Dr Liu Guigeng (left), winner of Graduate College Research Excellence Award and MRSS Medal in Physics accepted the award from Prof Timothy White, President of Materials Research Society (MRSS) and Vice President of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (right). Photo credit – M.Fadly
Graduate College Research Excellence Award and MRSS Medal in Physics – Dr Liu Guigeng
The Graduate College Research Excellence Award and Material Research Society of Singapore (MRSS) Medal in Physics was awarded to Dr Liu Guigeng of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, who is the winner of both awards this year. Supervised by Prof Zhang Baile and Associate Prof Chong Yidong, Dr Liu graduated with a PhD in Physics this year and and will soon be joining Westlake University as an Assistant Professor.
The Graduate College Research Excellence Award is presented to graduate students who have achieved significant research milestones during their academic journey at NTU. MRSS Medal is given to graduate students with the best PhD thesis in Physics.
Explaining his PhD research, Dr. Liu explained: “Light control represents a fundamental challenge in physics. By integrating the concept of topology – a a foundational mathematical concept – into photonic systems, we have unlocked the ability to guide light with unparalleled precision, akin to the flow of water, and without encountering backscattering.”
He further added, “Our work has led to the development of novel concepts and devices to manipulate the behavior of photonic waves. A groundbreaking achievement, published in the esteemed journal Nature, is the proposal of a three-dimensional photonic Chern insulator, which allows photonic waves to travel on its surfaces and overcome obstacles seamlessly, completely free from reflection.”
Congratulations to Dr. Liu for winning the awards!
From left – Professor Zhang Baile, Professor Timothy White, Dr. Liu Geng, Associate Professor Patrick Pun, Dr. Hang Kim Hoo and Professor Lew Wen Siang. Photo credit – M.Fadly
Singapore Mathematical Society Medal: Dr Lei Qian
Dr Lei Qian has been honoured with the Singapore Mathematical Society (SMS) Medal in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in his PhD studies in the Mathematical Sciences.
The SMS Medal in the Mathematical Sciences, established in 2016 by the Singapore Mathematical Society, is a prestigious recognition, awarded annually to a post-graduate student with the most outstanding PhD thesis.
Dr. Lei Qian’s doctoral journey centered around Bellman’s dynamic programming, a fundamental concept in how we control things that change over time. Dr. Lei’s thesis successfully established a framework that bridges partial differential equations, stochastic differential equations, and stochastic control theory. This strongly advocates for an equilibrium strategy as a viable alternative to optimal strategy, catering to decision-makers who follow the principle of “globally thinking, locally acting” in time-inconsistent control problems.
Dr. Lei’s supervisor, Associate Professor Patrick Pun (left), accepted the award on his behalf. The award was presented by the President of the Singapore Mathematical Society (SMS), Dr Hang Kim Hoo, (right).
Despite being unable to attend the award ceremony, Dr Lei’s accomplishments were celebrated. His supervisor, Associate Professor Patrick Pun, accepted the award on his behalf. The award was presented by Dr Hang Kim Hoo, the President of the Singapore Mathematical Society (SMS). Other prominent faculty members, including Professor Zhang Baile, Assistant Chair, Research and Graduate Studies (Physics) and Professor Lew Wen Siang, Associate Chair (Research), also graced the ceremony.
Congratulations to Dr. Lei for winning the award!