/physics/ en /physics/node/2445 <span>Chancellor Justin Schwartz in Forbes, "Using Federally Funded University Research To Power America"</span> <span><span>Veronica R Lingo</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-16T16:45:17-06:00" title="Friday, May 16, 2025 - 16:45">Fri, 05/16/2025 - 16:45</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/suda-sensor-head-1920-1080.jpg?h=d1cb525d&amp;itok=V0krKJDE" width="1200" height="800" alt="A lab tech working on an instrument"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/128" hreflang="en">Research</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Support for university research has an impact beyond students, faculty and the local economy鈥攊t benefits every American. It drives job creation, protects against reliance on imported critical technology and keeps the U.S. at the forefront of progress.<br> <br> Chancellor Justin Schwartz writes for Forbes on why federally funded research is smart strategy.</div> <script> window.location.href = `https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/05/12/using-federally-funded-university-research-to-power-america/`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Fri, 16 May 2025 22:45:17 +0000 Veronica R Lingo 2445 at /physics /physics/2025/05/15/disneyland-physicists-breakthrough-prize-honors-scientists-worlds-largest-particle <span>Disneyland for physicists: Breakthrough Prize honors scientists at world鈥檚 largest particle collider</span> <span><span>Kirsten Apodaca</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-15T14:25:45-06:00" title="Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 14:25">Thu, 05/15/2025 - 14:25</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/LHC_tunnel_0.jpeg?h=7c5ac6d7&amp;itok=GRKzWd74" width="1200" height="800" alt="tunnel at the Large Hadron Collider"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/641" hreflang="en">Faculty Awards</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>This year's award recognized the work of four international research collaborations at the Large Hadron Collider, including 32 current and former physicists at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder.</div> <script> window.location.href = `/today/2025/05/15/disneyland-physicists-breakthrough-prize-honors-scientists-worlds-largest-particle`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Thu, 15 May 2025 20:25:45 +0000 Kirsten Apodaca 2444 at /physics /physics/2025/05/12/maura-barcia-figueras-and-maria-martinez-named-department-physics-employees-year <span>Maura Barcia Figueras and Maria Martinez Named Department of Physics Employees of the Year</span> <span><span>Veronica R Lingo</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-12T15:05:19-06:00" title="Monday, May 12, 2025 - 15:05">Mon, 05/12/2025 - 15:05</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/Maura%20and%20Maria%20EOY%20thumbnail.jpg?h=5f684087&amp;itok=9BwqwhPH" width="1200" height="800" alt="Maura Barcia Figueras and Maria Martinez"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <a href="/physics/veronica-lingo">Veronica Lingo</a> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default 3"> <div class="ucb-article-row-subrow row"> <div class="ucb-article-text col-lg d-flex align-items-center" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Congratulations to Undergraduate Program Professional Maria Martinez and Events and Front Desk Administrator Maura Barcia Figueras for being named the 2025 Department of Physics Employees of the Year!&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Maura and Maria are often the first line of service for the department fielding both public and internal requests for service and information. As Events Administrator, Maura is tireless in her commitment to meeting continual rolling deadlines and making sure events like colloquia, student group meetings and faculty seminars are a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Maria serves as the primary coordinator of all undergraduate-related logistics in the department, from scheduling classrooms to working with faculty teaching schedules and helping students register for classes. Both Maura and Maria balance these responsibilities with steadfast kindness and professionalism.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">In addition to serving as the primary contacts for the physics main office, Maria and Maura worked together to ensure an efficient and seamless transition as the main office space underwent major renovations from May 2024 through January 2025. They made sure that vital department services continued unhindered while the staff were temporarily relocated to adapted facilities in Duane.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">鈥淭hanks to both Maura and Maria for continuing to go above and beyond in supporting our students and our faculty during a disruptive time,鈥� Department Chair Tobin Munsat said. 鈥淭hey do an enormous amount for the department, both in the public eye and behind the scenes, and a lot of appreciation from their colleagues came through in their nominations.鈥�&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Because of Maria and Maura鈥檚 tireless work, the main office staff is now resettled into the newly renovated Duane main office space.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div></div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content-media ucb-article-content-media-right col-lg"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-05/IMG_2069.jpeg?itok=kivZuHWV" width="1500" height="1125" alt="Maura Barcia Figueras and Maria Martinez"> </div> <span class="media-image-caption"> <p>Maura Barcia Figueras (left) and Maria Martinez (right)</p> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Congratulations to Undergraduate Program Professional Maria Martinez and Events and Front Desk Administrator Maura Barcia Figueras for being named the 2025 Department of Physics Employees of the Year!&nbsp; </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Mon, 12 May 2025 21:05:19 +0000 Veronica R Lingo 2442 at /physics /physics/2025/05/12/physics-students-staff-and-faculty-receive-recognition <span>Physics students, staff and faculty receive recognition</span> <span><span>Kirsten Apodaca</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-12T14:31:05-06:00" title="Monday, May 12, 2025 - 14:31">Mon, 05/12/2025 - 14:31</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/9A7A5954.JPG?h=24d6fc53&amp;itok=fXNWDwxG" width="1200" height="800" alt="Students with graduation caps"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <script> window.location.href = `/physics/physics-students-staff-and-faculty-receive-recognition`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Mon, 12 May 2025 20:31:05 +0000 Kirsten Apodaca 2443 at /physics /physics/2025/05/06/incoming-graduate-student-wins-prestigious-innovators-fellowship <span>Incoming graduate student wins prestigious innovators fellowship</span> <span><span>Kirsten Apodaca</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-06T14:18:28-06:00" title="Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 14:18">Tue, 05/06/2025 - 14:18</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-05/Tuan%20Nguyen%20-%202025%20Hertz%20Fellow%201.jpg.jpeg?h=9a5c2826&amp;itok=jKPOMlq9" width="1200" height="800" alt="Tuan Nguy峄卬"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/194" hreflang="en">Student Awards</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Tuan Anh Nguyen, an incoming graduate student in physics at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder, has won the Hertz Fellowship, a prestigious recognition dedicated to empowering the promising innovators in applied science, engineering and mathematics, the foundation announced.</div> <script> window.location.href = `/graduateschool/2025/05/06/incoming-graduate-student-wins-prestigious-innovators-fellowship`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Tue, 06 May 2025 20:18:28 +0000 Kirsten Apodaca 2440 at /physics /physics/2025/05/01/two-engineering-physics-seniors-receive-college-engineering-awards <span>Two engineering physics seniors receive College of Engineering awards</span> <span><span>Kirsten Apodaca</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-05-01T16:04:37-06:00" title="Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 16:04">Thu, 05/01/2025 - 16:04</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/people/aerial.jpeg?h=3dbcfedc&amp;itok=OPeY1Nfc" width="1200" height="800" alt> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/194" hreflang="en">Student Awards</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-hidden ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-lightgray"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title">&nbsp;</div><div class="ucb-box-content"> <div class="align-center image_style-small_500px_25_display_size_"> <div class="imageMediaStyle small_500px_25_display_size_"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/small_500px_25_display_size_/public/2025-04/Angel%20Hernandez_0.jpg?itok=-9SGWY89" width="375" height="376" alt="Angel Hernandez"> </div> </div> <p><span lang="EN-US">脕ngel Hern谩ndez</span></p></div></div></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Engineering physics seniors 脕ngel Hern谩ndez and Denali Jah have been recognized by the 麻豆免费版下载Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science with </span><a href="/engineering/academics/graduation/graduating-student-awards" rel="nofollow"><span lang="EN-US">graduating student awards</span></a><span lang="EN-US">. The awards celebrate student achievement in several categories including academics, community, culture, perseverance and research.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">脕ngel Hern谩ndez received two awards, for culture impact and community impact. These awards recognize his commitment to improving the environment both within the Department of Physics and on a broader college and campus level.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">When asked what these awards meant to Hern谩ndez, he said, 鈥渢hese awards are for my grandparents who crossed borders with nothing but hope. They are for my parents who worked long hours and still found time to support my dreams. These awards are for anyone who has ever felt different, out of place, or overlooked when entering a new space. This recognition tells me to keep going, to keep pushing back against doubt, and to continue lifting others as I climb. This is for my family, my community, and for me."</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Hern谩ndez was also thankful for others that contributed to his journey. 鈥淚鈥檓 also deeply grateful to the 麻豆免费版下载Physics Department and the many mentors and advisors who supported me throughout this journey. Your guidance helped me grow into the scientist I am becoming,鈥� said Hernandez.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-hidden ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-lightgray"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title">&nbsp;</div><div class="ucb-box-content"> <div class="align-center image_style-small_500px_25_display_size_"> <div class="imageMediaStyle small_500px_25_display_size_"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/small_500px_25_display_size_/public/2025-05/Denali%20Jah.jpeg?itok=l8T6i2qF" width="375" height="500" alt="Denali Jah"> </div> </div> <p>Denali Jah</p></div></div></div><p><span lang="EN-US">Denali Jah was recognized with the Academic Engagement Award. The award honors Jah鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence and the way in which he elevated his own and other students鈥� learning experiences.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Jah was honored to receive the award and recognized the supportive communities and collective effort. He said, 鈥渞eceiving the Academic Engagement Award honors not only my pursuit of academic excellence but also the steadfast support of the communities that I'm a part of. It reminds me that success is never built alone 鈥� it's crafted through the work of people who desire to create systems that are sustainable, efficient, liberating, and flexible so that everyone progresses together.鈥�</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Both Hern谩ndez and Jah are graduating with degrees in engineering physics this spring and will be recognized for these awards at the Department of Physics Recognition Ceremony on May 9.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Engineering physics seniors 脕ngel Hern谩ndez and Denali Jah have been recognized by the 麻豆免费版下载Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science with graduating student awards. The awards celebrate student achievement in several categories including academics, community, culture, perseverance and research. </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Thu, 01 May 2025 22:04:37 +0000 Kirsten Apodaca 2439 at /physics /physics/2025/04/30/scholars-aim-help-women-make-quantum-leap <span>Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap</span> <span><span>Kirsten Apodaca</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-04-30T10:16:40-06:00" title="Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 10:16">Wed, 04/30/2025 - 10:16</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-04/Saliman_Quantum.CC49.JPG?h=2d551120&amp;itok=5kU37xnb" width="1200" height="800" alt="Annalise Cabra and Emily Jerris address the Quantum Scholars"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/684" hreflang="en">Quantum Scholars</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Quantum Scholars Emily Jerris and Annalise Cabra started 麻豆免费版下载Women of Quantum to help women interested in careers in quantum to network and share experiences.</div> <script> window.location.href = `/asmagazine/2025/04/25/scholars-aim-help-women-make-quantum-leap`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:16:40 +0000 Kirsten Apodaca 2437 at /physics /physics/2025/04/30/sean-gopalakrishnan-receives-top-honor-plasma-research <span>Sean Gopalakrishnan receives top honor for plasma research</span> <span><span>Kirsten Apodaca</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-04-30T06:50:58-06:00" title="Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 06:50">Wed, 04/30/2025 - 06:50</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-04/Sean%20Gopalakrishnan.jpeg?h=5a94b41a&amp;itok=cvUG8z8N" width="1200" height="800" alt="Sean Gopalakrishnan"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/194" hreflang="en">Student Awards</a> </div> <a href="/physics/kirsten-apodaca">Kirsten Apodaca</a> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-hidden ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-white"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title">&nbsp;</div><div class="ucb-box-content"> <div class="imageMediaStyle medium_750px_50_display_size_"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/medium_750px_50_display_size_/public/2025-04/Sean%20Gopalakrishnan.jpeg?itok=8H_kbm5S" width="750" height="811" alt="Sean Gopalakrishnan"> </div> <span class="media-image-caption"> <p>Sean Gopalakrishnan</p> </span> </div></div></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Sean Gopalakrishnan, a senior physics and astrophysics student, has been recognized for his outstanding research with a Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Award. The award is one of the top honors for graduating students in the Department of Physics.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">The award was established in 2013 by alumnus Dr. Stephen White (Phys鈥�63) to recognize exceptional undergraduate research projects. During his undergraduate studies at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder, Dr. White鈥檚 research experiences made an impact on his future career and led him to create the award.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Studying lava tubes on the moon</strong></span><span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Gopalakrishnan said 鈥減hysics has always been a fascination of mine, ever since I learned that we can predict the motion of the planets."</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Pursuing his interests, Gopalakrishnan enrolled at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder and double majored in physics and astrophysics. He joined the Institute for Modeling Plasma, Atmospheres and Cosmic Dust (IMPACT) at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) in 2023. Dr. Xu Wang, research scientist at LASP, served as Gopalakrishnan鈥檚 research advisor.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Wang said, 鈥淪ean鈥檚 work addresses the charging and subsequently the possible dust environment inside lava tubes on the moon鈥檚 surface.鈥� Lava tubes are tunnel-like passages that are created as basaltic lava channels under the surface.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">鈥淭hese structures have long been thought to be natural habitats for future lunar exploration. But recent numerical simulations predicted a hazardous plasma environment inside,鈥� Gopalakrishnan explained.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">He investigated the interaction between lunar lava tubes and the solar wind. The results showed that the charging environment isn鈥檛 as hazardous as the simulation suggested, making the structures more viable for lunar habitation.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">鈥淭his work is timely and important for NASA鈥檚 Artemis mission,鈥� said Wang. The series of missions are designed to send humans to the moon and eventually establish a long-term presence.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Research project earns top honors</strong></span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Gopalakrishnan鈥檚 outstanding research project received a </span><em><span lang="EN-US">summa cum laude</span></em><span lang="EN-US"> designation from the College of Arts &amp; Sciences Honors Program. The Physics Honors Council Representatives selected him to receive one of two Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Awards awarded this semester.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics, served as the Physics Honors Council Representative for Gopalakrishnan. Munsat said 鈥淪ean turned his work into a top-quality honors thesis, which really showed his independence on the project and his expertise in the subject matter.鈥� He added, 鈥淚鈥檝e also seen him present his work at a scientific conference, and it makes me proud that he鈥檚 representing our department.鈥�</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">To Gopalakrishnan, the award is an incredible honor. 鈥淚t's truly a gift to see my research and hard work pay off,鈥� he said.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>What鈥檚 next?</strong></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">After graduating this spring, Gopalakrishnan will stay in Boulder to pursue a PhD in physics at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder. He plans to continue his research with the IMPACT group.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">鈥淚'm grateful for this opportunity, and excited for future research to come,鈥� said Gopalakrishnan.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Sean Gopalakrishnan, a senior physics and astrophysics student, has been recognized for his outstanding research with a Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Award. The award is one of the top honors for graduating students in the Department of Physics.</div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:50:58 +0000 Kirsten Apodaca 2436 at /physics /physics/2025/04/30/quantum-magic-leads-top-award-luke-coffman <span>Quantum magic leads to top award for Luke Coffman</span> <span><span>Kirsten Apodaca</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-04-30T06:44:13-06:00" title="Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 06:44">Wed, 04/30/2025 - 06:44</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-04/Luke%20Coffman%20Headshot.JPG?h=09e9f5cf&amp;itok=OCtxrLdh" width="1200" height="800" alt="Luke Coffman"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/194" hreflang="en">Student Awards</a> </div> <a href="/physics/kirsten-apodaca">Kirsten Apodaca</a> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><div><div class="ucb-box ucb-box-title-hidden ucb-box-alignment-right ucb-box-style-fill ucb-box-theme-white"><div class="ucb-box-inner"><div class="ucb-box-title">&nbsp;</div><div class="ucb-box-content"> <div class="imageMediaStyle medium_750px_50_display_size_"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/medium_750px_50_display_size_/public/2025-04/Luke%20Coffman%20Headshot.JPG?itok=jPwuhfV0" width="750" height="924" alt="Luke Coffman"> </div> <span class="media-image-caption"> <p>Luke Coffman</p> </span> </div></div></div><p><span lang="EN-US">Luke Coffman, a senior double majoring in physics and math, has been recognized for his outstanding research with a Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Award. The award is one of the top honors for graduating students in the Department of Physics.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">The award was established in 2013 by alumnus Dr. Stephen White (Phys鈥�63) to recognize exceptional undergraduate research projects. During his undergraduate studies at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder, Dr. White鈥檚 research experiences made an impact on his future career and led him to create the award.鈥�</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Pursuing quantum research</strong></span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Coffman has always been interested in quantum. One of the main reasons he enrolled at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder was the university鈥檚 top reputation in quantum sciences.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">As a first-year student, he began quantum information theory research with Graeme Smith, former professor and JILA fellow. Coffman continued research with Xun Gao, assistant professor and associate fellow of JILA, which culminated in writing and defending an honors thesis.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">His research project explored 鈥渜uantum magic鈥� in fermions (e.g. electrons) which essentially measures how difficult it is to replicate a quantum state using a classical computer. The more magic a state has, the more useful it is for quantum computation, and could be used to show a quantum advantage.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">States that lack magic often have "Gaussian" properties, making a quantum version of the central limit theorem a powerful tool for studying magic. 鈥淟uke has made impressive progress in exploring how the central limit theorem can be generalized to fermionic systems 鈥� a direction that bridges classical statistics, quantum information, and even has potential applications in condensed matter and quantum chemistry,鈥� said Gao.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Earning top honors and notable recognition</strong></span><span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">The College of Arts &amp; Sciences Honors Council awarded Coffman鈥檚 outstanding research project a </span><em><span lang="EN-US">summa cum laude</span></em><span lang="EN-US"> designation. He was then awarded one of this semester鈥檚 Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Awards by the Physics Honors Council Representatives.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Jun Ye, professor adjoint of physics and JILA fellow, was the Physics Honors Council Representative on Coffman鈥檚 defense. 鈥淟uke wrote an outstanding honors thesis and gave a high-powered defense talk on a complex subject that connects classical statistics and fermionic quantum mechanics, with impact on quantum information and condensed matter.鈥� Ye added, 鈥渉e has the big picture and technical competence to do fun physics in the future.鈥�</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">鈥淚t is an incredible honor to receive this award and a meaningful affirmation to keep pursuing the sometimes all-too-grueling process of research,鈥� said Coffman. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to the physics department for cultivating a space where curiosity is not only encouraged but celebrated.鈥�</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Coffman has already received national recognition for his outstanding achievements in research. He was awarded an Astronaut Scholarship and a Goldwater Scholarship in 2024. Coffman also received a prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship which provides a three-year stipend for graduate studies and professional development opportunities.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Beyond research, building community</strong></span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">While an undergraduate at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder, Coffman was deeply engaged in building community in physics and related disciplines. He served as co-president of the Society of Physics Students, and vice president of the student group COSMOS in the Department of Mathematics.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Coffman has also been part of Quantum Scholars since it was established in Spring 2023. 鈥淚 was excited to find community with other students that were also exploring quantum science and engineering,鈥� he said. Coffman and other scholars have played an active role in shaping the program. 鈥淚t truly feels like a program built on addressing the changing needs of its students and the broader world of quantum by ensuring students in the program are guiding its future,鈥� he added.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US"><strong>What鈥檚 next?</strong></span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">After graduating this spring, Coffman will head to Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico to continue researching quantum magic. This fall, he will pursue a PhD in quantum science at Harvard University.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">鈥淟uke is a highly self-motivated student with strong foundations in both physics and mathematics, and it鈥檚 been exciting to see him deepen his understanding across these disciplines. I look forward to seeing what he contributes to these areas in the future,鈥� said Gao.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Luke Coffman, a senior double majoring in physics and math, has been recognized for his outstanding research with a Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Award. The award is one of the top honors for graduating students in the Department of Physics.</div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:44:13 +0000 Kirsten Apodaca 2435 at /physics /physics/2025/04/28/daily-camera-joe-romig-phys63-phdastro75-set-example-how-succeed-and-field <span>Daily Camera: Joe Romig (Phys'63, PhDAstro'75) set the example for how to succeed on and off the field</span> <span><span>Kirsten Apodaca</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-04-28T13:01:57-06:00" title="Monday, April 28, 2025 - 13:01">Mon, 04/28/2025 - 13:01</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/physics/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-04/romig031-web.jpg.jpeg?h=4d0ea30f&amp;itok=SJD4bgOd" width="1200" height="800" alt="Joe Romig playing football"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/122"> News </a> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/114"> Newsletter </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/physics/taxonomy/term/676" hreflang="en">Alumni</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>麻豆免费版下载Boulder alum Joe Romig (Phys'63, PhDAstro'75) is featured in the Daily Camera, highlighting his success as a two-time All-American and Rhodes Scholar.</div> <script> window.location.href = `https://www.dailycamera.com/2025/04/27/opinion-jim-martin-joe-romig-set-the-example-for-how-to-succeed-on-and-off-the-field/`; </script> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:01:57 +0000 Kirsten Apodaca 2438 at /physics