Welcome to U of T Physics Dr. Harlick!

Why did you decide to go into physics? What was your inspiration?

I have never really chosen physics, it has chosen me. I had some troubles sorting out my university admission and ended up in physics in my first year. I found it very hard, but I loved what the classes did to my brain. So at the end of the year, I was considering switching majors (into something that could marry math, which I realized I was OK at) and foreign languages (which I wanted to pursue). Having heard that, one of my professors asked me why and I told him I find physics hard (unlike the best students in my class) and I do not feel like I am like other physicists. He told me this is exactly the reason why I should stay, as physics needs more people like that. I am not sure if he said that to every doubting student, or if he saw something in me I haven’t seen in myself, but I think about it often.

Can you tell us a little bit about your educational background?

I have two MSc degrees (one from Poland and one from Memorial University), both in condensed matter physics and a PhD in the same field. As I have always wanted to be a teacher, I also have completed my Teaching Certificate (so I am qualified and certified to teach high school physics in Poland).

What was the topic of your PhD thesis and why?

“Elastic properties of porous silicon superlattices”, because I love the experimental aspect of physics. I was fascinated by systems that exist in the range in which approximations are not justified and I love the organized nature of crystalline structures. So I ruined some beautiful crystalline silicon with hydrofluoric acid and checked how the multilayered structures with pores respond when light is scattered on them.

You have taught courses at Memorial University and at the University of Calgary. What do you enjoy most about teaching and why?

I enjoy how complicated the learning process is. I am amazed and curious about the multivariable nature and the non-linear character of it. In order to accommodate it, you need to diversify your teaching, try new things, not be afraid to adjust, accept feedback, re-evaluate, unlearn what you thought worked, and learn to do it differently. So my favourite thing about teaching is how dynamic of a process it is. This doesn’t mean I do not care about my students – they are the driving force behind the process and the only reason why it makes sense.

What do you like to do when you are not teaching and learning physics?

I love exploring: visiting new places, checking out new areas and going to the towns/cities/districts I have never been to. If I haven’t seen it, I am definitely interested in checking it out.

I am pretty boring in the hobby department: I like to read, watch movies and TV series, I am a decent cook but a terrible baker and I enjoy doing many artistic things that I am hilariously bad at.

I decompress by doing embroidery and playing video games (and I used to not ever tell anyone that, but the truth is, I like it).

What are you most looking forward to about being in Toronto?

Exploration of the city and working with people!

Ania Harlick's LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ania-harlick-a7b415129/?originalSubdomain=ca