Researcher Profiles

Nils Deppe

Nils Deppe, Fourth Year, Mathematical Physics

Briefly describe the professor and research project you are working with.

Dr. Kunstatter is a pleasure to work with. He is always willing to explain something if you do not understand and is available for discussions. I was primarily involved in a project where we investigated the collapse of matter in a higher curvature and higher dimensional theory known as Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity. The motivation for this work is that many candidate quantum gravity theories, such as string theory, require higher spacial dimensions. It is also natural to consider higher curvature theories that reduce to the classic General Relativity theory in three spacial and one time dimension.

Why do you want to do this kind of research?

Being able to marry quantum mechanics and general relativity (GR) is challenging. Both quantum mechanics and general relativity have passed the experiments people have performed to test the theories, though GR predicts its own demise. As the spacial distance between two points goes to zero physical quantities are predicted to go to infinity. Quantum mechanics has resolved these kinds issues in classical Newtonian mechanics and thus a quantum theory of gravity is expected to resolve this problem in GR as well. There is still a lot of exciting research to be done which poses many difficulties in physics, mathematics and numerical analysis, all of which I greatly enjoy!

How do you think this research benefits you in developing your skills and abilities?

My research with Dr. Kunstatter has been of great benefit. He has helped increase my understanding of gravitational theories, field theories and Hamiltonian constraint analysis. I have had opportunities to present my research to students and professors at physics conferences, which helped develop my public speaking skills. My research has also allowed me to develop a good understanding of numerical analysis, and creating computer code to solve physical problems with various numerical techniques.

What is the best part, or what has surprised you in doing this research?

I have enjoyed learning, understanding and working towards a solution to the current research problem. I was extremely lucky to be able to attend two physics conferences which I enjoyed.I also coauthored on a scientific paper, which is extremely exciting as well!

What would you say to students thinking about attending UWinnipeg regarding research opportunities here?

The University of Winnipeg offers great research opportunities that are not provided at other universities. At larger universities it is quite often only graduate students who get the chance to do research with the a professor. At The University of Winnipeg many undergraduates, such as myself, get great opportunities to do amazing research in exciting fields with professors that are very passionate, talented and helpful.

What are your personal goals, how do you hope to use your education down the road?

I plan to attend graduate studies in either physics or engineering. The ultimate goal is to get a professorship afterwards. This would allow me to do research I enjoy, as well as teach and excite students about the wonders of our universe, and how amazing the world we live in really is!