Val’s curiosity shifted from rocks to equations when he discovered physics and its power to predict how the universe behaves. He balances physics and math, switching between them to stay motivated. Val is most drawn to clever ideas and the intersection of the two subjects. He shares stories of a scouting trip gone wrong, his first late-night dive into statistical mechanics, and enjoying the nightlife in Paris during IPhO.

We caught up before he started university (interview edited for length and clarity):