Q&A with HKUST Physics Majors

By Sam Fan 樊潤璋

Minnie SOO

Undergraduate Year 3 student majoring in physics (with an extended major in artificial intelligence)

Dr. Pok Man TAM

BSc in Physics, 2018

Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University (Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics)

Dr. Iris LEUNG

BSc in Physics, 2017

Hedge Fund Research Engineer

What inspired you to major in physics?

Minnie: I was a self-taught student before entering HKUST. This gave me the freedom to explore a wide range of subjects. Initially, I was interested in biology, and later, I also delved into English literature. However, what truly sparked my interest in physics was an accidental encounter with a physics-related video on YouTube.

I still remember the first topic that deeply fascinated me was the double-slit experiment. It introduced the concept of wave-particle duality, which I found utterly mind-blowing. At the time, I simply couldn’t comprehend how such a phenomenon could exist. This sense of curiosity and my eagerness to understand it better motivated me to start studying physics, beginning with IGCSE-level content. Over time, my interest in the subject grew stronger, and ultimately, this passion led me to choose physics as my major in university.

Dr. Tam: I wanted to better comprehend the world, and what makes physics special is its ability to use simple and elegant mathematics to describe complex phenomena and even make predictions. Through deep thinking and hard work, it’s possible to explain many seemingly complex phenomena, which I find incredibly cool. In fact, I’ve been determined to become a physicist since I was a child, so choosing physics as my major in university was a natural decision for me.

Dr. Leung: Actually, there wasn’t a particularly special reason why I chose physics. When I was in primary school, I already had a strong interest in mathematics, especially in the process of logical deduction, starting from the basics and deriving different results. However, mathematics itself is quite abstract. It wasn’t until I encountered physics in secondary school that I realized it could establish a connection with reality. I particularly enjoy using equations and mathematical models to explain phenomena in the actual world. Then the results were no longer just numbers but were linked to everyday life.

Additionally, I loved reading science fiction as a child, particularly stories about time travel. This sparked my strong interest in physics. I was always curious to understand the principles behind things that seemed magical, and that curiosity ultimately led me to physics.

Looking back at the time when you first became interested in physics, do you feel the same way now?

Minnie: My feelings toward physics have grown even stronger over time. Initially, physics seemed like a mysterious field, filled with astonishing yet often incomprehensible phenomena. As I delved deeper into my studies, I not only gained more understanding but also discovered even more unanswered questions, which fueled my curiosity and desire to explore further. I still see physics as a fascinating discipline, and that sense of wonder has not faded — in fact, it has only intensified.

Throughout my journey in physics, I have come to recognize the profound importance of mathematics. I have realized that math is not just a tool but rather a new sense. While we typically rely on our eyes and intuition to perceive the world, many physical phenomena are beyond direct observation and even defy conventional imagination. Mathematics, in this way, has given me an extra layer of perception, allowing me to "see" the hidden structures that govern reality. It enables me to piece together a more complete picture of the universe.

Dr. Tam: Looking back, my first interest in physics began around fifth or sixth grade (Primary five or six). I came across a few books about black holes, white holes, special relativity, and time travel. Although I couldn’t fully understand the content at the time, the fascinating text and intriguing illustrations filled me with wonder.

Another memorable event was in the early 2000s when the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking visited Hong Kong and gave talks alongside other physicists. The highlights of these events were later compiled into a book called Why Are We Here? I loved that book, especially its exploration of cosmology, relativity, and the nature of space-time, which fueled my passion for uncovering the mysteries of the universe.

As my studies progressed, however, my interests began to evolve. I gradually came to understand a new philosophical perspective — emergence. Initially, I believed that the goal of physics was to reduce the world to its most fundamental particles or components — that was the reductionism viewpoint that had influenced me for a long time. But later, I realized that even simple entities, when present in large quantities and interacting with each other, can give rise to unexpected phenomena. By exploring the collective behavior of complex systems, I discovered another captivating dimension of physics.

Although my interests now differ from what they were at the start, this evolution has deepened my appreciation for the diversity and richness of physics as a discipline.

Dr. Leung: I am indeed different now compared to when I first became interested in physics. It does not mean that I’ve lost interest, but as I’ve delved deeper into research, my understanding of physics has become much more nuanced — far from the simplicity I once imagined.

As a child, I carried a certain fantasy that physics was about “one equation to rule them all.” However, many seemingly simple theories are built on assumptions, and when those assumptions fail, the theories no longer hold and often require more complex versions to provide explanations.

In addition, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of experiments in physics. I have always been particularly drawn to the simplicity and elegance of formulas, but physics originally emerged as an experimental science. Without experimental results, many theories could not be validated. Especially in the 21st century, physics has shifted from being primarily theory-driven to becoming data-driven. Many new insights come from experimental results, which are often noisy and filled with background interference, requiring meticulous processing to uncover the true physical phenomena.

Looking back now, the reality of physics is far more complex than I had imagined as a child. However, I’ve come to admire this complexity and diversity. It’s precisely this intricate nature of physics that makes it even more fascinating.

What are some stereotypes surrounding physics majors/physics that you would like to dispel?

Minnie: Many people stereotype physics students as bookish, rigid, and lacking creativity. However, physics itself is a highly imaginative and creative field — without these qualities, it would be impossible to truly grasp its concepts. Because of this, I find that physics students are often far more interesting than people assume. Their way of thinking is unique, allowing them to see the world from entirely different perspectives and offer unexpected insights.

Rather than viewing physics as merely a collection of numbers and equations, many physics students appreciate the elegance and beauty within it. Sometimes, when deriving formulas, the steps may initially seem unrelated, but when the result emerges, it reveals unexpected connections. This element of "unexpected connections" is one of the most captivating aspects of physics. The idea that a single equation can elegantly describe and explain multiple complex natural phenomena is simply breathtaking.

Dr. Tam: Many people might think that physics students are introverted or even a bit bookish, but that’s not necessarily true. The field of physics is incredibly broad, encompassing individuals with a wide range of personalities, backgrounds, and traits. While some may indeed be more reserved, there are also many who are outgoing and excellent communicators.

Having attended countless conferences and met a diverse range of colleagues, I’ve come to realize that succeeding in the academic world of physics requires more than just technical research skills. Strong communication and presentation abilities are equally essential. Many top physicists excel in social interactions, public speaking, and writing. They can deliver clear and engaging talks, breaking down complex ideas into simple, accessible terms — this is a crucial skill for anyone aiming to make an impact in the field.

Some may assume that physicists spend all their time calculating or conducting experiments in isolation, but communicating and promoting one’s research is just as important for success. The academic world is highly competitive, and if you can’t articulate the value of your research, collaborate effectively, or share your ideas in a compelling way, it becomes much harder for your work to gain recognition and make a broader impact.

Dr. Leung: In universities in Hong Kong, the gender ratio in physics departments is highly imbalanced, with significantly fewer women than men. However, as a female physicist, I believe it’s a complete misconception to think that women are not good at physics or are unsuited for the field. More often than not, it’s a matter of perception of the environment. When you’re a high school girl and see that physics appears to be dominated by men, the lack of female representation can make the field seem less appealing or even intimidating.

When I pursued my PhD in United States, I noticed that the proportion of women in physics was relatively higher compared to Hong Kong. Through interactions with my male and female peers, I observed no fundamental differences in thinking or research capabilities between genders. Most of the differences I noticed stemmed from individual personalities rather than gender itself.

From my experience, there is no inherent gender barrier when it comes to studying physics. My motivation for choosing physics was simple: I was fascinated by it. As long as someone has a genuine interest in physics, regardless of their gender, they can and should pursue it.

That said, it’s undeniable that societal stereotypes and the current gender imbalance in the field still make women a minority in physics. I hope this phenomenon will change over time, inspiring more women who are passionate about physics to step into the field and thrive.

Did you ever consider any other major/career?

Minnie: I have indeed thought about my future career, as people around me often ask, "What can you do with a physics degree?" To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how physics can be directly applied to specific jobs, since not every profession requires physics knowledge to solve practical problems. However, what physics has given me goes beyond just subject knowledge — it has equipped me with analytical skills, data processing techniques, observational skills, and logical reasoning, all of which are highly transferable across different fields.

As for whether I have ever considered switching majors — the answer is no. I did explore courses in other disciplines, such as biological sciences, but in the end, I found physics to be the most fascinating. It challenges my thinking and brings me the most intellectual excitement. That’s why I never seriously considered changing my major and instead chose to continue exploring the world of physics.

Dr. Tam: I decided I wanted to become a physicist around eighth or ninth grade (Form two or three). Of course, the journey hasn’t been easy, and there were moments of doubt. In seventh and eighth grade (Form one and two), I questioned whether I was truly suited for physics. Physics requires a strong foundation in mathematics, and at the time, I wasn’t confident in my math skills. Although I was reasonably good at math, I always felt there were others who were much smarter than me, and I doubted whether I was capable of using mathematics to understand physics.

At one point, I even considered switching to philosophy. My impression of philosophy was that it involved expressing ideas through words and didn’t require much math. However, over time, I gradually regained confidence in my mathematical abilities. As I participated in physics competitions and achieved some good results, I started to feel that I might still have a chance. Even so, the doubts about my mathematical skills have never entirely gone away. Even now, I sometimes find myself questioning whether my math is good enough.

Despite these uncertainties, I’ve continued to move forward on this path in physics. I deeply value this journey and embrace its challenges. That said, I don’t see my future as being limited to physics alone. The process of studying physics has provided me with rigorous training and a distinct way of thinking, which I know can be applied to many other fields. While I remain open to different possibilities, I am still passionate about this path and hope to go even further with it.

Dr. Leung: From university through to my PhD, I remained entirely focused on physics and never seriously considered other fields. However, during my doctoral studies, as I progressed further in research, I began to rethink my career goals. I realized that I wanted my work to have a more tangible impact on the real world.

At the time, my research primarily focused on particle physics, which is a rather abstract field. The objects of study are not something you can observe directly, and particle physics research is often more about pure scientific exploration than immediate applications or practical impacts.

After spending significant time on abstract research, I gradually developed a desire to work on something more connected to the real world. I wanted to see the models I built being applied and having actual effects, such as solving real-world problems or improving decision-making processes.

That said, this shift doesn’t mean I’m dissatisfied with physics research. It’s just that, compared to the progress in physics, which often unfolds over centuries, I was drawn to work where I could see results in a shorter time frame — perhaps measured in years rather than decades. It felt like a natural choice for me, driven by a desire to apply my expertise in more practical contexts and to make a direct impact on the world around me.

How do you see the role of physics graduates in today’s job market/society?

Minnie: I am aware that there is a general lack of understanding in the society about what qualities physics graduates hold. Beyond that, through my involvement in sports and business-related events, I’ve noticed three common reactions when people ask about my major: The first one is no reaction at all, as if they don’t see how physics relates to their world. For the other two, they would either be "Wow! That must be hard!" or they mistake my major for physical therapy.

However, I believe that physics students possess valuable soft skills, including analytical thinking, data processing, logical reasoning, and the ability to learn new concepts quickly. These skills are highly relevant in fields like technology, finance and data analysis — areas where strong problem-solving abilities and quantitative reasoning are essential.

Dr. Tam: From my point of view, physics students have a unique attitude: Even if we don’t know something initially, we are able to learn it as we go and quickly apply it to real-world problems. Physics training also teaches us how to use mathematics and data to model and describe a system. This quantitative modeling skill is incredibly valuable in many modern professions. For example, developing new drugs requires simulating molecular interactions, policymaking involves understanding societal dynamics, and financial market modeling shares many similarities with the methods used in physics research — using data, math, and models to analyze and explain phenomena.

Studying physics cultivates a distinctive way of thinking, enabling us to approach problems and the world from unique perspectives. It’s precisely this perspective and these abilities that allow physicists to play a special role in the workplace and society.

Dr. Leung: Physics majors are highly competitive in the job market. The training provided in physics equips students with a unique skill set that is highly transferable to a wide range of fields.

In addition, physics graduates are known for their adaptability. They excel at analyzing problems and finding practical solutions, quickly understanding work contexts and applying their skills effectively. This makes them well suited for roles that require problem-solving or analytical expertise. That’s why a physics degree is highly valued in North America where I currently reside.