Unraveling the Infinite Mystery: Ming Yang's Quest to Understand the Universe
In the vast realm of theoretical physics, Ming Yang embarks on a captivating journey to bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity. His PhD research delves into the enigmatic behavior of spacetime near black hole singularities, where the laws of physics as we know them break down.
The Language of the Universe
Ming Yang, a PhD student in Maths and Theoretical Physics, describes mathematics as a timeless language that connects generations. "It's a continuous discovery," he says, "a process that transcends time and allows us to communicate with minds from centuries past."
A Childhood Sparked by Curiosity
Ming's fascination with fundamental science began in childhood, fueled by the influence of his grandfathers. One, a geography teacher, recorded hydrographic data along the Yangtze River and studied earthquakes. The other, a leading hydraulic engineer, designed dams in neighboring countries. This early exposure to the wonders of science and engineering sparked Ming's curiosity and set him on a path of exploration.
From Mars to Cambridge
Ming's curiosity led him to participate in a Boeing-sponsored competition to design a permanent settlement on Mars. His team's success in this global challenge further ignited his passion for space and science. When it came time to choose a university, Ming applied to the University of Hong Kong for engineering but ended up at Cambridge through a joint program. Here, he found his true calling in mathematics and theoretical physics.
The Allure of Nature's Jigsaw Puzzle
Ming describes his attraction to the field as an endless jigsaw puzzle, a never-ending quest to understand the fundamental beauty of nature. "The logic of mathematical proofs is timeless," he explains, "a language that remains unchanged, connecting us to the minds of the past and present."
Exploring the Unknown
During his undergraduate and master's studies, Ming delved into diverse research projects. He examined quantum communication, where information is transmitted according to quantum mechanics' counter-intuitive rules. He also studied indefinite causal order, a phenomenon where the order of events can exist in a quantum superposition. Additionally, Ming explored marine biology, studying the optical properties involved in bioluminescence.
Uniting Quantum and Relativity
Ming's PhD research focuses on the connections between quantum wavefunctions and automorphic forms. By striking an imaginary drumstick against a black hole, he explains, prime numbers emerge, woven into the wave patterns. This research aims to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity, potentially leading to new physics that could unravel some of the universe's greatest mysteries.
The Legacy of Hawking
Ming's supervisor, Professor Sean Hartnoll, was supervised by Professor Gary Gibbons, a former student of the legendary Professor Stephen Hawking. Ming believes Hawking's influence is a significant part of Cambridge's magic, and he hopes to continue his journey in theoretical physics post-PhD, driven by his love for understanding how things work and the creative surprises that come with it.
The Importance of Blue Skies Research
Ming emphasizes the vital role of blue skies research in physics, even if it may not promise immediate applications. "It lays the intellectual foundations," he says, "a continuity of knowledge that can change the world, as we've seen with Hero's Aeolipile and the steam engine."
In a world where the mysteries of the universe are infinitely expanding, Ming Yang's research is a testament to the power of curiosity and the human drive to understand the unknown.
