Physicists in the Wild

Hosted by Aggie Branczyk

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Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2024

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EN-US

About the show

It might surprise you, but most physics PhD students eventually end up in careers outside of academia. Some leave before graduating, some leave straight after, while others pursue an academic career for years before making the transition. Yet, despite the numbers, current PhD students often find it hard to envision any career beyond the academic horizon. Why? They're simply not exposed to the countless other exciting opportunities available to them. "Physicists in the Wild" aims to change that. Join Aggie Branczyk as she interviews physicists who have turned their PhD training into diverse and often unconventional careers. From the corporate world to government, from education to finance, discover the “other” paths traveled by those with graduate training in physics. Tune in every two weeks to hear the stories of physicists in the wild. --- Aggie works at IBM as a Senior Research Scientist on the Quantum Computational Science team, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

Listen to episodes

11 recent

April 18, 2024Episode 1316 min

Jay Lowell - AMO Physics PhD to Chief Scientist in Aerospace

Aggie Branczyk interviews Jay Lowell, who did his PhD in AMO Physics and is now the Chief Scientist for Boeing Disruptive Computing & Networks. Jay shares with us his winding journey, that started with him wanting to be a fighter pilot, then led him to teaching at the airforce academy, then to managing programs at DARPA, and eventually to an interesting and varied career at Boeing. Jay reflects on the choices he made and what mattered to him as he was pursuing the career that he wanted. He talks about how he structures his work at Boeing. He also shares useful advice and insights, including how to broaden your opportunities for getting into a PhD program and the differences between the academic, government, and industry sectors. Aggie Branczyk on LinkedInJay Lowell on LinkedInPodcast video on YouTubeJay works at Boeing as a Principal Senior Technical Fellow, and the opinions shared in this podcast are his own and are not in any way endorsed by Boeing.Opening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

March 14, 2024Episode 1014 min

Amir Feizpour - Quantum Optics Postdoc to AI Startup Founder

Aggie Branczyk interviews Amir Feizpour, who did his PhD in experimental quantum optics and is now the founder & CEO of a company whose goal is to accelerate knowledge discovery for sales teams. Amir reflects on the changes, challenges, and the structured chaos of startup life, emphasizing the newfound importance of organization and health to his personal and professional development. He also offers invaluable insights into navigating the job market, the power of personal projects, and the role of community as a bedrock for personal and professional growth. Aggie Branczyk on LinkedIn.Amir Feizpour on LinkedIn.More on Aggregate Intellect:Book a meeting on calendly SubstackYouTubePodcast video on YouTube.Opening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

February 29, 2024Episode 913 min

Cristina Escoda - String Theory PhD to Venture Capital & Angel Investing

Aggie Branczyk interviews Cristina Escoda, who did her PhD in string theory, and is now the co-founder & managing partner of an early-stage biotech venture capital firm, an angel investor, and a writer. Cristina’s remarkable career takes her from physics & philosophy, to film school, to an MBA, to working on the trading floor in New York, to a hedge fund, and a stint doing data science at a life sciences startup, before joining the world of VC. In this episode, she shares how she’s interwoven her love for science and creative endeavours, and gives some words of wisdom to current physics PhD students. Aggie Branczyk on LinkedInCristina Escoda on LinkedInPodcast video on YouTubeOpening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

November 30, 2023Episode 814 min

Brigette Oakes - Experimental Physics PhD to Director of Propulsion

Aggie Branczyk interviews Brigette Oakes, who did her PhD in Engineering Physics, and is now the Director of Propulsion in the aerospace industry. Brigette shares her typical, balancing design reviews, technical advice, and leadership responsibilities for a team of 65. She discusses her journey from an individual contributor to a leadership role, and how her background in theoretical physics shaped her approach in aerospace. Brigette also sheds light on the importance of networking, even as an introvert, and embracing one's authentic self in a professional setting. She ends with some great advice about casting a wide net when exploring your career options. Aggie Branczyk on LinkedInBrigette Oakes on LinkedInPodcast video on YouTubeOpening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

November 9, 2023Episode 714 min

Riccardo Di Sipio - Particle Physics Postdoc to Senior Machine Learning Developer

Aggie Branczyk interviews Riccardo Di Sipio, who did his PhD in experimental particle physics and now works as a machine learning developer. Riccardo’s academic journey took him to the ATLAS experiment at CERN, where he contributed to groundbreaking work, including the discovery of the Higgs boson. He discusses how exciting this was but also how it ultimately led to him pursuing a career outside of academia. He shares his insights on transitioning into industry, gives us a glimpse into his day-to-day, and describes the similarities and differences between the scientific and industrial environments. He gives some solid advice to current PhD students, and stresses the value of students staying up-to-date with the latest trends in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning.Aggie Branczyk on LinkedIn. Riccardo Di Sipio on LinkedIn.Podcast video on YouTube. Opening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

October 19, 2023Episode 613 min

Emily Petroff - Astrophysics postdoc to Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships, Grants and Awards

Aggie Branczyk dives into conversation with Emily Petroff, a former Astrophysics postdoc who is now the Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships, Grants, and Awards at Perimeter Institute. Emily gives us a glimpse into her typical workweek: a dynamic mix of internal collaborations and external interactions, and describes the essential skills for success in her role. She offers genuine advice to current Ph.D. students, emphasizing the power of authentic networking and dispelling the myth that leaving academia equates to failure. Emily's path from research in radio astronomy to finding fulfillment in a non-academic career is relatable and inspiring, underscoring the rewarding discovery of new career avenues. Aggie Branczyk on LinkedInEmily Petroff on LinkedInPodcast video on YouTubeOpening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

October 5, 2023Episode 514 min

Bety Rodriguez-Milla - Condensed Matter PhD to Software Development

Aggie Branczyk interviews Bety Rodriguez-Milla, a former condensed matter physics researcher who found her niche as a software developer. Bety talks about how she discovered her love of coding during her PhD and the epiphany that led her to reconsider her plan to stay in academia. Her journey took her from project management to data engineering and ultimately to software development. Bety’s story highlights the advantages of being adaptable and open to trying new things, as well as the benefits of networking. She also offers some great tips for PhD students interested in getting into software development. Aggie Branczyk on LinkedIn.Bety Rodriguez-Milla on LinkedIn. Podcast video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eSSbq4eqCekOpening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

September 21, 2023Episode 412 min

Katiuscia Cassemiro - Quantum Optics Prof to PRX Quantum Editor

Aggie Branczyk sits down with Katiuscia Cassemiro, a former assistant professor in Quantum Optics who transitioned into the role of managing editor at PRX Quantum. Throughout the conversation, Katiuscia sheds light on the world of scientific publishing from the editor's perspective: from addressing challenges like emotional responses from authors and the shortage of referees, to the delightful and surprising aspects of her job. Katiuscia also shares why she eventually chose to change careers, and imparts valuable advice for PhD students exploring career opportunities.Aggie Branczyk on LinkedIn.Katiuscia Cassemiro on LinkedIn.Podcast video on YouTube. Opening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

September 5, 2023Episode 314 min

Juan Ignacio Cayuso - Cosmology PhD to Data Science

In this episode, Aggie Branczyk interviews Juan Ignacio Cayuso, a former cosmology PhD student from the Perimeter Institute (Waterloo, Canada) who is now thriving as a data scientist in e-commerce. Juan touches on the importance of communication, the pressures of quick decision-making, and how he managed the transition. With insights on networking, recognizing one's skills, and seeking mentorship, this episode is a guiding light for anyone contemplating a similar journey. Hear about his academic experiences, his transition to the corporate world, and rediscovering hope while forging a fulfilling career beyond traditional academic paths.Aggie Branczyk on LinkedInJuan Ignacio Cayuso on LinkedInPodcast video on YouTube Opening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.

September 4, 2023Episode 212 min

Ekaterina Babourina-Brooks - Quantum Information PhD to Education

Aggie Branczyk sits down with Ekaterina Babourina-Brooks, a former theoretical quantum information PhD student at the University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia) who moved to the UK to become a high school teacher. Ekaterina combined her physics education with an apprenticeship-style teaching program designed to accelerate the transition of professionals into teaching roles. Now she's back in Australia where she teaches physics and math. In this episode, Ekaterina talks about her day-to-day as a teacher, including the joy of student interactions and the challenges of administrative duties. She shares her experience as a PhD student and gives some practical advice for current PhD students considering teaching.Aggie Branczyk on LinkedInEkaterina Babourina-Brooks on LinkedInPodcast video on YouTube Opening music by Alexey Ivanov from Pixabay.---Aggie works at IBM as a Technical Program Manager for the Quantum Working Groups, and the opinions shared in this podcast are her own and are not in any way endorsed by IBM.