Dr. Chih-Chun Chien is a distinguished theoretical physicist whose innovative research has significantly advanced our understanding of quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of California, Merced, where he has established a vibrant research program at the intersection of atomic and condensed matter physics. After completing his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at National Taiwan University, Dr. Chien earned his PhD in Physics from the University of Chicago in 2009 under the supervision of Professor Kathryn Levin, with a dissertation focused on ultra-cold Fermi gases with tunable interactions. His distinguished postdoctoral career included a prestigious Distinguished Oppenheimer Fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory from 2011 to 2013, followed by his appointment to the faculty at UC Merced where he has since made substantial contributions to theoretical physics.
Dr. Chien's groundbreaking theoretical work has profoundly impacted multiple areas of quantum physics, particularly in superfluids, superconductors, and quantum-field theoretical studies of condensed matter systems. His innovative research on non-equilibrium physics of ultra-cold atoms in optical lattices has provided critical frameworks for understanding quantum dynamics and energy transport at the atomic and molecular scale. With over 2565 citations according to Google Scholar, his publications have established him as a leading voice in the theoretical exploration of emergent phenomena at the mesoscopic scale. Dr. Chien's interdisciplinary approach bridges atomic physics with condensed matter theory, creating new conceptual pathways that have influenced both experimental and theoretical research communities worldwide.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Chien has demonstrated significant academic leadership, having served as the Physics Graduate Program Chair at UC Merced from 2020 to 2022, where he shaped the educational trajectory of future physicists through innovative program development. His current research program explores novel hybrid quantum systems that integrate ultra-cold atoms, ions, photons, and molecules, pioneering new approaches for quantum simulation and information processing. Dr. Chien actively collaborates with experimental groups to translate theoretical predictions into observable phenomena, strengthening the vital connection between theory and experiment in quantum physics. As he continues to advance the frontiers of quantum science, his work on emergent physics at intermediate scales promises to unlock new possibilities for quantum technologies and fundamental understanding of complex quantum matter.
