Early Academic Pursuits

Yu Heng Tao's academic journey commenced at The University of Western Australia in 2013, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Honors and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance. Following this, he pursued a Ph.D. in Medical Physics at the same university, with an expected completion date in 2024. Under the guidance of supervisors Vince P. Wallace, Stuart I. Hodgetts, and Alan R. Harvey, Tao delved into the field of Medical Physics, focusing on topics such as terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and the thermodynamics of G-quadruplex formation driven by water.

Professional Endeavors on Scientific Research

Prior to his doctoral studies, Tao gained valuable industry experience. He served as an Electrical and Instrument Engineer at Orica Ltd. from 2013 to 2017, where he honed his skills in engineering and instrumentation. Subsequently, he took on the role of Project Engineer at Asahi Beverages Pty. Ltd. from 2017 to 2019, showcasing his adaptability in different sectors.

Contributions and Research Focus

Tao's research contributions are evident through his publications and conference presentations. His work on the absorption spectrum of ice, terahertz technology applications in non-contact, non-destructive testing, and the study of terahertz peaks in biological solutions mark significant advancements in the field. Notably, his research on the hydration water's role in driving the self-assembly of guanosine monophosphate and the thermodynamics of G-quadruplex formation sheds light on fundamental molecular processes.

His conference presentations at international events, such as the International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, reflect the global recognition of his research. Tao's ability to communicate complex scientific findings is evident in his talks on topics like the absorption spectrum of ice and the terahertz absorption peak in frozen DNA nucleosides.

Accolades and Recognition

While pursuing his academic and research endeavors, Tao has actively engaged in professional development. He completed the Concept to Creation Module at the Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI) in 2021. Additionally, he participated in the Skills, Pedagogical Approaches, Resources, and Knowledge (SPARK) Professional Development program at The University of Western Australia.

Impact and Influence

Tao's impact extends beyond research to the realm of teaching. In 2021, he contributed as a Teaching Assistant for the course "Science of the Eye and Visual System 1" at The University of Western Australia, showcasing his commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering the academic growth of others.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Tao approaches the completion of his Ph.D., his legacy in the field of Medical Physics is well-established. His work on terahertz technology and its applications, as well as the understanding of molecular processes, has laid the groundwork for future advancements. Beyond academia, his industry experience contributes to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

In the future, it is anticipated that Tao will continue to make significant contributions to the field of Medical Physics. His multidisciplinary approach, blending engineering and physics with applications in biology and medicine, positions him as a potential leader in advancing technologies for healthcare and scientific research.

Scientific research is a systematic and methodical investigation aimed at expanding our understanding of the natural world or solving specific problems through the application of rigorous empirical methods. This process involves formulating hypotheses, designing experiments or studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Researchers employ a variety of methodologies, ranging from experimental and observational approaches to computational modeling, to explore phenomena across diverse fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, and more.

Notable publications 

• Emotions in online language learning: exploratory findings from an ab initio Korean course
• The historical foundations of religious restrictions in contemporary China
• Unlikely Friends of the Authoritarian and Atheist Ruler: Religious Groups and Collective Contention in Rural China
• Religious affiliations of the Chinese community in Australia: findings from 2016 census data
• China’s emerging legislative and policy framework for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage
• A Solo, a Duet or an Ensemble? Analysing the Recent Development of Religious Communities in Contemporary Rural China