Javier Lopez Piqueres

Javier is a Physics PhD Candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, working under the supervision of Prof. Romain Vasseur. His research interests are in Nonequilibrium Quantum Many-Body Dynamics. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Physics from Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris and received his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid.

Question & Answer

What is a problem you dream of solving (with quantum)?

As a trained condensed matter theorist, I would love to understand better the role of quantum entanglement in the dynamics of many-body systems.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?

When I was a teenager I read about Alexander von Humboldt’s adventures and discoveries. I was a bit disappointed that most scientists’ lives I read about were somewhat boring but his was nothing short of extraordinary. So I guess he was the coolest scientist/explorer I could think of (until I read Richard Feynman’s autobiography), and just because of that I would pick him.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

F*** optimism. Just get it done.

What are people often surprised to know about you?

That I’ve lived in 5 different countries.