Dr. Alexander Volya, Professor
Education and Training:
- 1997: MS in Physics, Michigan State University
- 2000: PhD in Physics, Michigan State University
- 2000-2002: Postdoctoral Scholar, National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory
- 2002-2003: Postdoctoral Scholar, Argonne National Laboratory
Tell us a little about your background – where did you receive your undergraduate / graduate degrees.
My academic background is in nuclear theory, though my research has spanned a wide range of topics in quantum many-body systems, atomic and molecular structure, and fundamental symmetries. I earned my Ph.D. in physics from Michigan State University and later held a postdoctoral position at Argonne National Laboratory. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to questions at the intersection of structure, dynamics, and interaction in quantum systems; areas that lie at the heart of modern nuclear and quantum science.
When did you join FSU? What made you choose your university to build your research program?
I joined Florida State University in 2003 because it offers one of the strongest and most comprehensive programs in low-energy nuclear physics. The theory group has a remarkable legacy and continues to feature an internationally recognized faculty working on cutting-edge problems. Equally important, the John D. Fox Laboratory provides outstanding experimental capabilities that enable close theory–experiment collaboration. There are only a few places in the world where such a rich environment exists under one roof, making FSU a natural and compelling choice for building a research program.
When did you become interested in quantum research? Who or what inspired you?
I've been fascinated by quantum mechanics for as long as I can remember; it was the part of physics that felt the most mysterious and yet the most fundamental. Even before formally studying it, the idea that nature could behave probabilistically and non-intuitively was both unsettling and deeply compelling. Over time, this abstract fascination became grounded in concrete questions, especially through the study of nuclei, unique quantum systems that are self-bound, strongly interacting, and inherently many-body in nature. Working with such systems revealed how surprisingly rich and subtle quantum behavior can be, from emergent collectivity to chaotic dynamics. That combination of conceptual depth and physical relevance is what continues to inspire me.
What are your current research interests? Could you give an example of some recent result that you feel especially passionate about?
My current research focuses on the physics of open quantum systems: quantum states that evolve under the combined influence of internal interactions and external couplings to the continuum of scattering states. Unlike idealized textbook systems, real quantum systems are never perfectly isolated: they decay, interact, and transform. This openness gives rise to rich dynamics, including non-exponential decay, the competition between internal many-body relaxation and external loss, and the emergence of complexity in the form of chaotic motion or thermalization. A central question in our recent work is how quantum systems lose or retain memory of their past, a problem closely tied to the foundations of quantum measurement and the nature of irreversibility. These studies not only shed light on fundamental questions in quantum mechanics but also reveal mechanisms that govern information flow in decaying or interacting systems.
How would you describe your research to the general public? Why is your topic important?
Atomic nuclei are among the most fascinating systems in nature. They are self-contained quantum objects that sit at the intersection of many fundamental areas of physics, bridging few- and many-body dynamics, single-particle and collective motion, non-relativistic and relativistic effects. Nuclei are central to a broad range of sciences: they power stars, shape the elements in the universe, test the limits of fundamental symmetries, and provide insight into the strong nuclear force. My research investigates how these systems behave when they interact, decay, or undergo transformation, especially in regimes where classical physics becomes inadequate. By studying how quantum systems evolve and how complexity emerges, we gain insights not only into the foundations of nuclear structure, but also into broader quantum phenomena relevant for emerging technologies.
What do you think about the future of quantum research? How can FSU contribute to that future?
Quantum mechanics has been well established for over a century, but only now are we beginning to control and manipulate quantum systems for practical applications, marking the beginning of what many call the second quantum revolution. FSU is poised to play a major role in this transformation. With its strong faculty, active collaborations, and unique experimental capabilities, the university can contribute both to the foundational understanding of quantum systems and to the development of new quantum technologies.
What are your interests outside of research? What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of research, I’m drawn to challenges of all kinds; especially those that take me out of my usual routine. That might mean a strenuous hike, figuring out how to fix something mechanical, or exploring an unfamiliar subject just for the sake of it. Whether physical, practical, or intellectual, I enjoy activities that offer a different kind of engagement from my day-to-day work. Stepping away from physics in this way often brings a sense of renewal and occasionally even fresh insight.