Top Awards go to Williams College Physics Professor Williams Wootters

Print Story | Email Story
Professor William Wootters
Professor William Wootters is to be honored for his outstanding achievements in physics, not once, but twice in the academic year, by The American Physical Society and by the National Institute on Information and Communications Technology. In recognition of his pioneering work in quantum theory, the National Institute on Information and Communications Technology bestowed its 2006 International Quantum Communications Award on Wootters at a ceremony in Tsukuba, Japan, Nov. 28-30. The award is given every two years at the International Conference on Quantum Communication, Measurement, and Computing. Wootters is the Barclay Jermain Professor of Natural Philosophy at Williams College. His research specialty, quantum information theory, is the study of information stored or processed in objects that must be described by quantum mechanics, such as individual atoms. Information stored in quantum systems behaves very differently from ordinary information. It cannot, for example, be copied perfectly. Despite these restrictions, this ghostly sort of information could be of great value in "quantum computation" and "quantum cryptography." Wootters' work on "teleportation" of quantum information has been widely cited in both the scientific and popular press. While his own work is at the most basic and theoretical level, other scientists around the world are seeking to bring these ideas to practical fruition. Wootters will be awarded The American Physical Society (APS) Prize to a Faculty Member for Research in an Undergraduate Institution at a ceremony in Denver, Co. in March. The prize is the highest national award of its kind. It is given annually to honor a physicist recognized as contributing substantially to physics research and providing inspirational guidance and encouragement to undergraduate students participating in this research. The APS cited Wootters "for his pioneering work on quantum teleportation, his widely cited contributions to quantum information theory, and his prolific engagement of undergraduate students in this research at the foundation of quantum mechanics." Physics Department Chair Kevin Jones commented, "Bill Wootters is remarkable for his skill in weaving his teaching and research interests together. He has a knack for identifying interesting problems, is able to explain them clearly and precisely, and then engage beginning researchers in their solution." In a recent interview in APS's Quantum Times newsletter, Wootters was asked about doing quantum theory research at a small institution like Williams College. "I think both theory and experiment can thrive at a liberal arts college," he said, "because the problems are never very far removed from elementary quantum mechanics. One metaphor [is] that one could look for good problems 'near the trunk' of the discipline as opposed to looking at the ends of the longest branches." Wootters has been at Williams since 1982 and teaches courses that range from those intended for non-science majors to the most advanced upper level tutorials. With mathematician Susan Loepp he teaches a highly successful interdisciplinary course called "Protecting Information." He and his students have published in prestigious scientific journals, including Physical Review Letters. In 2000, he was elected as a fellow of the APS for his "contributions on the foundations of quantum mechanics and groundbreaking work in quantum information and communications theory." Wootters received his B.S. from Stanford University in 1973 and his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. The American Physical Society has been the leading voice for the advancement and diffusion of physics nationally and internationally for over 100 years. The APS publishes major scientific journals such as the Physical Review. This is the 20th year of the QCMC, organized by the National Institute on Information and Communications Technology (NICT). The NICT is a Japanese-based organization seeking to advance both national and international scientific understanding. Its goals include the development of technology to strengthen the economy, health, and the environment.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friday Front Porch Feature: This Luxury Home Has Plenty of Amenities

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LENOX, Mass. — Are you looking for a big house to enjoy your days with a big movie theater, a sauna, and more? Then this is the house for you.

Built in 2004, this seven-bedroom, and nine-bathroom home is 7,073 square feet on more than an acre. The home comes with an elevator to the lower level to access a theater, sauna, gym, wine cellar, massage room, and its very own soda fountain. 

The home also has a guest house with a saltwater pool. A multi-car garage greets you with heated floors.

The this home is listed for $4,950,000 and is located in the 125-acre, gated Pinecroft compound.

We spoke to Leslie Chesloff, the listing agent with William Pitt Sotheby's.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Chesloff: This gated Berkshire stone estate truly redefines luxury living in the Berkshires. What sets it apart is the rare combination of resort-style amenities and complete privacy. The property offers Canyon Ranch-level wellness living with a full spa experience at home — including a sauna, massage room, and gym — plus an eight-seat hi-def theater with wine cellar for entertaining. The heated, gunite saltwater pool and spa are complemented by a fully equipped pool house with a guest suite and complete kitchen, perfect for extended family or guests.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

The moment you step inside, you're struck by the quality and craftsmanship — those 300-year-old reclaimed timber floors set an immediate tone of authenticity and warmth. The scale is impressive but never overwhelming; this is a home designed for gracious living, not just show. The natural light, cathedral ceilings, and thoughtful flow between spaces create an inviting atmosphere that balances grandeur with genuine comfort.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

This home feels like a private wellness retreat meets sophisticated family estate. There's a serene, spa-like quality throughout — enhanced by features like the sauna, steam shower, and massage room — but it never feels clinical or cold. The Berkshire stone exterior and reclaimed timber floors ground the home in a sense of place and permanence. It's designed for people who appreciate the finer things but want to actually live well — whether that's screening a film in the eight-seat theater with wine from your own cellar, hosting poolside gatherings, or simply unwinding in your own spa sanctuary.

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

This is perfect for the discerning buyer who values wellness, privacy, and culture in equal measure. I envision someone who spends their days hiking or exploring the Berkshires, then comes home to unwind in the sauna or pool. They might entertain guests in the theater wine room, host multi-generational gatherings with family staying in the pool house guest suite (which has a full kitchen), and appreciate being minutes from Tanglewood, world-class dining, and Berkshire arts.

This could be an executive looking for a primary residence with work-from-home flexibility (there's an office/bedroom suite), a wellness-focused family, or empty nesters who want to host adult children and grandchildren in style and comfort.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Picture Saturday morning: you're sipping coffee on the terrace overlooking your heated saltwater pool, planning a day at Tanglewood. Your guests are making breakfast in the pool house kitchen — they have their own private retreat but are steps away when you're ready to gather. Evening arrives, and you screen a favorite film in your eight-seat theater, selecting a perfect bottle from your wine cellar. This isn't just a home; it's a lifestyle that brings resort-level wellness, entertainment, and hospitality to your doorstep — all within a secure, maintenance-free compound where nature meets luxury.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Absolutely. The home includes an elevator for multilevel accessibility, which is both practical and forward-thinking. The lower level is exceptionally well-conceived — a true entertainment and wellness wing featuring the eight-seat hi-def theater, wine cellar, sauna, gym, massage room, and even a charming soda fountain. The gourmet kitchen has been recently updated, customized wet bar, while outdoor living is elevated with the heated gunite saltwater pool/spa, firepit, and that incredible pool house with guest suite and full kitchen. Also, new HVAC system and heated driveway.

Thoughtful details like cedar closets, steam showers, central vacuum, and backup generator show this home was built to the highest standards.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

View Full Story

More Berkshire County Stories