Patrick Banner – MWC 55th Anniversary Scholar
1st Year Scholar, PhD candidate
Physics
University of Maryland

Research: 
This research spans atomic, optical, and detector physics. The primary research uses strongly interacting atoms to make light and matter interact in ways that can be used for both studies of fundamental few-body physics problems that cannot be solved analytically, as well as emerging quantum technologies – especially quantum networks. The results have application in specialized detector design as well as quantum computer design.

How Will Your Research Benefit Society?
My work in atomic and optical physics promises not only to advance scientific knowledge of systems that are hard to study analytically, but also to improve emerging quantum networking technologies. Quantum technology promises, among other things, totally secure communication with new encryption standards, and it will be desirable for this communication to occur over long-distance quantum networks. My research will improve a platform that can serve as a node in a quantum network, ideally making these network nodes sufficiently robust, deterministic, and error-free that they can serve as the foundation for true quantum networks.

I am also interested in the sociological aspects of physics graduate education. My work in physics graduate student mental health will provide data that can support changes to physics graduate programs that will ameliorate mental health struggles in these programs. Not only do mental health struggles result in economic losses for institutions, but scientific research is extremely complex work. I hope this research will ultimately create more resilient, more productive, more daring, and more innovative scientists.

How will an ARCS Award Benefit Your Research?
On the personal side, some of my salary supports my family, and additional funds would relieve a great deal of financial stress, allowing me to be more productive in all aspects of my research. Additional funds will also allow me to engage in professional travel to attend conferences and workshops in my fields of research. Finally, I believe a critical portion of the award is the ability to develop a network of connections among ARCS members and alumni. Networking is crucial for a scientist to develop ideas and innovation, and I believe discussions with fellow ARCS physicists could provide insights for both my current research and future professional development.

Career objectives:
My research experience makes me well-suited to continue innovative work in quantum science, and I hope to bring my various fields of expertise to a position in academia. My work in atomic and device physics makes me well-suited to help students understand experimental techniques, visualize physics concepts, and develop wonder about the natural world. Thinking about student mental health not only makes me a more compassionate instructor, but also expands my belief in what it means to “do physics,” which are epistemological goals I hope to communicate in my classrooms. I believe this combination of traits will help me be effective in training new generations of scientists and innovators.