Born in Peru, Sebastián moved to Barcelona in 2008 and to London in 2020. Having always enjoyed physics and maths, he completed his BSc in Physics at Royal Holloway. He recently completed the MASt in Mathematics (Theoretical Physics) at Cambridge (2025) and will begin a PhD at Durham this October.
Can you tell us about your path to Cambridge and what life for you looked like before you joined the University?
I had always enjoyed physics and mathematics, but it was during my BSc in Physics at Royal Holloway, University of London, when I became increasingly interested in theoretical physics. By my final year, I realised that I wanted to continue studying the subject at a deeper level, so I decided to apply for some of the strongest master’s programmes in the field. I never really imagined I would end up at Cambridge, but my grades were good, so I decided to apply and see what happened. A few months later, I was getting ready to move to Cambridge.
Why did you choose to study at Cambridge?
I applied for some of the leading master’s programmes in theoretical and mathematical physics. I was lucky enough to get accepted in some and it was easy to decide to do Part III Maths. Not only because it has an outstanding reputation and is widely regarded as one of the best master’s programmes in the field, but also because I knew that studying in Cambridge would be a unique experience, both intellectually and personally, and it certainly lived up to my expectations.
What motivated you to choose your field of study?
I have always liked maths and science in general, but what made me decide to study physics was general relativity, even though my current subfield of research is not very closely related to it. I remember watching a video about it in high school and being completely astonished. I found it incredible, even beautiful, that someone had been able to use very complex and abstract mathematical concepts to explain how spacetime itself works throughout the universe. During my degree, I kept discovering more profound questions and elegant solutions to many problems in physics, but I gradually became more interested in particle physics. It addresses some of the most fundamental questions we can ask: What is everything made of? How do the forces that govern the universe work? Realising that this field still has many unanswered questions made me decide that it was the one I wanted to explore.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time at St Edmund’s that has had a significant impact on you?
One of the most important moments for me during the last year has been applying for PhDs. When I started my master’s, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to pursue one, but being surrounded by people who were incredibly passionate about their research, both at St Edmund’s and Cambridge in general, strengthened my determination to pursue a career in research. Even though it was a stressful period because of the PhD applications and the demands of the master’s itself, it was great to go through the whole process in such a welcoming and passionate community.
Are there any professors, mentors, or classmates who particularly inspire or influence you?
I have had the chance to be taught, both directly and indirectly, by incredible researchers and professors at the Faculty of Mathematics. I have also met inspiring people at St Edmund’s and across Cambridge. Rather than choosing one person in particular, I would highlight the incredible community that both the University and the College have created.
How has attending St Edmund’s College enabled you to thrive?
Although I wasn’t involved in many projects or activities at St Edmund’s, I still experienced what I believe is the College’s greatest strength: its community. Simply chatting with someone in the dining hall, meeting people at a BOP, or living so close to students from many different backgrounds allowed me to experience how unique and welcoming St Edmund’s is.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that there is always something new to learn and someone to learn from. Being surrounded by so many talented people has been incredibly motivating, but it has also taught me that curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration are often more important than being the smartest person in the room.
What are your plans beyond graduation and how do you see them contributing to a better future for individuals, societies and the world globally?
I will be starting a PhD this October at the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology at Durham University, where I will work on the Hierarchy Problem, a fundamental question in particle physics related to the search for new physics. Although my research is unlikely to have immediate practical applications, I strongly believe in the value of fundamental science. Many of the greatest scientific advances began with people trying to understand the universe out of curiosity. Even when research does not lead directly to new technologies, expanding our understanding of nature is, in my opinion, one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
As an international student, what one piece of advice would you give prospective students thinking of choosing St Edmund’s?
Be confident that you will find plenty of great people at St Edmund’s. As a very international college, you are likely to meet someone from your own country. More importantly, though, you will have the opportunity to make friends with people from all over the world and learn from their different cultures and experiences.
