Considering transitioning to physics, any advice?

I am an undergraduate in the US at an Ivy league school and entering my senior year. I have been studying computer science and mathematics, and have done research in (empirical) machine learning (ML) throughout college.

In CS, I have taken essentially all of the theoretical CS and ML curriculum, along with a few systems courses. In math, I have taken algebra up through Galois theory, real analysis, numerical analysis, ODEs/PDEs, tensor calculus, and probability.

In general, my goal is to become an academic, and I have a strong profile thus far in computer science/ML. However, I increasingly feel that many of the questions I am most drawn to are not central to modern ML; I find myself wanting work that is grounded in physical systems, requires lots of mathematics, and is more directly connected to nature.

Because of this, I have been thinking seriously about whether I should try to move toward physics, applied physics, quantum science, biophysics or some adjacent area such as ECE, applied math, or chemical physics. I have some physics background but by no means a physics-major transcript; I took an advanced mechanics course following Morin, and I saw some E&M and thermodynamics in high school, but I was much more focused on bio/chem at the time. I have notably not taken the full undergraduate physics core.

I've spoken to some faculty who suggested I study some quantum over the summer and try taking an advanced quantum course in the fall.

Questions:

How realistic is it to transition from a CS/math/ML undergraduate background into physics or applied physics at this stage?

1. Would it be better to aim for physics PhD programs, or for adjacent programs like ECE, applied physics, quantum science/engineering, materials science, applied math, or chemical physics?

2. Are there good bridge paths for someone in my position, such as a funded master’s, post-bacc/RA position?

3. If I want to keep open the possibility of transitioning to physical science, what should I prioritize during senior year?

I realize this is a bit nonstandard, and to be clear, I do not want to pretend I can skip the foundations. I am very willing to do the slow work and be behind for a while. I am mainly trying to understand what a realistic path would look like, and whether people have seen successful transitions from CS/math into physics or adjacent physical-science fields.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!