Finding solutions amidst fractal uncertainty and quantum chaos

Semyon Dyatlov Image: M. Scott Brauer Math professor Semyon Dyatlov explores the relationship between classical and quantum physics. Semyon Dyatlov calls himself a "mathematical physicist." He's an associate editor of the journal Probability and Mathematical Physics. His PhD dissertation advanced understanding of wave decay in black hole spacetimes. And much of his research focuses on developing new ways to understand the correspondence between classical physics (which describes light as rays that travel in straight lines and bounce off surfaces) and quantum systems (wherein light has wave-particle duality). So it may come as a surprise that, as a student growing up in Siberia, he didn't study physics in depth. "Much of my work is deeply related to physics, even though I didn't receive that much physics education as a student," he says. "It took when I started working as a mathematician to slowly start understanding things like general relativity and modern particle physics." A math-loving family, and inspiring mentors His mathematical education, however, has been extensive - and started early.