Krishanu Roy Sankar has had a lifelong passion for mathematics, which culminated in a PhD and 2-year postdoc, before shifting to working in industry. Now, he's part mathematician, part software engineer, helping to design quantum computing technology that does not currently exist. Sounds like the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, right? Not exactly. Tune in to hear about Krishanu's honest reflections on why he is now considering expanding his career beyond quantum computing, and how a 2-month trip back home to India may have planted some seeds of doubt about what a life well lived actually looks like.
(00:00) Intro
(04:44) Mathematician career journey in academia to industry
(08:55) Quantum computing work and its drawbacks
(17:30) Doing something for fun vs. for a career
(22:17) Redefining life purpose and how to change the world
(27:07) Ethics of quantum computing and technological advancements
(34:28) Career advice
(38:19) Reconnecting with cultural roots on trip to India
(46:32) Ethics of science advancing state/military goals
(48:10) Key to success is 'blind belief'
(52:26) How physical sport helps us redefine what is possible
(58:26) Expanding intellectual hierarchies of interest
(1:03:35) Outro
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Theme music: “Grab A Bargain” by Scott Holmes Music. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license, at Free Music Archive.