Yongao Hu - Personal Webpage
Yongao Hu

Yongao Hu

Education

School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Class of 2026
Program: Candidate for B.S. in Physics and Mathematics with minor in Philosophy

Relevant Coursework

8.323: Quantum Field Theory I
8.701: Intro to Particle and Nuclear Physics
8.901: Astrophysics I
8.228: Introduction to General Relativity
8.06: Quantum Mechanics III
18.701: Algebra I
18.721: Introduction to Algebraic Geometry
18.510: Mathematical Logics
6.101: Fundamentals of Programming
5.62: Physical Chemistry
PHIL 129: Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason

Current Coursework

8.324: Quantum Field Theory II
8.831: Supersymmetric Qantum Field Theory
8.333: Statistical Mechanics
24.260: Topics in Philosophy

Experience

University of Hamburg

VIsiting Researcher - May 2024 – Present

Investigate the product state eigenspace structure of 1D and 2D spin systems in Institute of Theorectical Physics I in UHH with Dr. Thore Posske.

Department of Physics, MIT

Undergraduate Researcher - Sep 2023 – Present

Calculate the validity of theoretical dark matter models explaining the Galactic Center Excess with quantum field theory calculations with Prof. Slatyer.

Lead Physics Mentor - Sep 2023 - Present

Support students in physics courses, fostering their academic and personal growth.

Undergraduate Researcher - Feb 2023 - May 2024

Analyzed morphology of early galaxies with large-scale cosmological magneto-hydrodynamical simulations through dataset processing with the Vogelsberger Group.

Department of Chemistry, MIT

Undergraduate Researcher - Sep 2022 – Jan 2024

Optimized Oxygen Reduction Reaction catalysts in hydrogen fuel cells through computational molecular simulation and minimization algorithm with the Van Voorhis Group.

MIT Office of First Year

Associate Advisor - Aug 2023 – May 2024

Advised first-year students and offer guidance in collaboration with faculty.

Singapore Armed Forces

Corporal (Mandatory national service) - May 2020 – May 2022

Conducted data analysis and sales management across the entire Singapore military. Received "Best Soldier" award in Supply Formation.

Raffles Institution, Singapore

Olympiad trainer for physics and chemistry - November 2019 – May 2020

Mentored students in preparation for the International Chemistry Olympiad and International Young Physicist's Tournament. Students went on to obtain gold medals in international competitions.

Activities & Awards

HackMIT - September 2023, October 2022

Multiple sponsors prizes in machine learning and blockchain technologies

Battlecode | MIT 'newbie' Finalist - January 2022

Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Sciences - August 2020

Singapore’s national award to promote mathematics and sciences excellence, given to 12 high school students a year.

International Chemistry Olympiad | Gold Medal (14th place) - July 2019

International Young Physicist Tournament | Champion Team - October 2017 - July 2018

Defended Singapore’s champion title in an international physics research competition.

Singapore Physics Olympiad | Gold Medal, First in theory - October 2018

Singapore Chemistry Olympiad | Gold Medal, Best Student - October 2018

Singapore Mathematics Olympiad | Gold Medal - 2016-2018

Singapore Ministry of Education Scholarship for secondary school education - 2016-2019

Skills & Proficiencies

Languages

English, Mandarin

Technical Skills

Python, Mathematica, MATLAB, Bash, Microsoft Office, HDF5, Dart, QChem