Interview with Dot Pio

Dot Pio is a Master student at DTU and University of Copenhagen

Where are you studying and which degree?

I am studying Quantum Engineering at DTU, and I am doing my master thesis at University of Copenhagen in the SQUID Lab, working with superconducting quantum computing. During my studies I studied abroad at University of California, Santa Cruz, and Technical University of Munich. Studying abroad was fun and challenging at the same time – and I really recommend it, because you truly grow in ways you never thought you would, and you get so much perspective on your life, the world, and your role in it.

What motivated you to study physics or engineering?

My interest emerged when I was 13-14 years old. I started really observing nature, wondering what bricks it was made of at the smallest level, and what forces held it together. Looking at the sunset, I wanted to understand why the horizon was red at sunset while the sky above was still blue. I wanted to understand why: if you mix all colors of paint it turns black, but if you mix all colors of light it turns white. The wanting-to-understand-everything led me to start with the fundamental bricks of the universe: The particles. I felt like there was some inherent truth hidden in the small world, which is what motivated me to pursue quantum physics. 

What has been your favorite course or topic within physics so far?

My favorite topic is definitely everything quantum. My newfound passion is quantum computing, but prior to this I worked with quantum optics, looking at how light interacts with atoms, and how we can use it in the technology of the future, such as in quantum sensing!

Tell us about a cool project that you have done or are working on right now!

Right now I am beginning my journey into a new and hot topic: Quantum computing. Will we get a functioning quantum computer in the future? Only time (and hard work and dedication) will tell. In my master project at University of Copenhagen I am working with a specific type of quantum gates in quantum computers called two-qubit gates. Achieving a high precision and an efficient way of doing these will be a cornerstone in achieving feasible quantum computing, so I am super excited about this project. I absolutely love the group of people in the SQUID Lab; it is such a lovely and inspiring atmosphere to be in.

What sort of career do you imagine for yourself after your physics studies?

After having studied for so many years it is almost hard to imagine life after studies [haha]. Though, I definitely imagine myself geeking out with some quantum technology, probably through a PhD in Denmark or abroad, but it could also be a job that I find interesting. I am at a point in my life where I have witnessed the unpredictability of life, so I am really just (a) following my passion, (b) always looking out for opportunities, and most importantly (c) taking one day at a time.

What does being a physicist mean to you?

This is a wonderful question. I’ve pondered about this a lot, especially through my Instagram platform @mindfulphysicist, where I want to show that – indeed – physicists are not necessarily introverted people who spend all their time solving equations and who have no time for fun. Quite the contrary, I find that myself – and my friends and colleagues – are fun, pretty extroverted, multi-faceted people who just happen to be very nerdy and interested in physics. Being a physicist to me is being curious about the world and allowing oneself to feel stupid in order to get smarter. It’s also about liking mathematics and programming, and about having enough stamina to have to try 99 different methods before you find the 100th method that works. In that way, being a physicist is a lot like being a human: You try out different things until you find something that works. Just with a slightly more technical twist.

What advice would you give to young people (in particular women and minorities) who would like to study physics?

Follow your inner spark, look out for opportunities, and have fun! Never lose the sense of having fun while you are learning – it’s the single most important thing. And be yourself: Your best shot in your career is to show up exactly as who you are and making your career suit you instead of trying to fit into someone else’s expectations. Show ‘em! You got this!