間眅埶AV

"  I chose 間眅埶AV in part for the proximity to the beautiful Pacific North-West, but also for its strength in meaningful applied research and the interdisciplinary culture of the physics department.  "
 

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Hamish Johnson

July 14, 2025
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Physics master's student in the Faculty of Science

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

Curiosity and grit have been the drive behind most of my choices in life, this is especially true when in comes to inspiring my research. Maybe my family helped foster it, or maybe it was from watching too much How its Made and Mythbusters, but I have found myself especially interested in how we use technology to interact with the world beyond our senses; from photography and audio recording to quantum sensing and signal processing. Ultimately this has pushed me to physics where I found really interesting problems to work on in astroparticle physics and now quantum information. New discoveries and projects pushing our capabilities in quantum communication and processing are what compelled me to pursue graduate studies and continue growing.

Why did you choose to come to 間眅埶AV?

I chose 間眅埶AV in part for the proximity to the beautiful Pacific North-West, but also for its strength in meaningful applied research and the interdisciplinary culture of the physics department. The opportunity to contribute to Canadas quantum infrastructure here made it an easy choice.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

We are applying advanced optics and quantum materials to enable communication between and future generations of quantum computing.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Quantum-networking, Photonics, Space optics

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

I am new into the program but so far they have given me a breadth of technical knowledge in understanding data presenting across many sub-fields.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

Being the recipient of the Darcy & Karina Biagioni Family Graduate Scholarship this year is helping me balance school, work, and family life by removing some strain and allowing me to focus more deeply on education and community. I hope to use this support to contribute to science outreach and education in British Columbia.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

The importance of a grit mindset and mental resilience in growing. These qualities are essential to contributing in research but also help support ones mental health outside of work.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Advocate for yourself and practice setting boundaries. Keep a planner to manage your time and foster connections with friends that keep you in check as much as they support you.

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