The Entangler | Spring 2020

The Spring 2020 edition of The Entangler will update you on exciting research developments and accomplishments by our students, faculty, and alumni. It’s been a turbulent 2020 thus far. The department has responded to the pandemic with resilience and ingenuity. Enjoy and stay well.

Joscelyn Van Der Veen is a winner of the Destination Physics Scholarship, a donor funded award that enables Waterloo’s top undergraduate physics students to focus on learning and the pursuit of discovery. The scholarship will support Joscelyn’s interests in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics and her aspirations to perform research that will impact society.

Justin Marchioni is a winner of the Destination Physics Scholarship, which recognizes the top undergraduates in Physics and Astronomy. The award will support Justin’s career in Physics and his aspirations to study exoplanets and galaxies in graduate school.

Dr. Alan Jamison is a new Assistant Professor, who joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Institute for Quantum Computing at Waterloo in 2020, following graduate studies at University of Washington and post graduate work at MIT. He did his undergraduate studies at Harvard University and the University of Central Florida. He has a passion for experimental research in atomic physics. Focusing on ultracold atoms and molecules, he explores a broad range of interests within the larger field of quantum simulation. His goal is to realize the potential of molecules and atoms for quantum computing. 

The Canadian Association of Physicists Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching honours faculty members who have a comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of their subject, and who possess an exceptional ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding in such a way as to lead their students to high academic achievement in physics. After decades of dedication to, and passion for, teaching in all aspects of training a physicist, Dr. Mann is recognized with the highest teaching honour that the CAP can bestow.

Waterloo researchers have captured the first composite image of a dark matter bridge that confirms the Universe is tied together by a cosmic web.

COVID-19 has affected everyone and their daily routines. Although change can be a shock to the system, we live in a time where adapting to change has never been easier thanks to the technological advancements at our disposal. Read about how this shift towards online lecturing has changed the future of teaching in our department, and how we have leveraged various tools to prepare for upcoming online courses.

Dr. Afshordi has a comprehensive and ambitious research program which spans a wide area, ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to fundamental physics, and includes a diverse spectrum of observational, numerical, and analytic components. When novel coronavirus began to sweep the globe, he turned his analytic eye from correlating fundamental physics to observational results to focus on analyzing the spread of COVID-19 around the world.

How does undergraduate study in Physics and Software Engineering translate to eCommerce? Mike Rossi's path to success sheds light on this unique connection.

With today’s complicated and ever-changing smart technology dominating the marketplace, it’s become increasingly rare to find someone enjoying the simple pleasures of a radio.  And even moreso to find someone who not only collects antique radios, but repairs and fully restores them to their former glory.

Members of the Department of Physics and Astronomy have been recognized worldwide for their great research, outstanding teaching, and scientific community work.

Can you solve it? The Sir Isaac Newton Exam, as we all know and love it, continues to offer challenging problems to high school students around the world. Flex your Physics brains with this problem from a past Sir Isaac Newton Exam!

Can you solve it? The Sir Isaac Newton Exam, as we all know and love it, continues to offer challenging problems to high school students around the world. Flex your Physics brains with this problem from the 2013 Sir Isaac Newton Exam!