Theory of Excellence
Class of 2018 graduate Luciano Manfredi Console heads to the University of Cambridge this fall to pursue his Masters of Advanced Studies in Pure Mathematics and Theoretical Physics on full scholarship. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Luciano hopes to continue living out LMU’s Jesuit mission as he sets down the road to scientific discovery.
“I’ve always wanted to understand our place in the universe,” Luciano said. “I hope to do so by exploring the beautiful structures that exist within mathematics.”
The recipient of LMU’s esteemed Ignatian Award for excellence in academics, leadership and service, Luciano says he was drawn to the bluff for the research opportunities offered to undergraduate students in its top-ranked College of Science and Engineering, for which he took full advantage.
Under the mentorship of physics professor Jonas Mureika, Luciano worked on three major research projects and presented his findings at conferences around the world, including at the 3rd Karl Schwarzschild Meeting on Gravitational Physics and Gauge/Gravity Correspondence in Frankfurt, Germany. Much of Luciano’s theoretical research deals with the nature of black holes and their modes of modified gravity (MOG).
“I calculated the frequencies of gravitational waves emitted after the merger of two black holes,” Luciano said. “An alternative theory of gravity to General Relativity proposed by Einstein. Gravitational waves have already been detected coming from black hole collisions, so with more measurements expected in the coming years, we could compare our predictions with the actual frequencies and see which theory is correct.”
Lauded research aside, Luciano says that the best thing about LMU is its supportive networks of peers and faculty.
“The people you interact with on the bluff help shape you,” he said. “I’m so thankful for LMU’s community of students and faculty – they have enabled me to do things I couldn’t have done alone.”
He adds that the transition to the bluff as an international student was seamless, citing a welcoming international orientation program that provided him with the information and connections to get off to a successful start.
“At LMU everyone is interconnected,” Luciano said. “There’s always a community supporting you – you’re never alone.”
Additionally, Luciano was named LMU’s University Scholar of the Year, Program Scholar of the Year for Physics and Pure Mathematics and received a Presidential Citation. He was also an active presence outside the classroom, taking part in Radio Control Club, the Society of Physics Students and was a teaching assistant (T.A.) for the Math and Physics departments, among other pursuits.
Upon wrapping up his Masters, Luciano hopes to return to the U.S. to pursue his Ph.D. in math and physics.
As for what advice he has for incoming Lions…
“Be curious,” Luciano said. “Ask people how you can go about achieving what you want. Don’t let opportunities pass you by.”