Chau Dao

I’m an incoming Postdoctoral Researcher in the Quantum Theory of Condensed Matter and Quantum Computing Group led by Prof. Daniel Loss and Prof. Jelena Klinovaja at University of Basel. Broadly speaking, my research interests lie at the intersection of topological phenonomena, nonequilibrium dynamics, and quantum information. You can find my works on my arxiv or Google Scholar. I am also passionate about teaching and mentoring, having taught both graduate and undergraduate level courses. Here, you can find my physics notes as well as pedagogical resources that teach how to clearly convey information in an academic setting.

I attained a Ph.D. in Physics from University of California, Los Angeles in June 2026. There, I studied theoretical and computational condensed matter physics under the supervision of Prof. Yaroslav Tserkovnyak and was suported by the Mani L. Bhaumik Institute for Theoretical Physics. My Ph.D. research focused on theoretical modeling and numerical simulation of order parameter dynamics, in particular, probing nonequilibrium transport properties in magnetic materials. I worked on investigating topological spin textures (e.g. skyrmions, vortices, spin winding) and their manipulation through electrical controls.

Before my Ph.D., I did my undergrad at Cornell University, where I triple majored in Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. There, I did research in experimental biophysics to study protein crystallography under the supervision of Prof. Robert Thorne. I also had the great opportunity to do research in computational condensed matter physics with Prof. Gia-Wei Chern at University of Virginia, focusing investigating active noise in reaction-diffusion systems.

Outside of physics, I enjoy running, lifting, hiking, and reading. I am also an avid competitive gamer, having reached the ranks of Masters in Starcraft, Legend in Hearthstone, and Diamond in Overwatch.