New Jumpstart Postdoc Delivers Quantum Gravity Seminar at Beijing Normal University

Qiaoyin Pan, Ph.D., gave a seminar at Beijing Normal University on Aug. 2 about the quantum gravity research she is currently conducting as a Schmidt College of Science Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program member. In her presentation, “Covariant loop quantum gravity with cosmological constant,” Pan described the history of quantum spacetime in the presence of a nonzero cosmology constant.

“The goal of my research is to understand the fundamental structure of gravity at the microscopic scale,” stated Pan. “My projects focus on adding a cosmological constant to the quantum gravity model to make it self-consistent and more applicable to describe the current universe."

Pan was invited to deliver her seminar at Beijing Normal University, and it was her first time presenting there.

“My favorite part of the experience was that it is the first time I have presented this work in Chinese, which was interesting and challenging for me because I learned most of the concepts in English, and I had to translate them into the proper Chinese terms,” shared Pan.

Pan said she chose to pursue quantum gravity research because it targets the most fundamental and challenging question in theoretical physics. Results from her study could lead to a new understanding of the quantum structure of gravity and allow scientists to understand the current and early universe better.

“Upon a good understanding of quantum gravity theory, we will have a deeper understanding of physics and the universe we are living in,” said Pan. “It will also potentially bring insights into new directions in mathematics and new technologies.”

Within the Jumpstart Postdoctoral program, Pan is performing research along with her supervisors in the Schmidt College of Science, Muxin Han, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Physics, and Yang Li, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

“Professors Han and Li are both great mentors because they have strong backgrounds in quantum gravity and numerical analysis, which are highly relevant to my research,” expressed Pan. “My research could not have been conducted so smoothly without their collaboration and help. They are also extremely helpful in building up my academic connections.

To learn more about the college’s Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program, visit: bjtvalve.com/science/postdoc-program/.