I’m an Assistant Essays Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Portland, Oregon.

Teaching

This semester I’m teaching PHY 205 General Physics and PHY 376 Modern Physics Lab. I’m also leading a directed study and reading group on the philosophy of science.

Research

My research is in quantum theory, with a focus on quantum foundations, quantum information, and quantum decoherence. See my list of publications. I also have an interest in biophysics and the philosophy of science.

My research in the news: Nature (2013) | Washington Post | NBC News | BBC News | ScienceNews | Technology Review | Physics Central | PhysicsWorld | Nature (2008)

I’m author and editor of two books on quantum theory:

  • Elegance and Enigma: The Quantum Interviews (Springer, 2011) features interviews with physicists and philosophers about the deep questions of quantum theory.
  • Decoherence and the Quantum-to-Classical Transition (Springer, 2007) is a textbook covering all aspects of decoherence, from technical to philosophical.
    “Excellent.” —E. Merzbacher, Physics Today
    “Thorough and readable.” —A. Zeilinger, Nature
    “Highly recommended.” —N. P. Landsman, Studies
    “A must-have.” —C. Kiefer, Physik-Journal

Other activities

  • I’m a Series Editor for the Springer series The Frontiers Collection and Quantum Science and Technology; member of the editorial board of the new journal Quanta; and member of the Foundational Questions Institute.
  • Language Assessment in Higher Education