What sparked your interest in physics?

I’ve been fascinated by physics for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Montenegro, I was always drawn to big questions about the universe—why things work the way they do, what the fundamental laws governing reality are. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a more structured interest in theoretical physics.

Can you tell us more about your academic journey?

At 16, I moved to the Netherlands after receiving a scholarship to attend UWC Maastricht, an international school that emphasized academic excellence and cross-cultural understanding. It was a significant transition that exposed me to new perspectives and challenges. After graduating in 2017, I pursued my undergraduate degree at Cornell University, where I developed a deeper understanding of physics and gained valuable research experience. In 2021, I began my Ph.D. at the University of Toronto, focusing on fundamental questions in theoretical physics.

Can you give us a brief summary of your research?

My research explores unresolved questions within the Standard Model, such as the origin of dark matter, the matter-antimatter asymmetry, and the nature of neutrino masses. One of the frameworks I study is the Mirror Twin Higgs model, which proposes a hidden twin sector of particles that could explain the Higgs boson's unexpectedly low mass while also providing a potential dark matter candidates. We studied how existence of such sectors can help us answer the question of why there is more matter than anti-matter in our universe. If such a model is realized in nature, it could have observable consequences in future experiments, including specific astrophysical and collider signatures. Understanding the interplay between this hidden sector and the Standard Model could provide key insights into why our universe looks the way it does.

Additionally, I work on improving Quantum Field Theory (QFT) techniques to better describe the high-temperature conditions of the early universe. Standard QFT approaches fail when dealing with the extreme conditions that existed just after the Big Bang. By developing new theoretical tools, we can make more precise predictions about cosmological phase transitions, especially focusing on ones that might occur in models with complex dark sectors. This has profound implications for the study of gravitational waves, which could serve as a direct probe of new physics beyond the Standard Model. My research aims to bridge the gap between fundamental theory and observational data, helping us better understand the forces that shaped the early universe.

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

Outside of research, I’m a competitive wrestler and a member of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues wrestling team. I have placed twice in 5th position at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference. Wrestling provides a physical and strategic challenge that complements my research—it requires discipline, problem-solving, and perseverance, much like theoretical physics. It also offers a valuable balance to the abstract nature of my academic work, reinforcing the importance of persistence and adaptability.

What advice would you give to aspiring physicists?

First and foremost, curiosity is key. The most exciting discoveries in physics come from asking deep, fundamental questions and not being afraid to challenge existing ideas. Learning physics can be difficult, and there will be moments of frustration, but persistence and resilience are essential. Don’t hesitate to seek out mentors, collaborate with peers, and engage in research as early as possible—it’s one of the best ways to develop an intuition for physics. Finally, keep an open mind. Some of the most fascinating developments in physics come from unexpected places.