Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Konrad Lehnert has been appointed as the Eugene Higgins Professor of Physics at Yale University, effective July 1. He is recognized for his contributions to quantum science, particularly in the areas of quantum measurements and technologies.
Lehnert joined Yale's Faculty of Arts and Sciences this summer after serving on the faculty at the University of Colorado, Boulder. At Boulder, he was affiliated with the JILA institute, a joint initiative between the University of Colorado and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology.
His research focuses on superconductivity and mesoscopic systems within a quantum framework, with a special emphasis on quantum noise. His work has been published in over 80 papers in leading journals such as Physics Review and Nature. Lehnert's research in quantum sensing explores new frontiers by addressing challenges related to measuring small signals without altering them due to quantum effects.
In addition to his academic achievements, Lehnert has contributed significantly to projects like Yale’s HAYSTAC axion dark matter search experiment. One notable accomplishment is his development of techniques that allow scientists to cool macroscopic objects containing billions of atoms to their quantum ground state.
Lehnert's impact on physics has earned him recognition as a Fellow of both the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also received Kavli Fellowships in 2010 and 2011 and was awarded a Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2020.
His work receives support from major grants provided by organizations such as the Office of Naval Research, National Science Foundation, and Department of Energy. Lehnert has shared his findings globally at institutions including Oxford University, Argonne National Lab, Perimeter Institute, Les Houches Physics Summer School, University of Basel, Kavli Institute among others.
At his previous position at the University of Colorado, Lehnert served as an advisor for physics students while fostering partnerships to advance quantum science as chairperson at JILA. He remains involved with advisory committees for projects like Simons Observatory and Quantum Sensors for Fundamental Physics project based in UK.
Lehnert holds a B.A. from Harvey Mudd College and completed his Ph.D. at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
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