He/Him/His
sdivic[at]sas.upenn.edu

Stefan is a postdoc at UPenn, having obtained his PhD from UC Berkeley in 2025 (advised by Mike Zaletel) and HBSc from the University of Toronto in 2019.

His research interests broadly span topological order, quantum phase transitions, and the dynamics of strongly-correlated systems. A major component of his work concerns beyond-Landau phase transitions between topological phases, where he aims to understand whether such transitions can be continuous, what conformal structures can emerge, and the constraints imposed by dualities and input from non-perturbative numerical methods, like tensor network techniques and exact diagonalization. A related interest is the behaviour and manipulation of fractionalized particles, particularly anyons in quantum Hall and moiré systems. Stefan is interested in how anyon energetics and dynamics are modified by lattice effects and external fields, and how these factors (together with material engineering and crafting of the electromagnetic environment) can be used to control their dispersion and interactions. Such knowledge is crucial for understanding behaviours arising at finite anyon density, e.g., anyon-driven superconductivity or superfluidity. Finally, he is currently investigating the dynamics and nonequilibrium phenomena of topological phases. In the context of driven-dissipative open systems, he is studying whether the intricate entanglement structure of many-body topological states may be used to entangle photons. In summary, Stefan’s research sits at the nexus of strong correlations, critical phenomena and dynamics, with a focus on concrete model and material realizations.

Outside his day job, he enjoys playing music (mostly the bass guitar) and hockey, as well as exploring Philly’s vibrant neighbourhoods, museums, and restaurants.