Keynote

“The Quantum Realm: Fun, Games, and Utility” Kishor T. Kapale, Ph.D. Chair & Professor of Physics, Western Illinois University Coordinator of Graduate Studies kt-kapale@wiu.edu

Credentials

Physics, Math, and Astronomy Division Chair, ISAS Member, Macomb School Board Former Member, Macomb Educational Foundation (2021-2023) Former Member, University of Illinois Extension Council (2019-2022) Member, IAI, Physics Major Panel

Research Interests

Dr. Kishor T. Kapale is currently serving as the Chair and Professor of Physics at the Department of Physics, and Interim Coordinator of Graduate Studies both at the Western Illinois University. Prior to joining WIU faculty in Fall 2007, Dr. Kapale held the prestigious National Research Council Research Associate position at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, CA during 2004-2007 timeframe. Dr. Kapale received his Ph.D. in Physics from the Texas A&M University in December 2002. His thesis research was centered on developing fundamental theoretical understanding of the new state of ultra-cold matter that is termed as Bose-Einstein Condensate. He currently conducts research in the area of quantum optics, which involves study of interaction between light and matter at the microscopic level, and quantum information science, which is a new paradigm in information processing, for development of better, faster, and more secure quantum computers. Recently, Dr. Kapale has been interested in development of ultra-powerful optical microscopes for unobtrusive imaging of live biological samples using the techniques of quantum optics.

Accomplishments

Dr. Kapale has more than 35 publications to his credit that have appeared in the journals of international repute in the area of physics. Dr. Kapale has given more than 100 presentations about his work at various avenues. Dr. Kapale’s recent research in the area of super-resolution has been recognized and featured in the American Physical Society’s weekly publication spotlighting exceptional physics research. Dr. Kapale has delved into artistic adventures recently---he is teaching himself classical guitar and he appeared as the character of Prince in the local production of the ballet “Nutcracker” in December 2014. Dr. Kapale is keenly interested in science communication and during the COVID times, initiated and coordinated a monthly Virtual Science Saturday event for the benefit of school going children to get them excited about science to not just incite curiosity but also to introduce it as an excellent career option.

April 17, 2024