Science Starts Here: Vivien Zapf
Vivien Zapf.
Name
Vivien Zapf.
Age
29.
Current position
Scientific staff member, Los Alamos National Lab.
Role and time at the Mag Lab
I visited the Magnet Lab several times as a “user” when I was a graduate student at the University of California, San Diego, and a post-doc at Caltech. In 2004, while I was measuring at the NHMFL at Los Alamos, I was asked to stay. I received a director-funded post-doc fellowship and in 2006 became a staff member at Los Alamos.
Current work
Recently I’ve been studying quantum magnets — magnetic systems in which quantum mechanics plays an important role in shaping the behavior. For example, the organic magnet NiCl2-4SC(NH2)2 shows Bose-Einstein condensation of magnons in applied magnetic fields. This is equivalent to what happens in certain systems' cold atoms at very low temperatures, except the particles that condense are magnons, and the effect happens in high magnetic fields. Quantum magnets can also exhibit frustration, reduced-dimensional behavior, superconductivity, and could even be candidates for quantum computation.
In her own words
Unlike academic settings, it is highly collaborative and gives me the opportunity to work with many talented scientists and technicians.
It didn't take me long to realize that the Magnet Lab is the place for me and have decided to remain as scientific staff. The Magnet Lab is a unique place. Unlike academic settings, it is highly collaborative and gives me the opportunity to work with many talented scientists and technicians with diverse skills and interests. It is also a mecca for physicists — through the user program and visiting scientists I am exposed to a wide range of research that is happening throughout the world and see many opportunities for new collaborations and research directions. And finally, access to unique experiments and the most powerful magnets in the world is always a plus.
How mentors make a difference
Alex Lacerda has been invaluable to my career and in particular has taught me the value of marketing oneself and one’s ideas. Marcelo Jaime has taught me a great deal about the "people side" of physics. I am inspired by his ability to create and nourish collaborations, mentor students, and by his teamwork and leadership skills. He is always looking out for the people he works with and looking for opportunities to advance their careers.
Zapf's top 10 things she's learned at the Magnet Lab
10. Obstinacy. The equipment has to give up eventually and start working. Ditto with bureaucracy.
9. Skepticism. If the theory fits the data, one of them is probably wrong.
8. Patience. There are an infinite number of things to study and only so much time.
7. A steady course. Science is just as obsessed with fads as the fashion industry. Not to jump on the bandwagon.
6. Details. It’s not hard to get things to work. You just have to do every little thing exactly right.
5. Preparation. Always give yourself the edge.
4. Curiosity. The little discrepancies could turn into big discoveries.
3. Awe. The universe will never cease to amaze with its intricate complexity yet startling simplicity.
2. Teamwork. Science doesn’t thrive in isolation. The more heads the better.
1. Hope.
Published in the Fall 2007 issue of Mag Lab Reports (Download this issue in
PDF format, 2.5 MB).
