Researcher Highlight – Hongyi Deng from Project G
We hope to give a better insight to the program by introducing our PhD students. We ask them about their research and how they became a member of our IRTG. This time we would like to introduce you to Hongyi Deng who is working in our Project G – Formulation and Crystallization of Perovskite Bearing Glass-Ceramics for Light Management:
Where do you come from, and how did you become a part of the IRTG program?
I am from China and studied Materials Science for my Bachelor’s degree at FAU. I continued my studies at FAU in the institute of Glass and Ceramics for my Master’s degree. During the last year of my Master, I noticed that the IRTG program was recruiting PhD students. I already knew this program because one of my colleagues in the glass group, David, was the first generation of PhD student in the IRTG program. I was very interested in his project, so I applied for the IRTG program.
Why were you interested in this IRTG program?
I have a great passion for research. I enjoy doing experiments to discover new things, analyzing the results, and improving the experiments. Compared to a master’s thesis, a PhD program requires more thinking and special curiosity needed, which I am good at it. Therefore, I have decided to pursue my research further. To me, the IRTG program is the best choice as it offers several research topics at the forefront of science with the guidance of renowned professors from both Germany and Japan. Additionally, it provides a valuable opportunity for PhD students to study abroad in Japan, which not only allows me to obtain many assistance from different professors from Germany and Japan, but also provides me with a unique cultural exchange experience. Thus, I am very interested in the IRTG program.
Tell us a little bit about your current research for the IRTG.
Currently, I am attempting to synthesize a type of glass with a composition consisting of Bi2O3, BaO, TiO2. The biggest challenge I have faced is the formation of small crystals, for which I am trying to find some solutions.
What are you looking forward to most during your research stay in Japan?
I would love to try different Japanese cuisine and immerse myself in Japanese customs and culture. Of course, the most important aspect would be the opportunity to work with instruments and equipment that are different from those at FAU to successfully conduct my experiments.
What is one goal in your life?
I have had a great passion for mathematics since I was young, and have always had the goal of proving the Goldbach Conjecture. Although I am currently doing a PhD in Materials Science, who knows, maybe in the future I will have the opportunity to achieve this goal.