By Beth Barhydt
Luke Huang, a senior at New Canaan High School, has once again demonstrated his exceptional prowess in physics, earning a Gold Medal at the 2024 European Physics Olympiad (EuPhO). The competition, held from July 15 to 19 at Kutaisi International University in Georgia, saw the U.S. Physics Team shine among 256 participants from 55 countries. Luke’s impressive performance, securing the third-best overall score, has brought pride not only to his school but also to his hometown.
Luke was among five U.S. team members who each earned a Gold Medal. His teammates included Shuoyan Chen from Troy High School, Fullerton, CA; Allen Li from Monta Vista High School, Cupertino, CA; Zian Shi from Clovis North High School, Fresno, CA; and Richard Yang from Iowa City West High School, Iowa City, IA. According to the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), these young physicists exemplified the highest standards of academic excellence and scientific inquiry on an international stage.
Reflecting on his journey in physics, Luke expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the mentors and friends who supported him. “One unfurled notebook, an awakened laptop, and, always, countless curiosities. I’d like to think that these were the only three things I needed to start exploring physics,” he wrote in his autobiography. This passion for discovery, nurtured by his teachers and peers, has been a driving force behind his success.
Luke’s fascination with physics began four years ago and has since grown into a profound intellectual pursuit. “When there are more ideas to chase around, problems to play catch with, and recordings of Walter Lewin to marvel at than there are minutes in the day, physics was the natural outlet for my curiosity,” he explained. However, his path has not been without challenges. He recounted moments of deep confusion and frustration, underscoring the complexity and depth of the subject. “These were days when I caught myself in afternoons of deep confusion, wrestling with the latest paradox or inconsistency that seemed so convincing.”
His dedication to the field is evident not only in his academic achievements but also in his extracurricular activities. Luke is the founder of the Sustainable Lower Fairfield County and Renewable Energy Club, captain of the Math Team, and editor of the New Canaan High School Courant.
Luke’s journey is marked by numerous accolades. He has been a member of the U.S. Physics Team since 2021 and has consistently earned Gold Medals at the USAPhO. In 2024, he was a finalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search and attended the Research Science Institute as a scholar in 2023. His diverse interests extend beyond physics; he enjoys playing bullet chess, origami, running, reading poetry, and baking.
The U.S. Physics Team’s success at the EuPhO was supported by their coaches, Tengiz Bibilashvili and Kevin Zhou, as well as the generous backing of sponsors such as the American Institute for Physics and its member societies, including the American Physical Society and the Acoustical Society of America. Corporate sponsors like Cambridge University Press and Citadel Securities also played a crucial role in enabling these young scientists to compete on the world stage.
Looking ahead, Luke remains open to the myriad possibilities that physics offers. “Years from now, I might reflect on why I stuck with this path. The reasons aren’t completely obvious to me. What I do know is that it wasn’t simply because I was curious and had the resources around me,” he noted. His journey continues to be shaped by the curiosity and support of those around him, as he strives to explore the depths of scientific understanding.
As New Canaan celebrates Luke Huang’s achievements, his story might serve as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and a reminder of the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and community in the pursuit of knowledge.
