Stefan Zeppetzauer

• PhD student
• EQUS
• University of Queensland
• Road-tripping around QLD (2023), Bendigo to Adelaide (2022)

What do you do?

I design and build artificial atoms, microwave resonators, and use them to try and construct new types of clock to investigate the fundamental nature of time. 

How did you get to where you are today?

I was always interested in the Universe, which is why I started studying astronomy in Vienna.  However, after hearing a lecture about quantum mechanics, I was so intrigued by all the strange and counterintuitive phenomena that I switched to physics and specialised in quantum optics.  After finishing my master’s degree, I moved to Brisbane in late 2021 to start my PhD in circuit quantum electrodynamics. 

What advice would you give to someone considering studying physics?

Almost everyone who gets into physics feels overwhelmed by the scope and intimidated by the complexity at first.  The important thing is not to let that dissuade you and to keep at it.  Be curious and ask questions!  Physics is an incredibly rewarding field to study if you stick with it. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I will hopefully have finished my PhD and work on an interesting and fulfilling project in quantum physics in either academia or industry. 

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