TEDxUW - Krister Shalm - The poetry of physics, dancing and life

An experimental physicist by profession, Krister is interested in unlocking everyday applications for quantum physics. His challenge? To demonstrate that technologies based on the science of quantum physics have the potential to unleash the next technological revolution. And if that wasn't enough, take into account that this is all from a person who's well-known for dancing his PhD thesis and hosting "The Quantum Physics of Harry Potter". Yes, Krister is a gifted presenter and a talented performer, and with his near god-like ability to explain the complex minutae of quantum mechanics in layman's terms, Krister also happens to be a local hero. A Junior Fellow of the Canadian Institute For Advanced Research (CIFAR) working in the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, Krister is studying the quantum world in order to develop the technologies of tomorrow. While quantum mechanics can seem mind boggling, Krister has teamed up with a magician, musicians, entertainers, and dancers to make quantum concepts more approachable. He is known for his ability to explain complex ideas in clear, simple, terms, and for his creativity in engaging the public with science. In his spare time, Krister is an avid swing dancer, and can be found dancing up a storm to the tunes of the twenties, thirties and forties. His research has been published in top journals like Science and Nature, and he has been featured in the media on CBC's "Quirks & Quarks," the BBC, and New ...