Taylor Hughes

The Loomis Confessions: Taylor Hughes

If you couldn’t be a physicist, what career would you choose?

I often find myself looking for creative outlets. Physics gives me one of those outlets, and I especially love the process of understanding and then making connections. If money was no object, then I would choose music or writing. If money mattered, I think that as of today I might choose to be a therapist. I’m a good listener, and I’ve built up enough life experience to help other people.

What is your favorite place?

Sunset.

What is the greatest scientific blunder in history?

Pass.

Who is/are your favorite artist(s) in any medium—painters, composers, authors, filmmakers?

I’ll answer this as what things I would want with me on a desert island. For art, I like surrealism, so people like Dali and Magritte come to mind. I have a lot of favorite authors, but the one that can’t seem to let go of me is Steven Erikson. For music, I feel like I could continuously listen to Radiohead or Bon Iver. And for film makers, I really like Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli in general.

Who is/are your favorite hero(es) in life or in fiction?

Fiction: Moana and Chihiro (from Spirited Away).

Real-Life: my grandfather.

Who is/are the villain(s) you love to hate?

Insecurity.

What is your idea of happiness?

Having nothing on my calendar or overhearing my daughter sing.

What is your idea of misery?

Being late and having to worry about missing out.

What quality do you most admire in others?

People who can focus on just one problem and get to the bottom of it. Hand in hand with this are people who can think of the right question to ask.

What scientific question do you hope will be answered in your lifetime?