Sergey Syzranov

Professor Sergey Syzranov (C4) is an associate professor in theoretical condensed matter physics.

How did you first become interested in your field?

It was in high school, it was a pretty natural transition for me. I was interested in mathematics in middle school, and this interest evolved into physics because physics is closer to real systems. So, I had to apply to college, and I was pretty set on what I would do.

What is your favorite topic to research?

Well, my field of research is condensed matter physics, broadly theoretical condensed matter physics, so a lot of my research has to do with disordered systems, systems of randomly located defects; such defects are normally considered as something detrimental to the properties of a system, and I explore new phenomena that arise as a result of impurities. My main direction of research is related to that: there are spin liquids, physics and ultracold atoms, and there are just side directions.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a physicist?

It’s hard to imagine that. Well, maybe I would be a web designer, something related to computers.

Do you have any advice for students interested in pursuing physics?

Well, lots of advice applies to a lot of different lives, but just some key advice, not necessarily related to physics only: try to identify what one is especially good at, such as doing analytical calculations, doing numerics, doing experiments, just working in the lab and trying to develop that talent.

Written By Madison Ding