JQI Fellow Mohammad Hafezi has been named a 2020 Simons Investigator in Physics by the New York-based Simons Foundation. Simons Investigator Awards in Mathematics, Physics, Astrophysics and Computer Science support outstanding theoretical scientists in their most productive years, when they are establishing creative new research directions, providing leadership to the field and effectively mentoring junior scientists.
Hafezi is an associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Physics, and is also affiliated with the Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics and the Quantum Technology Center. He is known for his contributions to the creation and characterization of quantum many-body and topological systems. He has studied cold atoms, superconducting qubits and photons, and has helped shape the field of topological photonics. Some of his current interests include the efficient characterization and measurement of many-body properties in quantum simulators. His research group is currently exploring the application of quantum optics to create, probe and manipulate correlated electron systems.
Simons Investigators are appointed for an initial period of five years with the option for renewal for an additional five years, upon the evaluation of scientific impact of the Investigator. An Investigator receives research support of $100,000 per year, and an additional $10,000 per year is provided to the Investigator’s department.
Hafezi will be honored at the MPS Annual Meeting on October 15 and 16, either at the Simons Foundation in New York, NY, or virtually.
This story was originally published by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the A. James Clark School of Engineering at UMD. It has been adapted here with minor changes.