Profile

Jock McOrist

After completing high school in Coffs Harbour, Jock McOrist came to the University of Sydney in Autumn of 2000, young and naive. Not knowing exactly what he wanted to do, he entered the BSc (Advanced) program and ended up specialising in maths and physics. He finished my BSc in Maths/Physics in 2002, and followed that by doing Physics Honours with Professor Don Melrose, finishing with a mark of 99 (2nd in Faculty of Science). This gave him 1st Class Honors and a University Medal. In 2004, Jock won the prestigious BHP Science/Engineering Fulbright scholarship to undertake a PhD in theoretical physics, focussing in high energy particle theory at the University of Chicago. In the 9 month interim, he also completed an MSc in physics, also at the University of Sydney, with Don Melrose. He is now a 3rd year PhD student at the University of Chicago, where he won a four-year fellowship. His current area of research is in high energy theory, in particular, his interests lie in supersymmetric field theories and aspects of string theory.

Why did you do Physics?

I've always had a strong interest in the physics and mathematics side of science. Physics appealed to me over doing maths in that I could see a direct application of the work I'm doing. It has a physical 'feel' to it. The physics department at the University of Sydney has world leaders in various fields, and studying there has given me an excellent base from which I've continued to benefit in doing my PhD in the United States at the University of Chicago.

Why the University of Sydney?

After completing high school in Coffs Harbour I wanted to learn in one of, if not the best academic institution possible. Furthermore, I wanted to go somewhere where there was plenty of extra-curricular activities, like sport and a social atmosphere. The University of Sydney offered the best combination of these. The history and culture of the place was the icing on the cake. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, and having had experienced education in universities around the world, the University of Sydney really did give an excellent foundation in physics that compares well world-wide.

What are you studying now?

I am currently doing my PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Chicago.

What else do you like doing?

Outside of studying, I like playing sport (though my ability leaves a bit to be desired!). I've played a number of recreational sports, like Australian Rules Football with the university, as well as running, tennis, cricket, soccer, swimming and cycling.

What are you doing in physics?

I am currently researching formal aspects of field theories beyond the 'standard model' of particle physics. In particular, I am trying to understand how to construct low energy solutions of supergravity and string theories. Currently, these theories are the best hope for unifying gravitation and quantum mechanics. However, they are phenomenologically unreasonable. For example they predict a preponderance of unrealistic particles, and are only consistent in a large number of dimensions. It is a pressing problem to try to understand these theories so that they look realistic and eventually to connect with experiment. Further, it is a thoroughly exciting time in high energy theory with a large particle accelerator known as the Large Hadron Collider turning on in Geneva in mid-2008. It is hoped by many that the LHC will give us hints as to physics beyond the standard model, and to connect in some way with supersymmetry.

What are you combining with physics?

Throughout my undergrad I did a lot of maths in combination with physics. This has continued, though probably not as much as I would like. At the University of Chicago for example, I try to sit in on graduate mathematics classes, though my math ability leaves a little to be desired....I have also taught undergrad physics classes, as well as working as a grader for graduate physics courses.

What is the best thing about physics?

Physics for me is a highly intuitive subject. In the theoretical world, where things seem highly abstract, mathematical, and disconnected in the real world, it is a highly rewarding feeling to discover a simple, physical analogy that effectively encapsulates the essential physics of a seemingly complicated phenomenon.