In the exacting realm of quantum information science, where meticulous precision is paramount, 29-year-old doctoral candidate Wang Haigang has redefined the meaning of perseverance. At Taiyuan University of Technology, Wang conducts groundbreaking research not with his hands, but through an extraordinary adaptation—operating complex simulations and drafting sophisticated English research papers using his feet to control both keyboard and mouse.
Wang’s recent receipt of the university’s prestigious President’s Scholarship stands as testament to his exceptional academic achievements. His research trajectory includes first-author publication in the respected journal Communications Physics in December, along with four additional Science Citation Index papers demonstrating remarkable scholarly contribution to quantum information studies.
The journey to academic excellence began with profound adversity. At age eight, Wang lost both arms in a high-voltage electrical accident. Rather than succumbing to limitation, he embarked on a path of radical self-reliance, mastering the art of writing with his toes by the end of that first challenging summer with family support.
His academic path led him to Shandong University of Science and Technology in 2015 before pursuing combined master’s and doctoral studies at Taiyuan University of Technology’s School of Mathematics in 2020. That same year, national recognition came with his designation as a ‘star of self-reliant Chinese college students.’
Under Professor He Kan’s mentorship, Wang developed specialized expertise in quantum information. The university provided tailored accommodations including a private dormitory with bathroom facilities to support his unique needs. When research obstacles emerged, collaboration with Professor Meng Xiangyi from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute proved instrumental. Their transcontinental partnership, initiated through scholarly correspondence, evolved into meaningful academic dialogue that broke through research impasses.
Beyond laboratory confines, Wang demonstrates multifaceted abilities—mastering soccer, skiing, skateboarding, and computer gaming while maintaining an active social media presence documenting his adaptive daily routines. While acknowledging the ‘armless doctor’ label creates mixed feelings, Wang recognizes its power to challenge perceptions about disability and intellectual capability.
University President Sun Hongbin praised Wang’s resilience as ‘a precious quality in the face of adversity’ that inspires young students nationwide. With quantum technology identified among China’s six key industries in the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Wang’s research carries significant national importance. ‘I want to contribute to this field,’ Wang stated, embodying a spirit that transforms physical limitation into scientific advancement.