A short introduction
Dr. Arash E. Zaghi is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2009. Initially focusing on structural engineering and bridge design, Dr. Zaghi's career took a transformative turn following his diagnosis with dyslexia and ADHD at age 32. This personal revelation inspired him to explore the intersection of cognitive science and engineering education, particularly the strengths of neurodiverse individuals in STEM fields. In recognition of his pioneering research, Dr. Zaghi was honored with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in January 2025. Established in 1996, the PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers, acknowledging innovative research and a commitment to community service. Beyond his work in neurodiversity, Dr. Zaghi has developed a profound interest in quantum foundations. He is actively engaged in advancing Relational Quantum Dynamics (RQD), a framework that integrates consciousness into the fabric of quantum mechanics. His recent publications propose that conscious experiences may emerge naturally from the dynamics of quantum information, offering a mathematically robust bridge between quantum physics and cognitive science. Dr. Zaghi's interdisciplinary approach continues to challenge traditional paradigms and foster a deeper understanding of both the human mind and the fundamental nature of reality.Publications:
Relational Quantum Dynamics and Indra’s Net: A non-dual understanding of quantum reality
Professor Zaghi introduces Relational Quantum Dynamics (RQD), a further development of Carlo Rovelli’s Relational Quantum Mechanics (RQM) with a solid mathematical and metaphysical basis. RQD circumvents the infinite regress inherent to RQM (everything being constituted of relations between meta-relations, and these consisting of relations between meta-meta-relations, etc., ad infinitum) by proposing that, although all physical entities are indeed relational, the relations—and even spacetime itself—arise within an underlying field awareness.
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