Physics - Careers Seminar

Abstract: Nearly every transformative technology we rely on today started as a deeply technical research project. We as researchers spend the better part of a decade becoming world experts in cutting-edge fields, and then, more often than not, we move on to unrelated work once we graduate. Those who stay in research do important work, but the path is long and the progress is often slow. In this seminar, I'll make the case that the expertise you're building right now may have a shorter path to real-world impact than you think. I'll share my own journey of translating doctoral research into a commercial venture. I'll discuss how we identified interest in the technology, the opportunities we recognized and acted on, and the lessons we learned along the way. 

Bio: Nathan is co-founder/CEO of Photon Queue and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. During his PhD, Nathan worked in Paul Kwiat’s Quantum Information group. His research develops free-space quantum memories that store and release single photons with low loss. At Photon Queue, he leads the efforts of translating these memory advances into practical hardware for leading quantum labs and companies. Previously, he worked at Sandia National Laboratories and has participated in programs including Chain Reaction Innovations, Duality Quantum Accelerator, and Creative Destruction Lab. Outside of work, he is also a husband and father, and enjoys DIY projects and fast vehicles.