Bill+Halperin+Bio

I was a graduate student in physics at Cornell University. I then worked at Argonne Nataional Lab for several years before becoming a faculty person in physics here at Northwestern University in 1975. As a professor, I’ve been able to take sabbatical years (a year when you focus on research) in countries around the world, including Denmark, Germany, and France.

I got interested in my particular research topic because superconductivity provides a fascinating example of quantum mechanics, which leads to non-intuitive and surprising properties of materials, like zero friction. I particularly enjoy uncovering the properties of nature by working with students to build novel instruments and use them to perform experiments at low temperatures and high magnetic fields.

Outside of work I enjoy cycling, skiing, travelling, and I love being with my family. I am a USA dual citizen, born and raised in Canada with lifelong attachment to the Canadian wilderness. My wife and I have three children, all graduates of ETHS and various midwestern universities including Northwestern.