Position Title
Departmental Research Mascot and Feline Fellow
Cheeto joined HPC@UCD as a stray scholar-in-residence and has since established himself as a permanent fixture of academic life. Although lacking a formal degree, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in curiosity-driven research and has made significant contributions to the department’s morale and well-being.
His work primarily centers on applied Box Mechanics, Lap-Centered Gravitational Fields, and Quantum Paw-sitioning. In addition to his research, Cheeto provides ongoing mentorship to graduate students in stress management and snack awareness. He is also recognized for his expertise in sunbeam allocation studies and nap-energy conservation.
Outside the laboratory, Cheeto can often be found patrolling the Physics exterior, engaging in outreach with passing students, or conducting field studies on food dish availability.
- Ph.D. (Purring Highly Distinguished), Physics
- M.Sc., Nap Energy Conservation
- B.Sc., General Mischief and Applied Curiosity
- Awarded continuous funding in Kibble and Treats, 2020–present.
- Recipient, Golden Yarn Award for advances in applied string theory, 2022.
- Distinguished Nap Medal, 2021.
- Quantum Paw-sitioning: Investigation into the simultaneous occupation of multiple physical states, including boxes, laptops, and human laps.
- Thermal Fur-dynamics: Optimizing nap placement for maximal solar gain and fur-based heat retention.
- String Theory (Applied): Experimental engagement with yarn and cable oscillation modes.
- Gravitational Attraction Studies: Quantifying the irresistible force of a cat toward laps and warm keyboards.
- Box Mechanics: Exploration of feline-object interactions within constrained cardboard enclosures.
- Cheeto (2025). On the Lapward Drift of Feline Bodies: A Gravitational Study. Journal of Feline Mechanics.
- Cheeto (2024). Purr Frequencies and Their Correlation with Graduate Student Productivity. Applied Acoustics Letters.
- Cheeto (2023). Schrödinger’s Nap: A Field Experiment in Superposition. Quantum Cat Physics Review.