Rodrigo Araiza Bravo is coordinating the creation of a state-funded research park

“What can physicists do? ” is an interview series that profiles physicists who opted for careers outside of academia.

What was your research focus in graduate school?

Neutral-atom computers and machine learning.

What were you looking for in a job?

I wanted to go in a direction that had rapid impact. I wanted to lend my expertise for decisions and strategic planning and to think deeply about ethics, trust in science, and the impact of science.

My aims were influenced by the detachment I felt during the pandemic. I wanted to get closer to the real world.

How did you find your job?

After my PhD, I was a congressional fellow in Senator Dick Durbin’s office. Illinois has a lot of quantum and science efforts at the state level. I connected with people. Someone told me about the job, and I applied. I started with the State of Illinois in August 2025.

How do you spend your time?

The biggest part of the job is managing the creation of a quantum and microelectronics research park in South Chicago. I interface with the developers and with individual companies. We are trying to attract companies that will create high-paying jobs. The park will open at the end of 2028. I manage $500 million allocated by the state.

I spend time on the phone exchanging updates and briefing leadership. I give presentations to companies to help understand if they are a good match for the park. I talk with federal agencies that are investing in the site.

What do you like about your job?

Figuring out solutions to interesting problems, like being creative with incentive programs for industry. I use my knowledge of quantum and about the quantum industry to develop partnerships.

How do you use your physics?

I use it very little. But without my physics background, I couldn’t do my job. The goal is to find and coordinate with partners; it’s crucial that I speak their language.

What new skills did you need to learn?

Understanding stakeholder engagement. Diplomacy—mitigating frictions—is a big part of my job. And administrative ruling—deciding if applicants are eligible for our awards. I am learning to speak the language of government agencies.