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Nisarga P

- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Expertise

Theoretical quantum physics, Quantum information, condensed matter physics, mathematics

Bio

I'm a PhD student at MIT studying theoretical quantum physics broadly and condensed matter theory more specifically. A lot of my research deals with topics in magnetism, superconductivity, and topological phases of quantum matter. I've also done research in quantum field theory and general relativity, and I studied lots of fascinating topics in mathematics as an undergraduate math major at Harvard. Outside of physics I enjoy futsal, rock climbing and (learning to play the) guitar. I've also been tutoring and mentoring students in advanced math and physics since my undergraduate days.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Perspectives on quantum entanglement

Quantum entanglement, what Einstein called "spooky action at a distance", is perhaps the most profound concept separating quantum mechanics from all physics before it. It plays a role in modern research topics ranging from quantum computing to the black hole information paradox. In this project you will write a scientific research paper reviewing the theoretical foundation of entanglement after reviewing the relevant literature and going in-depth into one of the following modern topics related to quantum entanglement: - Entanglement entropy in quantum systems - The black hole information paradox - ER = EPR - Quantum computation

Quantum engineering and computing

Many scientists believe we are in the midst of a 2nd revolution in quantum physics. Leading the way is the development of quantum computers using a variety of approaches: superconducting qubits, Majorana-based qubits, trapped ions, Rydberg atoms, et cetera. Simultaneously, fields such as spintronics and topological materials hold much promise for a variety of applications. The advances on the technology front are accompanied by a rich new understanding of the role of entanglement in quantum systems, the rapid advancement of theoretical quantum information, the development of near-term quantum algorithms starting with Shor's algorithm in the 1990s, quantum error correction and it's universality across multiple disciplines, and so on. In this project you will write a research-style paper after doing a deep dive into either the technological or theoretical side of recent advances, or a mixture of both.

Coding skills

Python, MatLab, Mathematica

Teaching experience

I've tutored dozens of high school and college students in a variety of math and science subjects! I've also been a Teaching Fellow for undergraduates at Harvard where I won the Physics Department's White Prize for Excellence in Teaching.

Credentials

Education

Harvard University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2019)
Mathematics
Harvard University
MA Master of Arts (2019)
Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Physics

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