Day 1 Winter School Reflections from Shakil Ahmed
The day began with a lecture on the mathematical foundations of knots [from Professor Louis Kauffman, UIC]. I struggled to understand things as I don’t have any idea about the technical terms due to my chemistry background. During the elevator pitch session, I had the opportunity to connect with a mathematician who kindly explained how mathematicians approach knot problems. Her clear and engaging explanations simplified complex ideas, and I found myself fascinated by this perspective. This interaction introduced me to concepts and viewpoints that were previously unfamiliar, enriching my understanding of knots beyond my own field.
The second lecture was about the liquid crystals from a physics perspective [from Professor Antonio de Simone, SISSA]. The professor’s clear and straightforward explanation made even complex concepts accessible, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, could follow along. I learned about the various types of applications that can be achieved with liquid crystals and their underlying working principles. It was particularly interesting to understand how liquid crystals respond to external stimuli and how these responses can be harnessed for different applications. I was delighted to discover some exciting and innovative uses of liquid crystals, which broadened my appreciation for their versatility and potential.
The day wrapped up with a fun and light-hearted session where I was introduced to Kendama. I spent a good half-hour trying my hand at it, and to my delight, I managed to land the ball on both the bigger and smaller sides a few times. But getting it on the tip? Well, let’s just say the ball and I had a mutual agreement to avoid that challenge for now!
This post was a reflection from participant, Shakil Ahmed, who works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Jyväskylä in the lab of SKCM² Affiliate Member Professor Fabien Cougnon.
