University of Otago theoretical and computational physicist Prof Blair Blakie
Why do you do what you do?
Physics is my job and my hobby. When made as cold as possible, a gas can transition into a special state of matter known as Bose-Einstein condensate. This was first made in 1995, about 70 years after Bose and Einstein predicted its existence. The pioneering physicists who produced these condensates got the Nobel Prize in Physics a few years later. The University of Otago physics department was the first to make a Bose-Einstein condensate in the southern hemisphere, and still does world-leading research on this topic.
Research is often very challenging, because it is slow to methodically study a new problem. But over time it is amazing how much the field progresses collectively and what things that once seemed impossible, become possible.
What is your earliest memory of doing something that now relates to your career?
Physics is all around us, and I can’t ever remember not doing something related, even before I knew what physics was. Indeed, some of our first experiences as children involve throwing things, balancing things, playing with magnets, encountering light, temperature, fluids, solids etc — these things all involve basic physics concepts. Many physicists are people who have never fully grown up and like to get paid to play with toys.
Who influenced you growing up?
My dad is an engineer. He taught me that you should persevere on problems you care about. I also benefited from amazing science teachersat high school and in the university. I worked in a famous government laboratorynear Washington DC as a post-doctorate for three years, and was blown away by the dedication, knowledge and hard work of the people I worked with there. That was a very formative part of my education and shaped how I approach research.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
Somehow nothing comes to mind. However, collectively I always get a little embarrassed when someone asks what I do. Especially in the ensuing uncomfortable pause when they try to figure out how to change topic or delicately tell me why they didn’t like physics.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Rhys Darby – because he can portray my retro sense of humour.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
StarCraft (computer game), Clash Royale (tablet/phone game), and single malts (a kind of health beverage).
If you could do it all again, what would be your dream job?
I’m pretty sure I would still do physics. However, next time around I would buy as many Apple shares as I could afford in 2002.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Bill Maher (comedian), William Waiirua (comedian/TV personality), Ali Wong (comedian/actress) and Wynton Marsalis (trumpeter). Now, more than ever, people need a better sense of humour, and the ability to laugh at themselves. I also included a legendary musician because we should celebrate and appreciate people who are skilled at their art.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
About $10 million. So far I’ve tried to achieve this with positive thinking.
Property aside, what's the most extravagant thing you've bought?
I have spent a lot of money on computers, including giant machines that live in air-conditioned server rooms. The advance in computer technology – speed and memory – over my lifetime has been amazing. I can now compute things on my laptop in minutes that might have taken hours of a big computer when I was a student.
What song makes you relax?
"More than words", either the Extreme original version or the Jimmy Fallon and Jack Black recreation. This song showcases voice with simple accompaniment. This was a popular song when I was at school and brings back fond memories of the Walkman and tape era.
What keeps you awake at night?
The future of physics in New Zealand. While amazing students still come through, we have a decreasing number of students who study the subject. Part of the problem is the perception that the subject is hard (it isn’t really, but it requires students to be willing to practise). Another part of the problem is students don’t see where it will take them. Physics graduates are grabbed up by companies for amazing, very highly paid and interesting jobs which are transferable all around the world.
