We were lucky to catch up with Honglie Ning recently and have shared our conversation below.
Honglie, thank you so much for making time for us today. We’re excited to discuss a handful of topics with you, but perhaps the most important one is around decision making. The ability to make decisions is a key requirement for anyone who wants to make a difference and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your decision-making skills.
Decision-making can be both a common yet challenging process, particularly in high-stakes environments. As a spectroscopy physicist frequently conducting beamtimes at national labs, I often face situations that demand timely and decisive actions. With limited experimental time and a minimal team, developing efficient decision-making skills has been essential. Over time, I have honed a systematic approach to decision-making, which I will outline through a typical beamtime experience.
The first critical step is thorough preparation. Before the experiment, I ensure that I am as informed as possible by conducting in-depth research. This includes reviewing relevant scientific literature, holding regular meetings with my team, performing risk assessments, and consulting with experts. By gathering and synthesizing this information ahead of time, I can make well-informed decisions later on, minimizing the likelihood of surprises.
The second key element is adaptability. During beamtime, unexpected situations often arise —such as when the anticipated phenomena do not materialize. In such cases, flexibility is crucial. I adjust the research plan in real-time, always maintaining an open mind and revisiting the available data. This adaptability is enhanced by collaborative feedback from colleagues and team members, allowing for a more comprehensive and well-rounded decision-making process, even in high-pressure situations.
Finally, self-awareness of priorities is indispensable. It’s important to have a clear hierarchy of objectives. For each experiment, I outline primary, secondary, and tertiary goals, and when time is constrained, I focus on achieving the top-priority objectives first. When faced with decisions that involve trade-offs among seemingly equally important factors, I employ a weighted scoring method. I list all the factors influencing the decision, assign weights that sum to one, and then score each option against these factors. This quantitative approach often reveals that decisions that initially seemed equally viable actually have distinct final points, helping me confidently choose the best path forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a physicist, and my work focuses on studying special materials called quantum materials. These materials have unusual properties that come from the strange world of quantum mechanics—the rules that govern the behavior of tiny particles like electrons. One example of a quantum material is a superconductor, which can carry electricity without losing any energy. In my research, I explore how these materials respond when we shine light on them, to discover new ways they behave and how we might control them.
What excites me most about this field is how these discoveries could lead to incredible new technologies. Take superconductors, for example—if we can create a superconductor that works at room temperature, it could eliminate the cost of electricity, because the material would carry current without wasting any energy as heat. Another fascinating possibility is quantum computing. Quantum materials could be used to build quantum computers, which would be able to solve problems that today’s computers can’t even come close to tackling.
Recently, my research has centered on the direct excitation, detection, and manipulation of particles in magnetic quantum materials. In these materials, the way the atoms are arranged and how they behave magnetically are connected. By exploiting this coupling between lattice and magnetism, I am studying how changes in one property can induce changes in the other. This could lead to breakthroughs in new types of electronic devices that use magnetism to process and store information.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about several upcoming projects that push the boundaries of what we know about quantum materials. I’m actively collaborating with both theorists and experimentalists to further refine the advanced techniques we use in probing these materials, aiming for more precise control and deeper understanding of their behavior. For me, science is both a collaborative and evolving endeavor, and I am thrilled about what lies ahead for my research and the broader field of quantum materials.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most important quality for any type of research is curiosity. From the very beginning, my curiosity about how the world works, especially at the microscopic level, has driven my journey. This natural desire to explore and ask questions has kept me motivated, even during challenging times. For those just starting out, my advice is to nurture your genuine curiosity—never hesitate to ask “why” or “how.” Dive deep into topics rather than stopping at surface-level understanding. Passion for learning will fuel your persistence and lead to creative breakthroughs.
Another crucial but often overlooked skill is the need to foster independence early on. It’s tempting to immediately seek advice from more experienced colleagues when facing challenges. However, before reaching out for help, take time to reflect and consider different approaches. This process not only sharpens your problem-solving abilities but also deepens your understanding of the subject. I’ve seen many young scientists express frustration over a perceived lack of guidance from their supervisors. But remember, as researchers, we will eventually manage teams ourselves. While cultivating independence may take more time in the short term, it undoubtedly pays off in the long run.
That said, independence doesn’t mean isolation. Science is a team effort. Collaboration has given me perspectives and insights I wouldn’t have reached alone. Effective communication is crucial—whether sharing ideas with colleagues, mentoring students, or presenting research to a broader audience. Clear communication ensures that ideas are understood and acted upon. My advice is to hone both oral and written communication skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, seek feedback, and engage in discussions to broaden your understanding. Collaboration opens doors to new possibilities, and strong communication ensures that those ideas are fully realized.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d recommend focusing on these three qualities—curiosity, independence, and collaboration. Cultivating them will lay a solid foundation for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in your field.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I owe my thanks to my PhD advisor, Prof. David Hsieh, at the California Institute of Technology. Under his mentorship, I have developed a profound appreciation for scientific challenges, which has shaped my research tastes and perspectives. His vigor for innovations in experimental techniques and insistence on solving important yet complex scientific questions are extremely inspiring and motivating to me. Dave approaches physics out of genuine interest rather than popularity, always initiating projects with clear purposes in mind.
Moreover, Dave is a deep thinker whose sharp questions and honest critiques consistently push me to scrutinize and analyze my data and theories at a deeper level. This drive to reexamine my prior knowledge often leads to new insights. My understanding of the underlying physics of quantum materials and spectroscopy would not be at its current level without his guidance and instruction.
In addition to nurturing my curiosity, my advisor has emphasized the value of independence. While he provided insightful direction during my early years, he gradually allowed me greater freedom to pursue the questions that interest me and to build connections with other theorists and experimentalists. He taught me that, although it’s easier to seek immediate guidance when faced with challenges, taking the time to reflect and explore different approaches sharpens problem-solving skills and deepens understanding. This emphasis on fostering independence has been invaluable, especially as I prepare to manage teams myself and cultivate this quality in others.
Furthermore, Dave is a strong advocate for collaboration and effective communication. He is always ready to help when I need his authority to build connections. His mastery of presenting elusive physical concepts in a simple yet rigorous manner has greatly influenced my development. My writing and presentation skills, though still a work in progress, have reached new heights thanks to his patient instruction and insightful suggestions.
Overall, the guidance and mentorship from Prof. Hsieh have been instrumental in my development as a scientist, equipping me with the tools needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in my research career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hongliening.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/honglie-ning-632039151/
- Other: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7i4ELBAAAAAJ&hl=zh-CN
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
