Yongao Hu

Yongao Hu

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sep 2022 – May 2026

Candidate for B.S. in Physics & Mathematics with Minor in Philosophy

  • GPA: 5.0/5.0
  • Physics: Quantum Field Theory (I–III) [G], Supersymmetric QFT [G], String Theory & Holographic Duality [G], General Relativity [G], Statistical Mechanics [G], Particle Physics [G], Astrophysics [G]
  • Mathematics: Intro to Algebraic Geometry, Set Theory & Logic, Algebra
  • Other: Fundamentals of Programming, Topics in Philosophy, Kant's Critique of Pure Reason
  • Currently enrolled (Fall 2025): Algebraic Geometry [G], Commutative Algebra [G], Seminar in Algebra

Research Experience

Undergraduate Researcher Department of Physics, MIT Jan 2025 – Present

Advisor: Prof. Hong Liu

  • Studying algebraic approaches to QFT and quantum gravity, focusing on the null energy conditions and the Connes cocycle.

Visiting Researcher University of Hamburg May 2024 – Present

Advisor: Dr. Thore Posske

  • Diagonalizing large-matrix XXZ Hamiltonians, proposing and numerically verifying a string-like algebraic structure that explains a previously unaccounted degenerate subspace.

Undergraduate Researcher Department of Physics, MIT Sep 2023 – Present

Advisor: Prof. Tracy Slatyer

  • Performing calculation of updated constraints on the hypercharge portal & the two-Higgs-doublet model, showing the available parameter space favoring the Galactic Center Excess is squeezed into narrow windows.

Undergraduate Researcher Department of Physics, MIT Feb 2023 – May 2024

Advisor: Prof. Mark Vogelsberger

  • Quantified size–mass evolution of high-z galaxies in THESAN simulations with large data processing and compared the result with early JWST observations.

Undergraduate Researcher Department of Chemistry, MIT Sep 2022 – Jan 2024

Advisor: Prof. Troy Van Voorhis

  • Optimized catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells using molecular DFT simulations and minimization algorithms.

Publications & Works in Progress

Hu, Y.; Slatyer, T.; Cesarotti, C. Constraining the Validity of Dark‑Matter Models for the Galactic Center Excess (in prep., 2025). Target: Journal of High Energy Physics.

Hu, Y.; Posske, T.; Gerken, F. Classification of Degenerate Eigenspaces at Product‑State Energy in 1D Periodic XXZ Systems (in prep., 2025).

Shen, X.; Vogelsberger, M.; Borrow, J.; Hu, Y.; et al. The THESAN Project: Galaxy Sizes During the Epoch of Reionization. MNRAS 534 (2), 1433–1458, 2024. DOI

Awards & Honors

Burchard Scholars ProgramMIT2025

  • Selected as a top MIT scholar in the humanities, arts, and social sciences for academic breadth.

HackMITMITSep 2023, Oct 2022

  • Won multiple sponsored prizes for blockchain and machine-learning prototypes in MIT’s annual hackathon.

BattlecodeMITJan 2023

  • Reached the “Newbie” division finals in MIT’s premier programming contest.

Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics & SciencesSingaporeAug 2020

  • Singapore’s national prize awarded to the top pre-university student in mathematics and science.

International Chemistry OlympiadJul 2019

  • Gold Medalist (14th worldwide) among 300+ students in the global chemistry competition.

International Young Physicists' TournamentJul 2018

  • Championship team in the pre-university international physics research & debate tournament.

Teaching Experience

Lead Physics MentorMITSep 2023 – Present

  • Mentoring peers in foundational physics courses including Special Relativity, Electromagnetism, and Quantum Mechanics I, reinforcing problem-solving skills.

GraderDepartment of Physics, MITSep 2023 – Present

  • Graded various MIT physics classes including Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics II.

TeacherJohannesburg & GaboroneJan 2025

  • Organized and taught quantum mechanics classes to 100+ high-school students under MIT's Global Teaching Lab.

Leadership & Service

Social ChairMIT International Student AssociationSep 2023 – Present

  • Organized various events including formals, Boston area inter-college mixers, and the International Fair with participation from 50+ clubs.

International Orientation CoordinatorMITAug 2024, Aug 2025

  • Led orientation for 140+ international students, fostering academic, social, and cultural integration.

Associate AdvisorMITAug 2023 – May 2024

  • Guided first-year students on course selection and personal development.

CorporalSingapore Armed ForcesMay 2020 – May 2022

  • Analyzed army-wide logistics data and handled customer relations, earning performance commendations.

Non-STEM Experience

InstructorSplash, MITNov 2023

  • Taught the history and geography of Alexander the Great to 40 high-school students, emphasizing critical analysis of historical events.

App DeveloperHackMITSep 2023

  • Developed a map-based application for teaching global historical events using machine learning; awarded sponsor prizes.

Technical Skills