iQM Team
The iQM group values expanding scientific knowledge, improving our practice of research, and supporting the growth of all those involved. For more details, see here
The Team
Hope Bretscher
Principal Investigator
She/Her/Hers
I'm an experimental condensed matter physicist, and will be joining BC in June, 2026. In addition to studying and manipulating the properties of materials, I'm interested in how we do scientific research and exploring ways to strengthen the scientific system. I write about science and society on substack at condensingmatters.substack.com
Before joining BC, I was based at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in the group of James McIver where I was a Humboldt and Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellow. I did my PhD at the University of Cambridge with Akshay Rao, and a MSc in Science and Technology and Society at the University of Edinburgh with a Marshall Scholarship.
Gizem Doğan
Grad student
I’m a first-year PhD student at Boston College, interested in Terahertz spectroscopy and material growth. Before moving to Boston, I lived in New York City, where I taught physics for two years. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College, double-majoring in Physics and Government and Legal Studies. I'm passionate about the intersection of science and policy; previously I’ve interned in Washington, DC, and at NIST, working on performance analysis and science and technology legislation. I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkey—one of my favorite things to do back home is take the Bosphorus ferry during sunset to commute between Europe and Asia..
Amy Kaniper
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Amy Kaniper
You!
Grad student
My name is Amy Kaniper, and I grew up in Scranton, PA (Yes - The Office!) I went to Harvard University for my undergrad where I concentrated in physics, and I continued my studies to Boston College where I am now a first year PhD student. I am particularly interested in meticulous precision and planning required in research, and love condensed matter because it's beautiful to see how how precise, collective quantum behavior underlies macroscopic phenomena. I love philosophy, reading, skiing, and biking for long distances on Dunkin fueled adventures (my next one will be Boston to Pennsylvania to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family!) One of my favorite books is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, which describes how the way parts move together as a system has its own aesthetic quality beyond just the static parts.
The group is currently recruiting PhDs and Postdocs, so please reach out if you are interested to discuss these opportunities.
If you are interested in a postdoc position, in addition to internal funding, I would also encourage postdocs to apply for independent funding when possible. I am happy to support students/postdocs in writing fellowship applications to join the group (such as Walter Benjamin Funding, Humboldt Feodor Lynen, SNSF Mobility fellowship, or MSCA Global Fellowships. If you are eligible for one of these or other programs, please reach out and we can discuss possible project ideas.