The University of Oregon has hired a Nobel laureate in physics, to join their faculty this fall. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.
David Wineland is considered one of the world’s top leaders in the field of quantum computing. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native received his Nobel Prize in 2012, and has been a scientist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado since 1975.
U of O Provost Jayanth Banavar says he approached Wineland about joining the University, and is excited that he’s now a Knight Research Professor here.
“Quantum mechanics -which operates at the atomic scale- has the potential to create a brand new class of computers," explains Banavar.
"Really there will be a possibility to solve major societal problems, problems in medicine, problems in human health, the list goes on and on.”
Wineland’s biography on Nobel-Prize-dot-Org says he enjoys the outdoors and making model airplanes. The 73-year-old scientist’s advice to students is to find something interesting and give it their best effort, even if they may change their mind later. He considers physics more of a hobby than a job.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.
