Rate My Professor Yuxin Zhao

Professor Zhao's academic interests lie in the application of algebra and topology to condensed matter physics, particularly projective representations of space groups and their roles in topological insulators, semimetals, and quantum matter. He has pioneered theories on topological metals, projective crystal symmetries, and novel topological phenomena, including PT and CP invariant topological metals, Z2 topological metals, and second-order nodal-line semimetals. Key publications include "Unified Theory of PT and CP Invariant Topological Metals and Nodal Superconductors" (Phys. Rev. Lett., 2016), "Novel Z2 Topological Metals and Semimetals" (Phys. Rev. Lett., 2016), "PT Symmetric Real Dirac Fermions and Semimetals" (Phys. Rev. Lett., 2017), "Boundary criticality of Z-invariant topology and second-order nodal-line semimetals" (Phys. Rev. Lett., 2020, Editors’ Suggestion, featured in Physics), "Switching spinless and spinful topological phases with projective PT symmetry" (Phys. Rev. Lett., 2021), "Classification of time-reversal-invariant crystals with gauge structures" (Nat. Commun., 2023), and "Brillouin Klein bottle from artificial gauge fields" (Nat. Commun., 2022). These contributions have garnered recognition through Editors’ Suggestions and synopses in Physics, reflecting his substantial influence in the field. Major awards include the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (2010) and the 1000-Talent Program for Young Scientists (2016).