What led you to pursue a postdoctoral position in Physics at U of T?

U of T has some of the strongest researchers in quantum technology and computer science in the world. For example, my hosts here, Yong Baek Kim and Juan Carrasquilla, are both celebrated figures in their own fields: condensed matter physics and machine learning. Here I can pursue quantum science while learning about the cutting-edge development of AI from the Vector Institute. On the other hand, I hoped to explore a different country after spending the past ten years in the US!

Where did you complete your Ph.D.? What was the topic of your Ph.D. thesis, and what motivated you to do research in it?

I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin (another UT!). I was fortunate to be advised by physicist Andrew C. Potter and computer scientist Scott Aaronson. My dissertation, titled "Exploring Quantum Matter in the Era of Quantum Computers," focused on leveraging quantum computing to study complex quantum systems.

The motivation behind developing quantum computers is twofold: theoretically, quantum computers have the potential to tackle problems that are intractable for classical computers; practically, modern chip manufacturing is approaching the quantum regime, making the development of quantum technologies an urgent and inevitable task.

Could you describe the focus of your current research as a postdoc? What inspired or motivated you to pursue this specific research area?

As a child, I was fascinated by the universe and wondered: What fundamental principles govern both the stars and the Earth? This curiosity led me to a physics major at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I was introduced to mind-blowing concepts like quantum entanglement. Soon, I began asking deeper questions: How does our understanding of quantum physics advance quantum computation? And how can quantum computers help us better understand physics? These questions led to the first major direction of my current research.

In recent years, the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence—exemplified by large language models—have demonstrated the transformative power of AI in computation. This naturally leads to another question: How can AI be leveraged to tackle the theoretical and engineering challenges in quantum physics and quantum computing? My second research direction focuses on harnessing AI to push the boundaries of quantum science.

By bridging these two fields—quantum computation and artificial intelligence—I aim to contribute to the future of computing and deepen our understanding of the quantum world.

Have you collaborated with other researchers or departments during your postdoc? How have these collaborations enhanced your research?

Yes! During my postdoc at U of T, I have engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations that have significantly enriched my research. I attend group meetings led by Dvira Segal (U of T Chemistry) and Nathan Wiebe (U of T Computer Science), where I benefit greatly from both formal discussions and informal exchanges with their group members.

Beyond U of T, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from institutions worldwide, including Perimeter Institute, Princeton, ETH Zurich, and U Tokyo. These collaborations not only keep me informed about the latest advancements across different fields but also help me stay open-minded about innovative approaches and emerging research directions.

How do you believe your research contributes to the broader field or addresses current challenges?

Since my appointment in September 2023, my research has contributed to multiple key areas at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. These include:

1. Quantum Complexity – Advancing our understanding of the computational power and limitations of quantum systems;
2. Physical Applications of Quantum Computers – Exploring how quantum devices can be leveraged for simulating quantum;
3. Quantum Error Correction – Developing strategies to enhance the improve the quantum processors’ robustness to noise;
4. Machine Learning for Quantum Science – Utilizing AI to optimize quantum simulations and improve quantum hardware control; and I’m excited that some of our papers have been published in top-tier journals like Nature Communications and PRX Quantum. One of our works was even featured in PRX’s special collection celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, highlighting its relevance to the broader physics community.

What challenges have you encountered in your research, and how have you worked to overcome them?

When I first started working in quantum computing during graduate school, I had little background in computer science and computational complexity. This initially felt like a big challenge, but I quickly learned an important lesson: Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone.

To bridge the gap, I first exposed myself in the field—attending lectures and engaging in discussions with experts (I recall that I asked many naïve questions!). After a few months, I took on an open problem that Scott Aaronson suggested. Having a concrete problem to work on significantly boosted my motivation and accelerated my learning.

What ways has your postdoctoral experience contributed to your professional development?

My postdoctoral experience has significantly contributed to my professional development in several key ways:

• Teamwork – I’ve learned that no one can be the best in all aspects, so it’s crucial to collaborate with experts across different disciplines. Engaging with colleagues from physics, computer science, and chemistry has sharpened my ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with people from different backgrounds.
• Adaptability – As a postdoc, I often encounter new methods, tools, and ideas, especially when working at the intersection of different fields. The ability to quickly learn and adapt to novel techniques has been essential.
• Time Management – While academic research doesn’t always have strict deadlines like in industry, I’ve learned to be self-motivated. I set weekly agendas and milestones to track progress efficiently, ensuring that projects move forward and that I meet submission deadlines.

Beyond these, my postdoc experience has strengthened my ability to mentor students and think about the long-term impact of my work. It has been an invaluable period of growth, both as a researcher and as an individual.

Are you actively involved in departmental activities or events? How do you engage with the department's academic and social community?

Yes, I am actively involved in the Physics Department’s activities and social events. The department organizes a variety of gatherings (seminars, coffee hours, parties, etc.), and I attend whenever possible. After work, we often hang out at local bars, and occasionally, we even plan road trips together.

What are your future career aspirations after completing your postdoc?

In the fall, I will be moving to UCLA as a Quantum Postdoctoral Fellow to further pursue my passion for AI and quantum computing. Returning to Southern California feels fulfilling, as this is where my journey as a physicist began. My long-term career goal is to become a faculty member or a research scientist.

What advice would you give to graduate students or early-career researchers considering a postdoc? Are there lessons learned during your postdoc that you believe would be valuable for others in the field?

I encourage graduate students to plan their careers ahead of time. When applying for positions, it's important to recognize that postdoc roles often require different skills than industry positions. Rather than hedging your bets on both, I recommend focusing on what you truly want.

Based on my personal experience, being a postdoc offers more freedom to choose your projects compared to working in a company. If that’s something you value, then a postdoc position might be a great choice for you!