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 Scientist.

http://www.tedxuw.com/speakers/krister-shalm/

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In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Category:

Education

Tags:

• TEDxUW
• University of Waterloo
• UW
• uWaterloo
• Waterloo
• Canada
• English
• Science
• Education
• Physics
• Krister Shalm
• Culture
• Lifestyle
• Dance

[backasaurus]

TED used to be about sharing intelligent ideas, this is the silliest, most uneducated fluff I have ever seen from them. Platitudes and conjecture with not a single hint of anything useful.

[lotrfan137]

feel the same way about biology and dancing :) as a lindy hopper myself and a geneticist...

[ryanadanderson]

@enazmajic Not every TED speaker is made for you. You didn't grasp something from the video, that's okay. Let's not knock someone sharing something that could change someones view on life for the better.

[ryanadanderson]

Get that lock step!

[enazmajic]

Nice story, but why didn't you tell him he should tell it to his family? I mean, I didn't learn anything new from this story so I don't find it useful... I'm truly disappointed by listening it on a TED conference.