Biography
Noah M. MacKay was born in 1997 in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Spring Hope, North Carolina, he was surrounded by a nurturing environment that allowed his innate curiosity to flourish. From a young age, Noah displayed a remarkable aptitude for both the sciences and the arts, leading to a lifelong passion for exploring the intricate workings of the universe as well as the depths of human experience through storytelling.
At age eight, Noah was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a condition that shaped his perspective on social interactions and learning. While this diagnosis presented challenges, especially in his younger years, it also instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and determination. These experiences would eventually spark his advocacy for autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity, as he recognized the value of diverse cognitive approaches in enriching academic discourse and personal interactions. His journey underscored the importance of understanding and embracing different ways of thinking, which would become a cornerstone of both his scientific and literary endeavors.
MacKay attended East Carolina University (ECU) beginning in 2016, where he pursued dual bachelor’s degrees in Physics and German Studies. His studies included a keen focus on gravitation and quantum mechanics, which greatly influenced his understanding of theoretical physics. Under the mentorship of several distinguished professors, he completed an unpublished bachelor's thesis titled "Scattering Theories of Charged Particles" in May 2020, advised by Dr. Michael Dingfelder. In the German Studies field, he co-authored an encyclopedia article with Dr. Jill Twark on the life and select works of German playwright and socialist activist Erich Mühsam, in March 2020.
In August 2020, MacKay returned to ECU to pursue a master's degree in Physics, a decision influenced by the global COVID-19 pandemic. His graduate research focused on quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter believed to have existed mere microseconds after the Big Bang. Under the mentorship of Dr. Zi-Wei Lin, he contributed to ongoing research in this area, solidifying his expertise in high-energy physics. This also solidified his passion for particle physics techniques and procedures.
Currently, Noah M. MacKay studies astrophysics at the Universität Potsdam in Germany, where he also pursues advancements in high-energy physics and gravitational physics. His research works can be viewed on arXiv and ORCiD. His academic journey has been marked by significant mentorship and collaboration, contributing to his development as a researcher in a rapidly advancing field.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Noah is a passionate writer. He is the author of the "Age of War" series, a fantasy saga that delves into themes of conflict, morality, and the human experience. His storytelling reflects a deep understanding of character development and narrative structure, appealing to a select audience. Noah has also published several poetry collections available on amazon, showcasing his versatility and creativity as a writer.
Moreover, Noah authored "Germany in the Twentieth Century," a comprehensive exploration of Germany's history and cultural landscape through the lens of literature and cinema. This work highlights his interdisciplinary approach, blending rigorous academic research with literary expression.