Alumni Spotlight – Sajant Anand

Meet Sajant Anand, Wake Forest University Physics class of 2018. Sajant is now a PhD student at UC Berkeley working in the research laboratory of Professor Mike Zalatel. While an undergraduate student at Wake, he was mentored by Professor Oana Jurchescu. Professor Jurchescu now interviews Sajant, discussing his academic career path after graduation and reflecting upon his memories as a student.

Prof. Jurchescu: What are you doing now career-wise?

Sajant: I’m a 5th year Physics PhD student at UC Berkeley working on condensed matter theory and quantum many-body physics with Prof. Mike Zaletel.

Prof. Jurchescu: What did you do right out of Wake Forest?

Sajant: After Wake, I did a one year masters program at the University of Cambridge on theoretical physics to learn more about the landscape of physics and narrow my focus for my graduate research. From this experience, I was able to determine that I wanted to study theoretical condensed matter physics during my PhD.

Prof. Jurchescu: How did Wake Forest Physics help you get where you are today?

Sajant: The mentorship and guidance from faculty I received during my time at Wake Forest allowed me to discover a passion for physics and quickly get involved in various research opportunities as early as my first year. Being able to make close connections with faculty greatly enriched my experience.

Prof. Jurchescu: Do you have an anecdote you would care to share either from your time at Wake Forest physics or from afterward relevant to Wake Physics?

Sajant: The Physics department used to (and hopefully still does) organize a departmental retreat in the mountains of North Carolina, where students and faculty can spend the weekend at a cabin, hike, make s’mores, and play board games. I went to this in my first semester at Wake and had a fantastic time. Many of the upperclassmen I met on this trip became close friends and mentors both at Wake and in the years since.

Prof. Jurchescu: Is there anything you would like to share with prospective or current students?

Sajant: I think current students should attend the department colloquium as much as possible, as physics is a huge discipline, most of which isn’t covered in classes. Only by going to talks can you gain some semblance of its scope and figure out what you’re interested in.