About Me

Hi, welcome to my page!

My name is Hungkwan Fok. I am currently working as a post-bacc researcher with Prof. James Cho studying planetary & exoplanet atmospheric dynamics.

I graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University in May 2023, with a B.S. in Physics (Highest Honor) and Applied Mathematics. During my undergraduate studies, I have worked on computational astrophysics with specific emphasis on nuclear astrophysics and origins of elements in the galaxy as a part of the Galactic Forensics Lab and NuGrid Collaboration. I completed my honor thesis titled Impact of Nuclear Uncertainties on the Galactic Chemical Evolution of Silicon Isotopes under the supervison of Prof. Reto Trappitsch.

In addition to my work in astrophysics, I've also participated in research in mathematical and computational neuroscience as a research assistant at the mathematical neuroscience team at Brandeis University, where I studied the stochastic models of brain development under the supervision of Prof. Jonathan Touboul.


research

I am attracted to the concept of solving physical problems using an unified mathematical language, through numerical simulations and pen-and-paper calculations. Recently, I am particularly excited about problems related to astrophysical & geophysical fluid dynamics.

My current research interests include:

  • Planetary & Exoplanet Climate and Atmospheric Dynamics
  • Large-Scale Atmospheric Dynamics, Moist Convection & Clouds

(Exo)planet Atmospheric Dynamics

The intricate complexity of atmospheres renders them as challenging yet fascinating systems to model. Through the study of (exo-) planet atmospheric dynamics, we are able to advance our understanding of planetary climates and behaviors and potentially inform our grasp of Earth's own atmospheric processes. My research focuses on studying (exo-)planet atmospheric dynamics using the 2D model Shallow-Water Model. In particular, I am interested in the generation of gravity waves due to strong stellar irradiation on hot exoplanets. My work encompasses evaluating the effectiveness and validity of implicit time integration schemes and delving into the influences of thermodynamics by examining the Equivalent Barotropic Equations.

Connections between nuclear physics and the evolution of elements in the galaxy

From sub-atomic scale to the scale of the universe, nuclear physics plays a crucial role in understanding the origin of the chemical elements that make up our world. My research aimes to connect nuclear physics with the evolution of elements in the galaxy. In particular, I have performed the pioneering study on understanding the impact of nuclear uncertainties on the galactic chemical evolution (GCE) model of isotopes. This study led to a potential solution for a long-standing GCE model-data discrepancy presented by the mainstream presolar SiC grain (e.g. Timmes & Clayton (1996), Lugaro et al. (1999)). Stay tone for our upcoming paper!

mathematical model of brain development

The study aims at providing a unified mathematical model that explains different experimental observations of brain development of mices in response to induced cell death. In my study, I use stochastic models to study the neurogenesis process with a massive neuronal death in the early stages. In particular, I studied the effect of the stochasticity of the neurogenesis process and the form of cell death on the final distribution of the number of neurons in the brain.

Photo 1: Jupiter's southern hemisphere. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Gerald Eichstadt/Sean Doran.
Photo 2: Artistic impression of GCE. Credit: NASA/Jenny Mottar.

Food

Food that powers my scientific journey (some dishes are created in collaboration with @haipengyan):

Contact

If you have any questions or comments on my work, or would like to collaborate, feel free to send me a message!

Email

hfok[at]brandeis.edu / hungkwanf[at]gmail.com

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