A Swansea University student has been awarded the Quantum Advisory Prize 2017 for the most original contribution to mathematics, plus £1,000 to support her career.
Elizabeth Carlsen – known as Daisy – completed a project on the Kustaanheimo-Stiefel Transformation, which connects together two of the key problems in classical mechanics: the motion of a particle in a gravitational field (known as Keplerian motion) with the motion of a particle on a spring (known as simple harmonic motion). In her project, Daisy showed how the Kustaanheimo Stiefel transformation theory was developed and how the transformation fits into the wider theory of canonical transformations in classical mechanics.
Dr Andrew Neate of the Department of Mathematics supervised Daisy during the project. Dr Neate said: “Daisy worked really hard on this project and presented her results in a very clear and elegant manner. Her project showed that she had clearly mastered this difficult topic in classical mechanics and understood where it fitted in with the theories of mechanics”.
Daisy said: “My appreciation and thanks to Quantum Advisory for this prize is unwavering. The £1,000 has made it possible for me to move to Cardiff where I am embarking upon Admiral’s graduate programme.”
Stuart Price, Partner and Actuary at Quantum Advisory, said: “This is the second consecutive year we have been working with Swansea University and each year it is our pleasure to recognise a student who excels in their field. It is extremely pleasing to see that our prize this year has been put to such good use and has made a huge difference to Daisy’s future.”
Stuart Price, Partner and Actuary at Quantum Advisory