Dr. Andrew JordanJoin us in welcoming Andrew Jordan, Ph.D. to Schmid College as a professor of physics and the co-director of the Institute for Quantum Studies. We asked Dr. Jordan a few questions to get to know him and his research!

Q & A with Dr. Jordan

What is your current area of research and how did you become passionate about this area?

I work in theoretical physics, a topic I have been fascinated by since my high school days.  My research interests are in theoretical Quantum Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Quantum Optics. Themes of interest include nanophysics, the theory of weak quantum measurement, quantum information, and random processes in nature. Nanophysics addresses fundamental physical problems that occur when a macroscopic object is miniaturized to dimensions at the nanometer scale. The theory of weak quantum measurement makes predictions about the random nature of continuous measurements made over some time period, and how these measurements are useful for the purposes of processing quantum information. Recent results include a stochastic path integral formalism for continuous quantum measurements, predicting thermoelectric properties of mesoscopic structures, and information theoretic approaches to precision measurements.

What’s your favorite thing about being a professor?

I love doing research with my team of students and postdocs, and understanding new aspects of nature.  I get very excited when a concept we develop turns into a physical experiment, or when we discover a new phenomenon in the natural world.

Schmid College believes that the best science happens when diverse individuals are supported, included and empowered to share their voices as a part of scientific discovery. Please share with us what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and why they’re important. 

I have found the main thing is to treat all people with respect and to honor their inherent dignity.  I seek out the best candidates without regard to race or sex.  During my time as a group leader, I have mentored students from China, India, Mexico, France, Canada, Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Poland, and the United States.  This has made for an interesting and fruitful working environment.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I am married with 4 children (my oldest is starting at Chapman this fall), 2 cats, and a dog. My Ph.D. was from UC Santa Barbara, and I’m very happy to be back in California – I love the natural beauty of this place.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our Schmid College community?

I have been a professor of physics for 15 years at the University of Rochester, and am very excited to be joining Chapman University as the co-director of the Institute for Quantum Studies.  One of my former students is Justin Dressel, who is also on the Chapman physics faculty.  I’ve been a fan of Chapman for a long time, and have been an affiliated scholar with the IQS since 2012.