Hi
I'm Qifeng 齐风
I love thinking, and I love ideas. But an idea isn’t fully formed until it can be expressed, in some form, with precision. That’s why I care not only about what we think and how we think, but also about how we communicate those thoughts.
Science offers an elegant way to describe the intricate yet simple rules governing our complex world—even the entire universe—which is why I study cosmology. Language, as one of the most powerful tools for expressing ideas, even being called as "the boundary of ideas", makes communication matter deeply to me. Furthermore, exploring interdisciplinary collaboration and communication allows me to push the limits of language, expanding how we convey ideas. But some thoughts resist both scientific equations and words. That’s where art comes in—it allows me to express the subtle, inexpressible aspects of my thinking that neither science nor language can fully capture.
Altogether, they shape my thoughts, my ideas, and ultimately, who I am.
My work
Wanders in Cosmology 🔭 I’m endlessly curious about the universe and how it's beautifully expressed in scientific equations. This curiosity fuels my PhD research at Duke, where I explore how humans understand and query the unknown in a scientific way. Besides, I also view telescopes as extensions of our sensory system.
Art Realm homepage 🎨 I see art as a form of expression and communication. My work bridges art, science, and technology, exploring how man-made sensors extend our perception and how these tools shape human creativity. I hope to find a translation between sensors and our own sensory system. My recent art piece: Sensing the Invisible - Breathing Life into the Universe
My Film Photography Portfolio Photography helps me notice the subtle details of life, relationships, and love, and reflect on my interactions with the world around me.
Interdisciplinary Student Group homepage 🌟 I co-founded and lead BRIDGErs, an interdisciplinary group dedicated to fostering connections across diverse fields through the power of human community.
Why such diversity in my work?
This is something I've recently come to understand. I used to simply follow my cravings for these diverse projects, but now I realize they all stem from one core question: What distinguishes us as humans from machines, especially in the era of AI?
Here’s what I’ve found so far:
- Our Sensory System: Unlike machines, we have a complex sensory system that shapes our consciousness and intelligence. While machines can have sensors, how do these compare to our innate human experiences?
- Tool-Making: Humans create tools to overcome sensory limitations, like telescopes that allow us to see beyond our natural capabilities.
- Human Collaboration: Unlike machines, human collaboration is messy and inefficient—yet it leads to extraordinary outcomes. Why is that?
How they go into my diverse work:
Cosmology Research: I study how humans seek to understand the unknown and question what roles humans should play in research alongside AI. Telescopes, to me, are not just scientific instruments but extensions of our sensory reach.
Interdisciplinary Club: Human collaboration, though often inefficient compared to machines, creates unique, irreplaceable outcomes. I want to understand why it’s challenging and how these inefficiencies contribute to remarkable achievements.
Art Projects: I explore how our sensory systems contribute to intelligence and creativity. While machines can use data from sensors, they don't yet integrate this information in the same intuitive, emotional ways that humans do. My art investigates how man-made sensors help us perceive beyond our biological limits, much like telescopes expand our vision.
At the heart of everything I do is a desire to explore the space between humans and machines—to understand both, and to create meaningful conversations between them.
Introduction Flyer and Stay in Touch!
