Physics
Research Areas
The primary emphasis of the Department is Subatomic Physics, and we have active research programs in both experiment and theory, as well as in applied physics (nuclear and neutron imaging) and astronomy.
Undergraduate students are encouraged to become involved in research; we offer research opportunities in the summer term and part-time during the fall and winter semesters.
To see previous students' research topics, view our Thesis Database.
Astronomy
Dr. Samantha Lawler is a dynamical modeler with a background in observational astronomy. Her research involves "observing" imaginary planets and dust using computer code and comparing her predictions with real data from real telescopes. She is also an expert in satellite pollution that is changing the night sky for everyone on the planet.
Cosmology
Dr. Nader Mobed is a theoretical physicist who aims to better understand the intersection between quantum mechanics and general relativity under conditions where potential observational insights can be attained. This may provide valuable direction for guiding more fundamental research towards determining quantum gravity in the future.
Hadronic QCD
Dr. Garth Huber and Dr. Zisis Papandreou lead experimental efforts in the field of subatomic physics with the goal of better understanding certain aspects of the inner workings of the fundamental building blocks of matter (quarks and gluons) through their stable combinations in particles, such as nucleons (neutrons and protons).
Nuclear Imaging
Dr. Aram Teymurazyan leads an experimental program that focuses on the development of nuclear imaging detectors dedicated to plant imaging, which will be used to study plants at the molecular level. This will improve our understanding of nutrient efficiency, microbe interactions, and response to stress.
Nuclear Theory
Dr. Gojko Vujanovic studies nuclear interactions under the most extreme conditions. At very high temperatures, quarks and gluons form a new state of matter called the quark-gluon plasma. To describe this plasma, novel theoretical calculations and state-of-the-art numerical simulations are required.
Neutrino Physics
Dr. Mauricio Barbi and Dr. Nikolay Kolev lead experimental efforts in neutrino physics to learn more about the basic properties of one of the most prolific but least understood particles. They are part of both the T2K and Hyper K experiments in Japan that aim to unravel some of the biggest mysteries in the universe.
Neutron Imaging
Dr. Marcella Berg holds the Fedoruk Chair in Neutron Imaging and uses techniques in neutron scattering and transmission to investigate reducing greenhouse gas emissions through studies of converting renewable plants to biofuels and bio-products, alternative batteries, and carbon dioxide capture.
Phenomenology
Beyond the standard model: Dr. Pierre Ouimet investigates the phenomenology of theories that extend the standard model involving drawing together data from cosmological sources, direct detection experiments, and accelerator-based experiments and represent a vital new frontier in the advancement of our understanding of the Universe.
Rare Isotopes
Dr. Gwen Grinyer leads a program to better understand the structure of highly unstable isotopes that are not found naturally on Earth. These isotopes can only be produced and studied in the laboratory and have a wide range of applications in nuclear medicine, nuclear astrophysics, and fundamental symmetries.