About Me
I'm Nic DeStefano, a physics PhD candidate at William & Mary working in the quantum optics lab to develop quantum sensors for highly constrained physics experiments. My current work involves how to "squeeze" the fundamental fluctuations of light intensity in order to measure extremely small magnetic fields generated by continuous electron beams. While more details of my work and accomplishments can be found under my research and vitae, the skills I learned in through vacuum systems, electronics, and optics spread toward other areas of my life, driving my curiousity both at home and in research! Much of my interests revolve around learning how things work on a fundamental level, so the following discussion dives into the largest interests I have in this spirit.
The largest influence from research (and my advisor) is my deep dive into linux-based systems. Where before grad school I operated Windows OS in my daily life, I found it comforting how minimal and how much control operating a linux system gives you. Especially with the push for free and open-source software development, anyone can get the same function of proprietary software and learn, troubleshoot, and customize the inner workings of said software. From these fundamental understandings, it is possible to discover new things under a new light. For example, I never would have given time to learning cryptography, but after learning how to secure a server (and this website), I became motivated to exploring it, leading me to enjoy the occasional wargame or capture-the-flag challenge. Since diving into the linux rabbit hole, I replaced all personal and work operating systems with Debian, and operate a minimal server at home for file storage. I even managed to get a manageable Debian system to run many of the video games I played on Windows, thanks to the release of the Steam Deck and Proton compatibility layer. Therefore, a sizable chunk of this website will be guides on building a linux based system or server capable of practical uses or specific purposes.
While the real reason I got a motorcycle is because I enjoyed riding bicycles very fast, it also allows me to explore how vehicles work. By applying my knowledge in vacuum systems, I have a vague understanding of how various vehicle components work and, more importantly, how to go about fixing them myself to save a bit of money. It is unfortunate that most modern vehicles are leaning toward full electric control and becoming locked behind proprietary software, but at least the vehicles I own are mostly mechanical and more easily understood. Of course, the joy and sense of freedom travelling by motorcycle is unparalled, and I get a rush every time I ride. I actively commute on the motorcycle year-round, and have been hiking and camping across Virginia, from the oceanfront to the mountains. Seriously, if you are ever on the fence about motorcycles, try out one of those day-classes, which get you on a bike and ride a bit in the parking lot. The joy from it is memorable.
The final interest stemming from my work is in cooking. While I haven't taken any culinary course, I enjoyed the hospitality and simplicity in making simple homecooked meals. I started learning to cook after living independently, and my learning from it accelerated when I realized I could treat it experimentally, adding my own flavors and spin on it. Currently, I've been learning BBQ, having recently purchased a smoker, and having been told I've ruined BBQ for others with how delicious the BBQ I cook is. At it's core, I enjoy the companionship created around cooking and the hospitable gesture of cooking a home-made meal for others to enjoy. Therefore, I will later keep a repository of my recipes on this website, mostly for myself to refer to, but others as well.
So this concludes my attempt at describing myself and outlining the various topics you may see on this website/blog. I hope that through my notes primarily for my own sake, others can also learn from and catch the motivation to learn things on a fundamental level.