I was always asking questions, until I realised that I’d have to find the answer myself. That’s how I got interested in particle physics. I wanted to see how the fundamental ingredients of matter work. The further I went, the more I found myself trying to understand the mathematical aspects of particle physics, which eventually brought me into mathematics.
I look at quantum field theory, which is the theory behind particle physics. My research also relates to Einstein’s theory of relativity. One of the biggest questions in theoretical physics is how those two theories interact. I look at problems which are in between gravity and particle physics, in the direction of quantum gravity - so trying to understand some of the really fundamental laws of the universe.
York Minster
But it means that any progress you make can be really significant. At York, there are some fantastic people with fascinating ideas about quantum field theory and quantum gravity. I was in touch with some of them while I was still a PhD student. When an opportunity came to work with them, I applied at once.
I’ve been at the University of York for years now. The research is great, and it’s a very nice place to live. Before that, I was in Rome for a postdoc, and before that, I did my PhD in Germany. And I’m originally from Poland, so I’ve been around Europe! Part of my job is welcoming new students to York. If you’ve been to an Open Day or a Visit Day, then there’s a good chance you’ll have met me before.
In your first year, you’ll study a bit of everything: applied mathematics, pure mathematics and statistics. It’s a chance to find out what university mathematics looks like before you make your choices. In the second year, you carry on with two of those subjects, and then specialise to a single discipline in your final year.
It’s fundamental for anyone doing applied mathematics. We cover modern methods of classical mechanics, so you’ll learn how to describe very complex systems in a very simple way. It’s always gratifying.
In the second part of the module, you cover basic principles of quantum mechanics, gaining some intuition of how to compute probabilities and understand simple experiments. It’s the first step into the quantum world!
If you have any questions about maths at York, then please feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to discuss your course, our research, or anything else you want to know about.
