Every now and then, a light shines on a beautiful mind. For Dr. Yitang Zhang, that moment came when an article of his was published in the Annals of Mathematics, validating several decades of quiet, dedicated work.
In the Annals article, published in 2013, Zhang proved an element of analytic number theory that had eluded mathematicians for centuries. He proved that the gap between two consecutive prime numbers is bounded by a fixed number, infinitely often.
As a result, Zhang was awarded a MacArthur grant and elevated to full professor status in the Department of Mathematics at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), where previously he had worked as an adjunct.
Zhang first began to consider the bounded prime gap problem in 2010. “It was difficult,” he says, in his characteristically understated way, of his search for the proof. Zhang says he thought about the problem “most of the time,” spending eight to 10 hours a day working on it.
Mathematicians across the globe were astonished when they learned of his proof. Zhang, previously obscure, became renowned. Despite the newfound acclaim, Zhang maintains a calm, almost equivocal demeanor. He is understated, even when speaking about a problem that consumed his thoughts and free time for two years.
“I was interested in such a problem, so much,” he says. “I realized it was an important problem.”
His self-effacing attitude helped Zhang stay focused on his goal for two years, working in solitude. Zhang says that anyone who wants to solve the seemingly unsolvable must possess unflagging determination.
