Home Institution: Michigan State University
Research Project: Quantum Computing with Trapped Ions
UW Mentor(s): Boris Blinov

Q: What are your physics/science interests?
I believe in the immense potential of the building of a quantum computer and the realization of its infrastructure coming from condensed matter research. I also find myself enjoying programming, and would like to do physics research where I can do a lot of programming.

Q: What are your other interests?
I love to cook and listen to heavy metal, sometimes do both at the same time. I also enjoy lifting, playing basketball, and urban exploring.

Q: What would you like to do after college?
My plan is to go to graduate school, possibly in Europe, and get a PhD in condensed matter or nuclear physics.

Q: Tell us one strange but interesting fact about yourself.
I like to talk like Marlon Brando from the Godfather sometimes.

Q: What first sparked your interest in Physics?
Sci-fi media, from the Mass Effect series, to random pop-sci TV shows such as Through the Wormhole, stretched my imagination and inspired me to challenge myself to understand the mysterious phenomena in physics. I used to think, (and still do) that helping make the technology we see in sci-fi possible would be really cool.

Q: If you could have any pet what would it be?
I want a parrot that I can teach how to do black metal vocals, because it's already been done with death metal.

Q: If you had a free month and unlimited funds, how would you spend your time?
I'd go on the most glorious food trip around the world that would make Anthony Bourdain jealous. Also, I would go to the gigantic heavy metal festivals in Europe and South America.

Q: If you could get a grant to study anything what would it be?
Aside from the realization of a quantum computer, It would be great if we can find a way to reliably mine asteroids ASAP.