Dear Readers,Ìý
Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of the Entangler. It is my privilege to be the acting department chair as our leadership transitions from Professor Brian McNamara as former chair to Professor David Hawthorn as future chair.Ìý
I wish to start my message with an expression of deep gratitude to Brian for his unwavering commitment to leading our department over the last eight years. Thank you, Brian!Ìý
We have also experienced some retirements since our last edition. Last month, we celebrated the careers of Professors Guenter Scholz, Melanie Campbell and Robert Mann. We are deeply indebted to these three academics who have played such a pivotal role in the evolution of the department in many ways.Ìý
As you may be aware, universities in Canada are under financial strain, and this is also true for the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. In response, the institution is addressing its fiscal responsibilities by planning a return to a balanced budget over the next three years. While there is some belt-tightening required, our department is full of talented teachers and researchers, our student numbers are as strong as ever, and we are in excellent health to navigate these difficult financial times.Ìý
Turning to much more exciting science news, research activity in the department continues to flourish and is highlighted by articles in this term’s edition of The Entangler. Professor Will Percival is a lead investigator and spokesperson for the international Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration, which recently shared groundbreaking results on the nature of dark energy. Professor Roger Melko is combining artificial intelligence and quantum computing to tackle new challenges in scaling up quantum computers. Professor Anton Burkov had his theoretical predictions for topological quantum materials brought to life. We are also delighted to congratulate Professor Kostadinka Bizheva on being named a 2025 Optica Fellow.Ìý
In student news, it is a pleasure to congratulate Michelle Kao on winning the Faculty of Science co-op student of the year award for 2024. Michelle is a 3rd year student in the physics and astronomy program. Michelle exemplifies the talented and hardworking students in our academic programs.Ìý
With Convocation around the corner, 150 new graduates will join the world outside the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. Whether they are leaving for the professional world or furthering their studies, it is an exciting and invigorating time for students and graduates, and we hope they never lose their curiosity and passion for learning.Ìý
I hope you enjoy this issue of The Entangler. If you have news you would like to share or a story idea for the next issue, please let us know!Ìý
Robert HillÌý
Acting Chair, Department of Physics and AstronomyÌý
