Meet Samuel Degen – Top 10 Student in the Perimeter Institute START Satellite Program at Bishop’s University

Samuel Degen, a 2nd year physics student at UCLA, is thrilled to be participating in the Perimeter Institute START Satellite Program at Bishop’s University. This program offers him the chance to explore a new academic environment, connect with like-minded peers from around the world, and deepen his understanding of key concepts in theoretical physics through collaborative learning.

Samuel’s passion for physics began early. As a child, he loved math and was captivated by the extreme environments of the universe. Encouraged by his sister, he enrolled in his first physics class and discovered a powerful way to combine mathematical reasoning with physical intuition. This blend continues to drive his pursuit of answers to deep questions about the cosmos.

For younger students considering physics, Samuel describes it as an exciting field full of opportunities to explore some of the most profound mysteries in the universe—black holes, gravitational waves, fusion energy, quantum computing, dark matter, and much more. He believes studying physics not only helps address one’s longstanding curiosities but also teaches students how to ask better, more insightful questions.

Samuel hopes his journey will inspire other students to pursue research opportunities early and embrace the global nature of science. Last summer, he earned a research fellowship at UCLA to study theoretical plasma physics and later presented his work at an international conference. He was recently selected for the prestigious University of Tokyo Research Internship Program (UTRIP) and received the Friends of UTokyo Global Leadership Award, recognizing both his academic accomplishments and potential for international collaboration.

During Perimeter’s two-week program, Samuel is especially eager to build lasting connections with other students who share his interest in theoretical physics. He also welcomes the chance to step away from the bustle of Los Angeles and enjoy the peaceful environment of Bishop’s University in Quebec, where he can focus on his studies and reflect on his passion for physics.

If given unlimited resources for scientific research, Samuel would further explore his deep questions about the most extreme environments of the universe by focusing on the applications of quantum field theory to gravity. He is particularly interested in dual theories, where quantum field theory and gravity are seen as different perspectives of the same physics. One compelling example is the Double Copy theory, which connects scattering amplitudes in gauge theory with those in gravity—a technique used to predict the shape of gravitational waves emitted by merging black holes. Samuel is also fascinated by the AdS/CFT correspondence and the use of topological Chern-Simons theory to study quantum gravity in one lower dimension, potentially offering a solvable model with quantum black holes.

—

Joannie St-Germain M.Sc. (she/her/elle)
RESEARCH OFFICER
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES
819-822-9600 x 2242