Research summary: 

I study the global and collective properties of quantum materials. In these systems, the presence of a large number of constituents, whose behavior and interactions are governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, often leads to the emergence of novel phenomena, singularities or patterns that are specifically macroscopic. I investigate how these effects can be understood, controlled and harnessed to develop new technologies.

Q&A:

1. Where were you educated?

I received my B.Eng. (Engineering Physics) from École Polytechnique de Montréal, and obtained my M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. Following the completion of my Ph.D., I was first a postdoctoral fellow at the Centre de Physique Théorique at École Polytechnique in France, and then at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. I then worked briefly in the industry before becoming a research fellow at the University of Bonn in Germany. I moved to the University of Northern British Columbia in November 2020.

2. What made you want to become a physicist?

At first, I was not planning to become a physicist, but an engineer. During my undergraduate studies, I had the chance to work on research projects with condensed matter physicists at École Polytechnique and at the Université de Montréal. I was impressed with their ability to investigate and control the properties of systems made of a very large number of interacting electrons. I decided to pursue graduate studies in this field.

3. Which were your favorite courses when you went to school?

In high school and CEGEP, my favorite subjects were mathematics, and the natural sciences (physics and chemistry), but I also really enjoyed French literature and history. French literature and history teachers always found ways to let these subjects shine.

4. Which courses do you enjoy teaching?

I like teaching quantum mechanics, statistical physics and many-body physics. These three subjects are foundational in modern condensed matter physics.

5. What you like about UNBC?

I am impressed by the students level: they are driven, ambitious, and I can sense they are really invested in their education. As the class sizes are small, it is also easy to interact with them. The university is also very welcoming, I have had very good interactions with other faculty members and staff.

6. What do you like about Prince George?

I am an avid skier (I was a ski instructor both in high school and CEGEP). From Prince George, it is possible to access incredible alpine ski areas like Purden and Powder King where waiting lines are quasi-nonexistent. There are also very nice cafés in central Prince George and people are friendly.