Leonel Sanchez Torres

Hometown: Guadalupe, Hidalgo, Mexico

Hobbies: Soccer, baking, working out, and reading.

One interesting fact: I have a black belt in taekwondo.

Q&A with Leonel

• What are your favorite things about the department?
• I like how since the first time I visited WVU, I felt welcomed and supported by faculty, staff, and students.
• What do you think is the most interesting thing about your research?
• Even though I'm just starting out as a first-year, I like that my research sits at the intersection of machine learning, computational physics, and quantum computing. A lot of the same computational tools used to predict material properties are also shaping how we understand and simulate quantum spaces, so it feels like I'm building skills that connect to where the field is heading, not just solving one narrow problem.
• Why did you want to pursue physics?
• Choosing physics was something spontaneous. A few years into my undergraduate degree, I switched majors because I felt more like myself in physics classes, and through working in research projects, that's when I knew this was what I wanted to do.
  
• Why did you choose West Virginia University?
• I first visited WVU for a week-long Quantum Summer School, and I felt welcomed from day one. As I got to meet more of the graduate students during that visit, I realized this wasn't just a place where I could continue doing research but it was somewhere I'd actually enjoy the journey.        
  
• How have your professors and/or staff helped you be successful?
• Meeting faculty during the Quantum Summer School showed me how supportive this department is. My professors have been very available whenever I have questions, and they make time in their schedule to meet. I always feel like there is someone I can go to.
• What advice would you give to an incoming student?
•  Don't be afraid to ask questions. Lean into the people around you; physics is too big of a field to figure out alone.