Yongao Hu

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

Undergraduate Researcher Department of Physics, MIT Jan 2025 – Present

Advisor: Prof. Hong Liu

• Studying algebraic QFT and quantum gravity, focusing on the proofs of quantum null energy conditions.
• Calculating the behavior of coherent and squeezed states to test the assumptions in the proofs.
• Expanding the validity of the proofs using functional analysis of unbounded operators.

Visiting Researcher University of Hamburg May 2024 – Present

Advisor: Dr. Thore Posske

• Researching the middle-of-spectrum degeneracy of strongly interacting spin system.
• Proposing a categorical algebraic structure that explains a previously unaccounted degenerate subspace.
• Coding a numerical solver for the highly nonlinear Bethe Ansatz Equation to verify the hypothesis.
• Applying representation theory to understand the spectrum of the Heisenberg spin chain.

Undergraduate Researcher Department of Physics, MIT Sep 2023 – Present

Advisor: Prof. Tracy Slatyer

• Updating the constraints of the dark matter models that explain the Galactic Center Excess.
• Conducting up to one-loop QFT calculation of the hypercharge portal and the two-Higgs-doublet model.
• Simulating accelerator searches using Madgraph, PYTHIA, and Delphes.
• Demonstrating that there is still available parameter space for the dark matter models.

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

Advisor: Prof. Mark Vogelsberger

• Compared size–mass evolution of high-z galaxies in THESAN simulations with early JWST observations.
• Conducted large data processing to analyze the behavior of galaxies.

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.

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.

Lead Physics MentorMITSep 2023 – Present

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

GraderDepartment of Physics, MITSep 2023 – Present

• Graded various MIT physics classes including Special Relativity, 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.

Social ChairMIT International Student AssociationSep 2023 – Sep 2025

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

International Orientation CoordinatorMITMay 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.

Election Commission OfficerUndergraduate Association, MITAug 2023 – May 2024

• Organized student government elections, ensuring a fair and transparent voting process.

CorporalSingapore Armed ForcesMay 2020 – May 2022

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