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Three engineering physics seniors receive research awards

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:54:37 +0000

Three engineering physics seniors receive research awards Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 05/07/2026 - 09:54

Engineering physics seniors Tess Ekblad, Sam Hagele, and Christian Ordetx received Research Awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science for their demonstrated excellence in research. Recipients are selected for their high quality of research, strong potential for future impact, collaborations across multiple fields, and their ability to share their research through poster presentations, peer-reviewed articles or conferences.

Tess Ekblad (ApMath, EngrPhys'26)

Tess Ekblad, a double major in applied mathematics and engineering physics, has conducted research with Professor Thomas Schibli since January 2025. Her work focuses on a novel fiber-optic approach to distributing optical coherence between remote receivers, enabling very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) at optical wavelengths. By successfully deploying a fiber-noise cancellation over a 1.4 km link between �鶹��Ѱ��Physics and Engineering, she demonstrated precise phase stabilization of an optical carrier – an achievement with significance for precision measurement and observational science. This work formed the basis of her honors thesis and highlights both technical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“I am honored to receive this award as a representation of my passions for research and knowledge in physics and engineering,” says Ekblad. She will continue her research as a PhD student with Professor Scott Diddams through electrical engineering at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. 

Adapted from the Applied Mathematics feature with permission.

Sam Hagele (EngrPhys'26)

Sam Hagele, a senior in engineering physics, conducted research with Professor Yuan Shi. Hagele’s research focused on developing a quantum computing algorithm for fluid and plasma problems. His work is inherently interdisciplinary – it has roots in quantum science and computer science but aims to solve problems in fluid mechanics and plasma physics.

“Sam's research provided an important module for any fluid and plasma problems that involve advection as a term in the equations,” writes Yuan Shi, assistant professor of physics. “For example, to design supersonic aircraft, one needs a simulation algorithm to capture shock. Sam's work allows people to do exactly that, but on a quantum computer.”

Hagele has given talks about his work at two conferences, including last year’s American Physical Society’s 4 Corners Conference. He’s also in the process of preparing to submit a peer-reviewed journal article.

Christian Ordetx (ApMath, EngrPhys'26)

Christian Ordetx, a double major in applied mathematics and engineering physics, conducted research with Professor Murray Holland on atom interferometry in optical lattices.

“Christian’s research makes substantive contributions at the intersection of quantum physics and machine learning, particularly in the emerging area of quantum system design using deep reinforcement learning,” says Murray Holland, professor of physics and JILA fellow.

His work explores Bloch-band interferometry in regimes where atoms remain strongly localized, using machine-learned lattice shaking techniques to design and simulate interferometric operations. The resulting system demonstrates measurable sensitivity to acceleration, pointing toward new possibilities for lattice-confined inertial sensing.

“To me, this honor represents the resilience required to pursue rigorous research and gives me the confidence to tackle even more complex problems in my graduate studies,” says Ordetx. “This achievement is a shared one, made possible by the exceptional mentorship of my advisors and the supportive environment here at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.”

In addition to his research, he has contributed to teaching and community engagement, serving as a Learning Assistant in physics. He also served as Vice President of Philanthropy for the Triangle chapter at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, helping organize service initiatives and community outreach efforts. Following his graduation, he will pursue a PhD in Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida. 

Adapted from the Applied Mathematics feature with permission.

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Students recognized with Spring 2026 teaching and service awards

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 05 May 2026 19:48:35 +0000

Students recognized with Spring 2026 teaching and service awards Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 05/05/2026 - 13:48

Each semester, undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs are nominated for their outstanding contributions to teaching and service to the Department of Physics. The award recognizes their invaluable contributions to the department.

Outstanding teaching awards

Ben Bobell: For outstanding contributions to the PHYS 2010 teaching team, going above and beyond to help students individually understand the material.
Branden Lee Esses: For above-and-beyond commitment to supporting the students in PHYS 2130, and to uniquely valuable insights into designing pedagogically-meaningful exam questions.
Alex Fix: For outstanding contributions to the PHYS 1120 teaching team.
Yu Fei Liu: For outstanding contributions to the PHYS 1120 teaching team.

Outstanding service awards

Ben Braun: for outstanding contributions serving as Co-President of the Society of Physics Students, and for his role planning the Colorado Undergraduate Physics Conference and the Physics and Quantum Undergraduate Research Expo.
Willa Arthur-Dworschack: For outstanding contributions to the work of the APS Climate Site Visit Follow Up Committee, representing the experience and concerns of graduate students in the Physics Department.
Aidan Jones: For outstanding contributions to the work of the APS Climate Site Visit Follow Up Committee, representing the experience and concerns of graduate students in the Physics Department.
Joseph Pontiff: for outstanding contributions leading the executive board for Quantum Scholars and for his role planning the Physics and Quantum Undergraduate Research Expo.
Nathaniel Moretsky: for outstanding contributions to the Quantum Scholars program including organizing food for the meetings.
Mason Hergert: for outstanding contributions serving on the student-led executive board for Quantum Scholars and for his role planning the Physics and Quantum Undergraduate Research Expo.
Ashlee Snider: for outstanding contributions serving on the student-led executive board of Quantum Scholars and for organizing �鶹��Ѱ��Women of Quantum.
Emily Jerris: for outstanding contributions serving on the student-led executive board of Quantum Scholars and for organizing �鶹��Ѱ��Women of Quantum.
Aqua Chung: for outstanding contributions serving on the student-led executive board of Quantum Scholars and for building the early stages of the Research Expo in Physics.
Jeremy Goodkin: For outstanding contributions serving as co-president of the Society of Physics student group and development of their “Looking to the Phuture” talk series.
Tab Rodriguez: For outstanding contributions serving as co-president of the Society of Physics student group and development of their “Looking to the Phuture” talk series.

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Ruomu Zhang lands research award for work on micromechanical sensors

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:32:35 +0000

Ruomu Zhang lands research award for work on micromechanical sensors Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/29/2026 - 15:32

Kirsten Apodaca

Ruomu Zhang, a senior double-majoring in physics and mathematics, has been selected to receive the Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Award in recognition of his exceptional honors research project. The award is one of the top honors for graduating physics and engineering physics students in the Department of Physics.

The award was established in 2013 by alumnus Dr. Stephen White (Phys’63) to recognize exceptional undergraduate research projects. During his undergraduate studies at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, Dr. White’s research experiences made an impact on his future career and led him to create the award.

Finding his path

The son of two biologists, Zhang always figured he would pursue a STEM-related career. In high school, his physics teacher inspired him to choose physics. Initially, he was drawn to figuring out how the universe works and thought he might conduct particle physics research.

Zhang enrolled at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder to study physics and math. In his first year, getting involved in programs like CU-Prime helped Zhang prepare for what it would be like to be a scientist.

Designing mechanical oscillators

Zhang joined Professor and JILA Fellow Cindy Regal’s lab during his freshman year, just as the lab was starting a new project.

His research focused on mechanical oscillators, tiny two-dimensional membranes that bend in response to external effects like magnetic and electric fields, and temperature changes. Zhang designed and analyzed oscillators that form the basis of micromechanical sensors.

As a bassist himself, Zhang likens the oscillators to a guitar string. By listening to the pitch of a string, you can figure out how much someone has turned the tuning peg.

“That’s exactly what we’re doing,” says Zhang, “but instead of someone turning the tuning peg, it’s an electric field, radiation, or a magnetic field. We are measuring the frequencies—the pitch—to figure out what happened.”

Designing an oscillator is complex, Zhang says, but he enjoyed the freedom of the design process.

“There’s a lot of intuition involved,” says Zhang. “The field has developed great mathematical models for many oscillator designs. But because you can pattern these two-dimensional membranes however you want, you can’t analytically derive the best design. People are constantly coming up with new design paradigms – there is no fixed recipe."

Mechanical oscillators are used in everyday technology like phones, Zhang explains. Microphones, accelerometers, and clocks all rely on various types of oscillators.

In Regal’s lab, the team is working to develop an improved far infrared sensor. “Right now, it's hard to detect far infrared radiation with high sensitivity without cryogenic cooling of the sensor,” says Zhang. “We are trying remove cryogenic cooling and at the same time make a really good sensor.”

The project's potential for real-world application was a major draw for Zhang. “I can see a good timeline at the end where there might actually be a usable sensor,” he says.

Improved sensors could be put on satellites, where they can detect faint radiation from a distant star, or improve global monitoring of temperature fluctuations, for example.

Research earns top honors

Zhang was awarded a summa cum laude designation for his research project by the College of Arts & Sciences Honors Council. He was then selected to receive the Stephen Halley White Undergraduate Research Awards by the Physics Honors Council Representatives.

Zhang’s written thesis placed the work within an unusually broad technical context, according to Regal. “Ruomu developed a strong experimental intuition for calibration and noise, enabling substantive work in both analysis and device design,” she says.

After joining the Regal lab in his freshman year, Zhang spent the first several years helping set up the experiment. In the last year, they started to get some exciting results which were recently published in Nano Letters. As a result, Zhang says it meant a lot that people recognized the effort the team put into the project.

“Having the committee recognize my work with this award is very rewarding,” says Zhang.

Jun Ye, professor adjoint of physics and JILA fellow, served as the Physics Honors Council Representative and was impressed by Zhang’s work, highlighting the range of “new ideas and designs to detailed measurement and analysis.” Ye adds, “Ruomu was among several outstanding honors graduates this semester, and this really speaks to the high standard of CU’s physics department.”

Best advice and what’s next

Zhang’s best advice for future students? Be brave. And get involved. He admits he didn’t know much about this field before he joined Regal’s lab, but he didn’t let that deter him from applying.

“Undergraduate research really helped me find what I wanted to do in the future,” says Zhang.

Support from the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) helped Zhang secure funding for working in the Regal lab, but it was more than that.

“Getting funding and having that structure—the practice of applying for funding and going through the entire funding process—was also really useful,” Zhang says. “I foresee a lot of that in my future.”

Joining Quantum Scholars in his junior year exposed Zhang to fields outside of his specialty, broadening his perspective.

“Having Quantum Scholars invite speakers from different fields, industry, and policy making helped me form a better perspective on the entire field of physics and how it relates,” explains Zhang. “It also helped me find a really good community at CU.”

After graduating this semester, Zhang will pursue his PhD in quantum science and engineering at the University of Chicago.

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Physics research expo highlights undergrad research, industry connections

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:00:15 +0000

Physics research expo highlights undergrad research, industry connections Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 04/27/2026 - 11:00

Kirsten Apodaca

On Friday, April 10, more than 25 students presented their research at the 2026 Physics and Quantum Undergraduate Research Expo, an event that brought together undergraduate research with talks from industry executives Safy Fishov and Billy Landuyt.

Students presented their work in student showcases—30-second “elevator pitches” of their research—designed to highlight each project before the poster sessions. During the poster sessions, students explained their findings to peers, faculty, and guests, including several engineers from AMD.

"The Research Expo celebrates the outstanding work of physics students and members of the Quantum Scholars community, showcasing the depth and creativity of their intellectual contributions,” says Mike Ritzwoller, physics professor of distinction and co-director of Quantum Scholars. “These students are among the most research-active undergraduates at the university.”

Research presentations spanned a range of fields including biophysics, astrophysics, condensed matter, quantum science and engineering, high energy and particle physics, and atomic, molecular and optical physics.

Building the scientific community and providing professional development were key goals of the expo. “Showcasing professional work is what we do in the academy,” says Noah Finkelstein, a distinguished professor of physics and emcee of the expo. “This is both developmental for students professionally and a key step as they become members of the scholarly community.”

This spring’s research expo was supported by AMD, and is one of two cornerstone events offered by the Department of Physics dedicated to student development. Paired with the Physics and Quantum Career Fair in the fall, the expo anchors a yearlong cycle of opportunities preparing undergraduates for academic and professional success.

Student leaders from Quantum Scholars and the Society of Physics Students co-organized the expo, with support from staff in physics and engineering. Over the last few years, the expo has evolved, with each organizing team adding its own personal touch.

“Seeing the final product of an idea we had around 8 months ago was something truly special to me,” says Joey Pontiff, physics senior and co-organizer of the expo. “Our idea changed and grew into something better than we originally thought.”

“The experience, knowledge, and mentorship we received from everyone along the way allowed us to grow as leaders and community builders,” adds Pontiff.

Industry execs share advice

Now in its third year, the physics-focused research expo expanded to include industry leaders. Inviting industry speakers was “a key element” in bridging classroom learning and lab-based research to the world beyond academia, according to Noah Finkelstein.

Safy Fishov, Corporate Vice President of OEM Sales at AMD, and Billy Landuyt, US Gulf Coast Carbon Capture and Storage Business Manager at ExxonMobil, described their career paths, highlighted what companies are looking for, and gave advice on how students can best prepare for future roles in industry.

Landuyt earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and math from �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, where he, like many of the undergrad presenters, wrote and defended an honors thesis. Undecided about what field to pursue, he completed a PhD in geology and geophysics at Yale University, followed by a postdoctoral research position at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He then began his career at ExxonMobil.

Landuyt said the skills he learned as an undergrad defending his honors research, like asking questions, building a case, communicating clearly, and defending answers, have carried through to his work in industry.

Fishov also highlighted the critical need for communication skills and noted that sometimes getting out of your comfort zone can be key to success. After completing his bachelor’s in electrical engineering at Boston University and a master’s degree at UC San Diego, Fishov began his career in industry.

In one of his first roles, Fishov was based in Shenzhen, China, where he had to quickly learn the language and the culture, while building a team of engineers to support customers in that region. His advice to future job seekers? Get uncomfortable and go to new places. Those experiences helped him learn the business in a different perspective and contributed to his successful career at AMD.

During the expo’s fireside chat (complete with an image of a fireplace), Finkelstein emphasized the importance of connection and networking, advising students to “double-down on the communities and networks” they already have.

“This event and connection with industry leaders humanizes the process,” says Finkelstein. “These leading industry executives shared their stories, reflected on their experiences when sitting in the students’ shoes, and celebrated the work that these remarkable students are doing.”

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What our graduating physics Buffs want you to know

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:50:46 +0000

What our graduating physics Buffs want you to know Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 04/23/2026 - 06:50

We asked our graduating physics and engineering physics students what advice they had for other students, what's next after CU, and what they will carry with them into their next chapter.

Benjamin Braun (Phys'26)

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

The best piece of advice I can give to other students is telling them to say yes to as much as they can! Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible now and don't look back.

What was your research focus?

My undergraduate thesis focused on using a laser to measure incredibly thin plasmas to help make particle accelerators smaller.

What's next for you and how did �鶹��Ѱ��help you prepare?

Following graduation from CU, I will be pursuing a PhD in Physics at Princeton University. �鶹��Ѱ��helped me prepare for this by providing the opportunity to get involved in research early and by supporting me in various leBadership roles. Those leadership roles included being a Learning Assistant in physics for 5 semesters, President of the Society of Physics Students, Founder & Director of the Colorado Undergraduate Physics Conference, and much more!

Aqua Chung (Phys'26)

What does graduating from college represent for you?

As an aspiring theorist, it feels one step closer to making an impact in the physics (and the math) community and in inspiring future students I hope to lecture one day.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

It’s not about being smart, it’s about grit and the appreciation in the beauty of physics.

What's next for you?

I will be working at the Air Force Research Lab for 4 years as a commissioned Air Force Physicist!

Tess Ekblad (EngrPhys'26)

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Stay curious and push yourself outside your comfort zone when it comes to your passions!

Why did you choose to study engineering physics?

I love discovering how and why things work, and I love applying what I know to solve new problems in physics.

What was your research focus?

I worked on a novel application of fiber optics to distribute optical coherence between remote receivers at �鶹��Ѱ��Physics and �鶹��Ѱ��Engineering to perform very-long-baseline-interferometry (VLBI) at optical wavelengths.

Mason Hergert (Phys'26)

What does graduating from college represent for you?

It represents a long time of overcoming a topic incredibly challenging and yet irresistibly fascinating. I have grown a ton as a person and as a thinker, and I'm incredibly grateful fro the opportunity to have spent my time here getting this bachelor's degree.

What's next for you and how did �鶹��Ѱ��help you prepare?

I am looking at getting into Intellectual Property (IP) law. �鶹��Ѱ��gave me the tools in analytical and precise thinking, as well as the connections in finding my way into this career path.

What was your research focus?

I worked on theoretical quantum chemistry, working to find more efficient routes of computing complicated systems.

Aidan Janney (Phys'26)

Why did you choose to study physics?

Physics is such an intriguing puzzle and exploration of the building blocks and principles that power our world, and I wanted to give it a try even though I sucked at physics in high school. I'm so glad I did!

What was your research focus?

I worked on machine learning models to support and accelerate regional ocean modeling.

What's next for you?

I will be working at NCAR after graduation on modeling oceans.

Ashton Kozloski (Phys'26)

What does graduating from college represent for you?

A major triumph in life and a first step towards pursuing my passion in the future.

What was your research focus?

We studied how very cold molecules interact with each other. By using a laser to give the molecules extra energy, we can learn about fundamental parameters that control how they interact with one another.

What's next for you and how did �鶹��Ѱ��help you prepare?

I am hoping to go on to graduate school and continue in physics. �鶹��Ѱ��has been critical in establishing myself in research and learning, things that I will continue to pursue in graduate school.

Kristin Oliver (PhDPhys'26)

What does graduating from graduate school represent for you?

This represents becoming a qualified researcher who can help improve the teaching and learning of physics for future students!

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Having a solid support system is the thing that will get you through the hard parts of graduate school (of which there will be many). Surround yourself with people who will support and love you even when you’re struggling!

What was your research focus?

I studied how students think about projects in upper-division lab courses and how the skills they gained in those courses change their perceptions of their future career options, particularly in quantum.

Joelle Pospisil (Phys'26)

Why did you choose to study physics?

I am fascinated by how physics seeks to understand the universe at its most fundamental level. I also appreciate its precision and the constancy of the laws of physics that always hold true no matter how strange things might appear when dealing with bizarre quantum effects or strongly curved space-times.

What was your research focus?

At �鶹��Ѱ��I researched neutrinos, the lightest known particles in the universe that still have mass. My work involved designing machine learning algorithms that could sort out different types of particles within one of the prototype detectors of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment at Fermilab.

What's next for you and how did �鶹��Ѱ��help you prepare?

I’ll be spending the next six years working towards a PhD in physics at Ohio State University. �鶹��Ѱ��helped me prepare for grad school by offering a wide range of physics courses, and most importantly offering numerous research opportunities with supportive research advisors.

Timothy Suxe (Phys'26)

What does graduating from college represent for you?

It represents to me a turning point where I determine the professional I want to be in the following years. However, after all the efforts and lessons, no matter what path, I know I will be ready to face the challenges that will appear.

Why did you choose to study physics?

Since very early, I had particular interest in learning new things. I love figuring how internal mechanisms work and in what ways I can apply this knowledge to create new things and solve problems. When I learned that the universe is infinite and physicists seek to understand it, I knew that my fun for learning would never stop if I took this path.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?

Good things come with time. Some problems will seem unsolvable, but there is always a way. Trust the process and look for the right angle. Never try the same thing twice.

Tien Vo (PhDPhys'26)

What does graduating from graduate school represent for you?

Receiving a doctorate in physics is a wild dream for me as a young person growing up in Vietnam, with few inspirations to hold onto. This achievement is a conclusion to a decade-long journey with many hardships to overcome.

What was your research focus?

Turbulence is a major factor for weather in space and astrophysical plasmas, similar to how it affects weather in the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. However, the plasmas in outer space are extreme physical systems with low density and collisionality, leading to very different behaviors from high-density fluids and gases on Earth. My research focuses on the energy transfer in turbulent collisionless plasmas to understand how these systems accelerate particles to extreme energies and relax under excitation. My work helps us understand the behaviors of one of the most abundant forms of matter in the universe, and how they affect the Earth.

Jasmine Wright (Phys'26)

Why did you choose to study physics?

I chose physics because I wanted to understand how the universe works and help turn that understanding into real technology that shapes the future.

What's next for you and how did �鶹��Ѱ��help you prepare?

Next, I’ll be working at Vescent Technologies as a systems engineer intern. �鶹��Ѱ��helped prepare me by giving me both a strong technical foundation and the confidence to apply physics to real-world systems and emerging technologies.

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BFA Awards Ceremony: John Cumalat gives keynote address; Juliet Gopinath and Michael McGeehee win research awards

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:57:02 +0000

BFA Awards Ceremony: John Cumalat gives keynote address; Juliet Gopinath and Michael McGeehee win research awards Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 04/16/2026 - 08:57

Professor John Cumalat gave the keynote address at the 2026 Boulder Faculty Assembly Excellence Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday, April 7. The ceremony recognized the nine recipients of this year's faculty excellence awards in research, teaching, and leadership and service. Physics-affiliated faculty Juliet Gopinath and Michael McGehee won BFA Excellence in Research Awards.

Cumalat's address focused on his time in the Department of Physics and how the department has evolved over the years. He emphasized the importance of nominating colleagues for awards, connecting those efforts to increased departmental recognition.

Image credit: Casey Cass/�鶹��Ѱ��

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NSF Grad Research Fellowships awarded to physics students and alumni

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:49:39 +0000

NSF Grad Research Fellowships awarded to physics students and alumni Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/15/2026 - 15:49

Kirsten Apodaca

Four physics students and two alumni are among this year’s recipients of the prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships. Overall, 40 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students received fellowships, placing the university in the top 15 nationwide.

Congratulations to senior Raymond Anchordoquy, graduate students Leo Illing, Miles Mackenzie, and Julia White, and alumni Aaron Barrios and Blake Maly. Three additional physics students and alumni received an honorable mention in this year’s competition.

The fellowship is highly competitive and recognizes outstanding students from across the United States in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. Recipients receive professional development, research opportunities and three years of financial support with an annual stipend of $37,000.

“We’re proud to see our students earning this distinction at the national level,” said Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics. “This recognition reflects not only their individual academic excellence and research potential, but also the strength of our community as a whole.”

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Noah Finkelstein honored as �鶹��Ѱ��Distinguished Professor

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:14:17 +0000

Noah Finkelstein honored as �鶹��Ѱ��Distinguished Professor Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 04/13/2026 - 17:14

Kirsten Apodaca

Noah Finkelstein has been named a Distinguished Professor, CU’s highest honor for faculty across the four-campus system.

At the University of Colorado Board of Regents meeting on Feb. 6, Finkelstein was recognized for the distinction along with five other faculty.

“I am so honored and grateful to be included among these remarkable folks who are transforming lives, disciplines, and building a better tomorrow through scholarship and action,” said Finkelstein during the regents meeting.

The award recognizes tenured faculty members who demonstrate exemplary performance in research or creative work; a record of excellence in promoting learning and student attainment of knowledge and skills; and outstanding service to the profession, the university and its affiliates. Since its inception in 1977, the honor has been awarded to 160 faculty system wide.

Finkelstein is the fourth professor from the Department of Physics to earn the rank, joining Andreas Becker, Margaret Murnane, and Carl Wieman.

"Noah's selection as a Distinguished Professor recognizes his excellence in teaching, his important research on improving physics education, and his dedicated service at �鶹��Ѱ��and beyond,” says Tobin Munsat, chair and professor of physics. “Our department now celebrates four Distinguished Professors, which speaks to the quality and excellence of our faculty.”

Advancing physics education research and beyond

When Finkelstein joined the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder faculty in 2003, physics education research was still emerging as a field. As �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s first full-time faculty member focused on physics education research, Finkelstein co-founded CU’s physics education research group alongside Professors Carl Wieman and Steven Pollock.

For more than two decades, Finkelstein has helped shape and advance the field by incorporating scholarly traditions from physics, educational psychology, and education. His research blends theory, experiments, and studies of student learning with curricular approaches to build more effective and inclusive environments. He leads research in how students learn, how courses are taught, and how these transformations can be scaled across institutions.

“His visionary work has transformed not just how we teach physics, but how we understand and improve STEM education worldwide,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz at the regents meeting.

At CU, Finkelstein helped develop the Learning Assistant program, which has now been implemented at over 120 colleges and universities worldwide.

A national leader in the field, Finkelstein’s scholarly impact includes more than 180 reviewed publications, 79 journal publications, 19 chapters, 88 conference proceedings, two books, and more than 15,000 citations.

Throughout his career, Finkelstein has received a multitude of teaching awards including the Boulder Faculty Assembly Excellence in Teaching Award, the Gold Pin Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Sigma Pi Sigma Outstanding Physics Professor of the Year. In 2012, the University of Colorado named Finkelstein a Presidential Teaching Scholar, and he was the inaugural Timmerhaus Teaching Ambassador, an honor designed to promote the value of education outside the university system.

Extending his impact beyond physics, Finkelstein contributes to national policy and educational reform by advising the Association of American Universities and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. He also serves on the National Academies Board on Science Education and is a trustee of the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Colorado Anschutz Chancellor Don Elliman, who has served on the board of Higher Learning Commission for the last 12 years alongside Finkelstein, highlighted his influence during the regents meeting. Elliman said Finkelstein’s input “has had a far-reaching effect, beyond the traditional teaching environment in the halls of the University of Colorado.”

Collectively, Finkelstein’s research, teaching and national leadership reflect a career guided by impact on students, institutions, STEM education and policy. His recognition as a Distinguished Professor emphasizes both his lasting contributions to the University of Colorado and his continued positive influence on education.

“I’m so grateful to work in an institution that not only allows for but fosters the vision of a better tomorrow,” Finkelstein added.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:07:33 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/08/2026 - 15:07

In the latest U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Physics earned top marks, ranking No. 4 among public institutions and No. 13 overall among both public and private institutions. The department’s overall ranking rose four spots from No. 17 in the 2023 report, highlighting increasing national recognition of the physics graduate program.

“We’re proud to be recognized as one of the top physics graduate programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report,” says Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics. “This ranking reflects the exceptional work of our students, faculty and staff, and speaks to the excellence and breadth of research and education in our department.”

U.S. News and World Report calculates its graduate program rankings using multiple measures, including peer assessments. Several other �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder graduate programs also ranked highly in this year’s report and are featured in �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Today.

Physics by the numbers

4 Nobel Prizes in Physics since 2001

312 PhD students

No. 1 best public university in atomic, molecular and optical physics (2023 US News and World Report)

59 full-time faculty

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Graduate student Anya Grafov selected as global recipient of 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:17:04 +0000

Graduate student Anya Grafov selected as global recipient of 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 04/06/2026 - 12:17

Anya Grafov, a graduate student in the Kapteyn Murnane Group at JILA, has been selected as one of the global recipients of the 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award, an international honor that recognizes exceptional early career women for their achievements and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Grafov was nominated through the Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County and is one of 16 awardees selected worldwide.

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Three engineering physics seniors receive research awards

Tess Ekblad (ApMath, EngrPhys'26)

Sam Hagele (EngrPhys'26)

Christian Ordetx (ApMath, EngrPhys'26)

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Students recognized with Spring 2026 teaching and service awards

Outstanding teaching awards

Outstanding service awards

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Ruomu Zhang lands research award for work on micromechanical sensors

Finding his path

Designing mechanical oscillators

Research earns top honors

Best advice and what’s next

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Physics research expo highlights undergrad research, industry connections

Industry execs share advice

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What our graduating physics Buffs want you to know

Benjamin Braun (Phys'26)

Aqua Chung (Phys'26)

Tess Ekblad (EngrPhys'26)

Mason Hergert (Phys'26)

Aidan Janney (Phys'26)

Ashton Kozloski (Phys'26)

Kristin Oliver (PhDPhys'26)

Joelle Pospisil (Phys'26)

Timothy Suxe (Phys'26)

Tien Vo (PhDPhys'26)

Jasmine Wright (Phys'26)

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BFA Awards Ceremony: John Cumalat gives keynote address; Juliet Gopinath and Michael McGeehee win research awards

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NSF Grad Research Fellowships awarded to physics students and alumni

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Noah Finkelstein honored as �鶹��Ѱ�����Distinguished Professor

Advancing physics education research and beyond

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�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News

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Graduate student Anya Grafov selected as global recipient of 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award

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Noah Finkelstein honored as �鶹��Ѱ��Distinguished Professor

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News