9/10/2024 Chanel Fraction
Written by Chanel Fraction
Amanda Young, assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and IQUIST member, received the IUPAP Early Career Scientist Prize in Mathematical Physics on Tuesday, July 2nd at the Schweitzer Auditorium in the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès in Strasbourg, France.
Young’s research focuses on the classification of quantum phases matter, specifically in analytical methods to investigate spectral and dynamical properties of ground states for quantum lattice models.
When asked about important traits pertaining to research, she explained curiosity and diversity are essential.
“Researchers that I admire don't just focus on the problem or topic they are immediately working on, but also take time to listen to talks and learn about other related areas,” said Young. “Diversity sparks creativity and also opens the doors for new avenues of research. Researchers work hard sifting through the details and understand the core of the argument.”
Before her arrival at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Young received her PhD in mathematics from UC Davis in 2016. Following graduation, she continued her education as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Arizona from 2016-2019. Afterwards, she held a jointly appointed postdoc at the Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology and the Technical University of Munich from 2019-2023.
She thanks her mentor PhD advisor Bruno Nachtergaele, postdoctoral mentors Robert Sims and Simone Warzel, and collaborator Sven Bachmann for helping her throughout her academic journey.
“Their influence on my career has been immense, and I am very thankful for the time they have taken to introduce me to new and interesting science as well as their invaluable advice and support,” she said.
Young is currently finishing her project that aims to prove that the Affleck-Kennedy-Lieb-Tasaki (AKLT) model on the hexagonal lattice satisfies a property called Local Topological Quantum Order (LTQO), a key step toward establishing that the AKLT model belongs to a robust quantum phase of matter.