{
  "id": 168434,
  "title": "Ask me anything: Kristian Dominek Barajas – ‘I’m able to take a really complicated problem and give it my best guess’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/ask-me-anything-kristian-dominek-barajas-im-able-to-take-a-really",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-05T09:00:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Physics World",
    "slug": "physics-world",
    "url": "https://physicsworld.com/a/ask-me-anything-kristian-dominek-barajas-im-able-to-take-a-really-complicated-problem-and-give-it-my-best-guess/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kristian Dominek Barajas, head of quantum theory at Oxford Ionics, talks about his diverse background and leadership experience. He got his PhD from UCLA via the American Physical Society's Bridge Program, which helped qualified students like him transition into research. Barajas now serves as chair of the APS Committee on Minorities, working to support physicists from marginalized backgrounds. His job requires skills like breaking down complex problems and intuitive problem-solving, which he attributes to his untraditional career path. Barajas loves the rapid pace at which he can accomplish new and interesting physics, but finds it challenging to keep up with new research due to the fast-paced nature of his job. He uses AI tools to help him find and prioritize relevant research. Barajas encourages others facing imposter syndrome to view it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a reason to hold themselves back.",
  "summary": "Kristian Dominek Barajas is head of quantum theory at Oxford Ionics, an IonQ company The post Ask me anything: Kristian Dominek Barajas – ‘I’m able to take a really complicated problem and give it my best guess’ appeared first on Physics World .",
  "key_points": [
    "Kristian Dominek Barajas leads quantum theory at Oxford Ionics",
    "PhD from UCLA via APS Bridge Program aided his transition to research",
    "Uses AI to manage rapid pace of physics research"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/168434.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}