Interview Insights from Mike Hepler, a Graduate Student
In the realm of mechanical and aerospace engineering, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate, Mike Hepler, is making waves with his research that intertwines science, policy, and national security. His work, particularly interesting due to its combination of these diverse disciplines, focuses on applying uncertainty quantification methods to the problem of nuclear warhead verification.
Mike's research aims to enable trustworthy assessment without revealing classified design details. He develops rigorous computational techniques to verify nuclear warheads' authenticity in ways that preserve secrecy and build international trust in arms control contexts. This research is situated at the intersection of mechanical and aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, and national security.
One of the key aspects of Mike's research is the use of a zero-knowledge proof method, a technique commonly used in information and computer security for verifying mathematical statements without learning why the statement is true. This method is employed to image an inspected item with a beam of neutrons and compare it to a "golden warhead" to verify their equivalence.
Mike's approach to graduate school has been marked by a flexible and resilient attitude. Transitioning back to school was initially challenging due to the daunting prospect of classes, exams, and generals. However, he focused on skill-building, relationship-building, and learning as much as possible.
Mike has been a mentor and friend to fourth-year Ph.D. candidate, Nicholas Wu, during his time at Princeton. Nicholas expresses gratitude for the diverse experiences that graduate students like Mike bring to Princeton's campus life.
For Mike, the best part of the graduate experience is the community of fellow quirky, engaged, and kind people he has met. He sets up "sacred" times and spaces to ensure personal activities are prioritized and not easily disrupted by academic demands.
The Science and Global Security Program offers more information about Mike's work. The interview is part of a spring series where graduate students share insights gained from research projects and mentors. Mike was not totally sure that a Ph.D. was for him, but he was excited to take the chance and learn through the experience.
Nicholas Wu's research, while not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results, corresponds with known research themes in mechanical and aerospace engineering departments engaged in nuclear verification efforts and uncertainty quantification, which are common at advanced academic research levels.
Mike lives off campus for his entire graduate career to maintain a physical separation between work and personal space. The research work of Mike Hepler is particularly interesting due to its potential contributions to advancing verification protocols and technologies vital for nuclear non-proliferation and arms reduction agreements.
Mike's focus on nuclear warhead verification through his research in mechanical and aerospace engineering is not only a testament to his commitment to education-and-self-development in the field, but also a significant step towards his personal-growth as a leader in the realm of science, policy, and national security. In his pursuit of learning and development, he employs innovative techniques such as zero-knowledge proof methods, reflecting his dedication to lifelong education and self-improvement.
