He currently advises students in Rice University's Electrical and Computer Engineering department.

• Theoretical Quantum Matter
• Quantum Computing
• Quantum Simulators
• +3 more

Nat Tantivasadakarn is a Sherman Fairchild Postdoctoral Scholar and Research Associate in Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy. His research focuses on topological phases of matter, quantum computing architectures, and non-Abelian anyon systems. He explores theoretical frameworks to engineer topological order through gauging procedures, symmetry-enriched phases, and measurement-based protocols. Research areas include non-invertible symmetries, fracton models, and fault-tolerant quantum computation leveraging topological codes. He investigates protocols for creating anyons in trapped ion systems and developing scalable quantum error correction strategies. His work bridges abstract algebraic structures (e.g., cohomology invariants) with experimental realizations in quantum hardware. Key contributions involve constructing tensor networks for higher-dimensional topological phases and analyzing Nishimori transitions in quantum circuits. His research also addresses the interplay between measurement-driven dynamics and long-range entanglement, particularly in symmetry-protected topological systems. Tantivasadakarn collaborates with institutions like the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM) at Caltech. No scientific awards are explicitly listed. His advising roles and grant details remain unspecified in available texts.

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Computing
• Topological Order
• +4 more

Xingshan Cui is an Associate Professor of Mathematics and Physics at Purdue University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Physics and Astronomy under the College of Science. His research focuses on quantum topology, quantum algebra, and quantum information, with expertise in low-dimensional topology, knot theory, topological quantum field theory, and topological quantum computation. Recent work includes advancements in topological quantum computing using braiding models, quantum error correction via Floquet codes and Kitaev models, and the development of manifold invariants through Hopf algebras. He has published extensively on topics such as spin liquid models, restricted Boltzmann machines for quantum state representation, and phase diagrams in condensed matter systems. Advises graduate students in theoretical physics and mathematics. Recipient of a NSF grant for topological quantum computing research (2020). Collaborates internationally, including with researchers at UC Santa Barbara and the University of the Andes. His Erdős number is 3, connecting him to renowned mathematicians through collaborative research networks.

• Quantum Topology
• Quantum Algebra
• Quantum Information
• +5 more

Taylor L. Hughes is a Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Grainger College of Engineering. He holds the Donald Biggar Willett Faculty Scholar distinction. His research focuses on topological insulators/superconductors, quantum information/entanglement techniques, and mesoscopic transport in low-dimensional materials. He earned his bachelor's from the University of Florida (2003) and PhD from Stanford University (2009), followed by a postdoc at UIUC before joining the faculty in 2011. Research highlights include predicting quantum spin Hall states in HgTe/CdTe quantum wells, developing entanglement-based methods for topological states, and studying topological visco-elastic responses. Awards include the ONR Young Investigator Award (2015), NSF CAREER Award (2014), and Sloan Fellowship (2013). He teaches courses like PHYS 496 (Communicating in Physics) and has been recognized as an excellent teacher multiple times. Key contributions include higher-order topological insulators, electric multipole insulators, and topological defect studies. His work bridges condensed matter physics with high-energy concepts like gravitational anomalies and holography. Current research explores disordered topological systems, fractional charges at defects, and topological photonics.

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Topological Insulators/Superconductors
• Quantum Information/Entanglement
• +5 more

Jason Bennett is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont Colleges, where he teaches and conducts research at the intersection of theoretical physics, quantum information, and condensed matter theory. His academic journey includes undergraduate work at Ursinus College, a Fulbright scholarship at the University of Groningen, and graduate studies at Stony Brook University. PhD: Stony Brook University (Fractons research) Fulbright Scholar: University of Groningen (Gauge theory, Lie algebras) Undergraduate: Ursinus College (Atomic physics, high-energy theory) Professor Bennett's research focuses on unifying his previous work on fractons (a novel phase of matter) with theories of gravity derived from Lie algebras. His work spans quantum information, condensed matter physics, and high-energy theory, representing a frontier where these traditionally separate fields converge. His recent publications reflect a strong commitment to academic mentorship and education, with a particular focus on helping students overcome imposter syndrome and self-selection barriers in physics and mathematics. The blog posts and guides he has created demonstrate his dedication to improving accessibility in STEM fields and supporting students through the graduate school application process. Fulbright Research Scholarship recipient Active contributor to physics education literature Regular participant in graduate school advising and mentorship Bennett actively mentors students through research experiences and graduate school preparation, with a special emphasis on helping students combat imposter syndrome and apply to competitive programs like Fulbright scholarships and NSF REUs. His outreach extends to organizing information sessions at Scripps and Pitzer colleges and conducting interviews for Fulbright candidates. His work on the pedagogical aspects of physics education demonstrates a commitment to making the field more accessible and inclusive.

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Information
• Condensed Matter Physics
• +6 more

Thomas Schuster is a Researcher at the California Institute of Technology , affiliated with the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics. He is also a Visiting Researcher at Google Quantum AI. Ph.D. in Physics from UC Berkeley (2022) Undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley (2015) His research focuses on quantum information science, many-body physics, and their intersections with quantum computing, quantum gravity, and topological phenomena. Key areas include understanding classical hardness in quantum dynamics, pseudorandom unitaries, experimental quantum gravity, and topological codes. Recent work has advanced polynomial-time classical algorithms for noisy circuits , low-depth unitary designs , and universal protocols for quantum-enhanced sensing . Collaborations span institutions like UC Berkeley, Google Quantum AI, and Boston University. His affiliations include the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics and Google Quantum AI. Contact: schuster@caltech.edu .

• Quantum Information Science
• Many-Body Physics
• Quantum Computing
• +7 more

Leo Radzihovsky is a Professor of Distinction in the Department of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder, specializing in theoretical condensed matter physics. His research spans classical and quantum systems, including liquid crystals, superconductors, topological states, and quantum Hall effects, with a focus on universal collective behavior arising from strong interactions and fluctuations. Education: B.S./M.S. in Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1988), M.S./Ph.D. from Harvard University (1989/1993). Postdoctoral work at the University of Chicago (1993–1995) before joining CU Boulder in 1995. Research Interests: Degenerate atomic gases, superconductivity, quantum Hall systems, liquid crystals, and disordered systems. His work integrates field theory and renormalization group methods to study phase transitions and critical phenomena. Notable contributions include fracton phases, BKT transitions in super-Coulombic plasmas, and ferroelectric nematic phases. Publications: Over 140 papers in leading journals, with recent works focusing on fracton matter, quantum fluids, and topological phases, reflecting his exploration of novel states of matter and their universal properties. Awards: LeRoy Apker Award (1988), Sloan and Packard Fellowships, Simons Investigator (2014), and Fellow of the American Physical Society. He also co-founded the Boulder School for Condensed Matter and Materials Physics. Grants/Leadership: NSF CAREER Award, Simons Foundation support, and leadership roles in the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics. His research bridges classical 'soft' and quantum 'hard' condensed matter systems, emphasizing universality across scales. Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, including with experimental groups (e.g., Joseph Maclennan and Noel Clark on liquid crystals), and theoretical initiatives like the fracton-Elasticity duality framework.

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Matter
• Soft Matter Physics
• +5 more

Yizhi You is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Northeastern University. His research focuses on theoretical quantum many-body physics, particularly topological phases (both equilibrium and non-equilibrium), fractons, higher-rank gauge theories, quantum entanglement, and decoherence effects in open systems. He explores how decoherence impacts topological states and designs quantum information metrics to detect dynamical phase transitions. Education: Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2017), advised by Eduardo Fradkin. Previous appointments include PCTS Fellow at Princeton University (2017–2020) and a Graduate Fellowship at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (2015). Research Interests: Decoherence-driven phase transitions in open quantum systems Modulated symmetries and their role in topological phases Subsystem symmetries and anomalous boundary states Fracton physics and higher-rank gauge theories Quantum information tools for phase detection Recent work emphasizes mixed-state topological systems and their intrinsic properties, along with novel approaches to quantify quantum complexity in decoherence scenarios. His publications span advanced theoretical frameworks for understanding topological order and critical phenomena in non-equilibrium settings. Awards: PCTS Fellow (Princeton Center for Theoretical Science, 2017–2020) Graduate Fellow, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (2015) Advising: Open to prospective Ph.D. students enrolled in the Northeastern Physics Graduate Program. Current research opportunities focus on topological systems under decoherence and quantum information applications.

• Quantum Many-Body Physics
• Topological Phases (Equilibrium and Non-equilibrium)
• Fracton and Higher-Rank Gauge Theory
• +5 more