Researcher Profiles

Dr. Gabor Kunstatter

Dr. Gabor Kunstatter, Physics Professor

Can you share a brief description of your current research.  

My research focuses on perhaps the most important question in theoretical physics today: what is the ultimate theory that unifies Einstein’s theory of gravity with quantum mechanics? Einstein’s theory explains the motions of planets, galaxies and the universe as a whole, while quantum mechanics describes the sub-atomic world. Both theories have been well tested in their own realms, but they appear incompatible with each other. I look for clues to the ultimate unified theory by studying black holes, regions of space whose gravitational pull is so strong that everything, including light, is trapped forever. At the very center of every black hole, invisible to the outside world, lurks a singularity, which is quite literally a “tear in the fabric of space-time” where the known laws of physics break down. There is by now substantial experimental evidence that these strange objects exist in binary star systems within the Milky Way as well as at the very center of most galaxies, including our own.  I construct mathematical models of black holes that are simple enough to be studied rigorously while at the same time complicated enough to retain the key features of real black holes.  The analysis of these models requires calculations that can sometimes be done by hand, but more often require a computer (and a talented undergraduate such as Nils to program it).

In what ways could this research affect the average person?  

The goal of my research is to learn something new and fundamental about how the universe works. Gravitation and quantum mechanics are particularly fascinating and beautiful theories that have bizarre consequences, such as the slowing down of time near black holes and spooky “action at a distance”. The theory that unifies them will undoubtedly be even stranger and more compelling.

In addition to satisfying our natural curiosity about the world around us, this type of research has more practical, albeit long term, implications:  Virtually all the modern conveniences that we now enjoy and that fuel the global economy are direct consequences of paradigm shifting basic research that was in the beginning curiosity driven. The technology at the heart of computers relies on quantum mechanics, while GPS would not be possible without knowing the effects of Einstein’s theory of gravity on the motions of satellites.  Both these theories were formulated by scientists whose primary goal was to understand the mysteries of the Universe. The technological and economic pay-off of this type of research might take a while to be realized, but when it comes, it is huge!

For you personally, why do you want to do this kind of research?

I do this kind of research because I would like to learn more about how the Universe works at its most fundamental level. I also do it because it enables me to work with eager young minds who are as thrilled by discovery and revelation as I am.

What is the most satisfying part of this research?

The most satisfying part is the occasional “light bulb” moment. That is, when all the different clues fall into place and suddenly I understand something that was previously unknown. Such moments are even more powerful when they lead to a completely original discovery however minute and mired in the details of the particular theory I happen to be study.

This moment of discovery is just as satisfying for me when the light bulb is not over my head, but over that of a student who has just come to some new understanding aided by my lectures or discussions.

What kind of student involvement do you have in this research?

I generally work with a postdoctoral fellow, at least one graduate student, and two or three undergraduate students who do research with me during the summer months. I have had the excellent fortune to be able to work with some wonderful students, at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Although I realize that it is my responsibility to provide background information and direction, I find it best to work collaboratively with them, just as I do with more senior colleagues.  The students thereby not only do very useful (and often quite difficult) calculations, either on paper or via computer, but they also provide invaluable insights and ideas. We both learn a great deal in the process.

What would you say to students who may be interested in this field of study?

They need to be passionate about understanding the physical universe. It is certainly not a field to enter in the hopes of gaining fame or wealth. Students in this field must also love mathematics, because progress in theoretical physics can only be achieved using the language of mathematics. The only specific advice I have is that they should communicate their interest to their professors and try to gain research experience as early as possible.