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Physicist Jim Gates knew he wanted to study science at the age of 8. Reading a book from his dad about space travel, Gates said he realized that "the stars in the sky were not just lights but places to go. And 

suddenly my universe got very much larger

 and I knew that science was the way, science and technology, the way to get to such places."

Today, Gates has been recognized worldwide for his work and his inspiration of others through his ability to explain complex scientific theory in layman's terms. Earlier this year, he 

"The joy of discovery, it's almost indescribable," Gates said 

. "To solve a problem and be the first human being to solve that problem, that's a feeling that's unlike almost anything I can describe. And that happens. And so that's a very special treasure in life for people like me."

Much of his work focuses on string theory. He explains it in 30 seconds for PBS:

He hopes his string theory research finds the first signs of supersymmetry and a unification of the four forces of nature, 

Gates joins The Daily Circuit to discuss string theory and other mysteries of the cosmos. He's one of the featured speakers at the 

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Physicist Jim Gates, a 2013 National Medal of Science recipient, joins us to discuss string theory and other mysteries of the cosmos.

Physicist Jim Gates on decoding string theory, the cosmos

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