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THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Department of Physics News
SEPTEMBER 2021
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Message from the Chair
 It is refreshing to see our campus coming alive again after the prolonged stillness caused by COVID-19. Sidewalks filled with students on their way to class is a welcome sight.
Though the past 18 months have brought complex challenges, we have also managed many positive developments. In addition to the feature stories below, we are happy to report on milestones such as UMD's selection by the NSF to host a major institute dedicated to advancing quantum simulation; ongoing accolades for the extraordinary students, faculty, and staff who comprise this wonderful department; and new discoveries made by our exceptionally talented researchers. In accepting a second term as department chair, I am looking forward to a positive future while (hopefully) soon leaving the past year's struggles in the rearview mirror.
This academic year may still present us with unforeseen challenges. We hope that with a high regard for science, communal vigilance, and a deep respect for the common good, we can carefully make our way back to normalcy on our beautiful campus.
~Steve |
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Faculty and Staff
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John S. Toll Endowed Lecture in Physics Honors a Culture of Excellence, Curiosity and Collaboration
The first lecture in the new annual series will feature S. James Gates Jr. on Sept. 28. READ MORE » |
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John Mather Looks to the Past and Keeps Moving Forward
The College Park Professor is also the senior project scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, which is expected to launch by year’s end. READ MORE » |
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Elevating the Humble Neutrino
Distinguished University Professor Rabindra Mohapatra shares his passion with the world.
READ MORE » |
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Quantum Materials Center's Silent Hero Recognized with College Award
Doug Bensen received the Dean's Outstanding Employee Award this spring. READ MORE » |
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studentS and Alumni
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Junior Kate Sturge Discovers Love for Research—and Experimental Particle Physics
Through UMD's FIRE program, the astronomy and physics dual-degree student conducted high-energy physics research. READ MORE » |
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Research Projects Open Doors for High School Students
Physics graduate students pilot high school diversity recruitment program. READ MORE » |
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Taking Satellite Technology—and Physics—to New Heights
How James Carr (Ph.D. '89, physics) built a career of 30-plus years in aerospace and a lasting legacy for his first physics mentor. READ MORE » |
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Awards & Notes
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We proudly recognize members of our community who recently garnered major honors, began new positions and more. READ MORE » |
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In Memoriam
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It is with much sadness that the department announces the passing of several members of our community. READ MORE » |
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Events
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For details on all of these events, visit umdphysics.umd.edu/events/physicscolloquia.html.
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Inaugural John S. Toll Endowed Lecture
"Perspective on John S. Toll's 'OmniPolymathism' From an Age of Skepticism"
Speaker: S. James Gates Jr., UMD and Brown University |
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Paint Branch Distinguished Lecture in Applied Physics
Speaker: Sharon Glotzer, University of Michigan |
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Shih-I Pai Lecture (Virtual)
"Structural Color—Origin and Evolution in Nature"
Speaker: Hui Cao, Yale University |
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Richard E. Prange Prize Lecture
"The Emergence of Topological Quantum Matter"
Speaker: Charlie Kane, University of Pennsylvania |
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W. J. Carr Lecture
Speaker: Dale Van Harlingen, University of Illinois |
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Irving and Renee Milchberg Endowed Lecture
Speaker: Jim Glanz, The New York Times |
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Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Lecture
"The Simple (and Not-So-Simple) Physics of Detecting Gravitational Waves"
Speaker: Peter Shawhan, University of Maryland |
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To see a complete list of upcoming events, visit umdphysics.umd.edu/events.
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WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! |
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If you recently received an award or landed a new job, please send a brief description to physics-news@umd.edu so that we can share the great things you're doing with our community.
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We are grateful to alumni and friends whose generosity supports current and future students. To learn more about how you can make a difference, please visit go.umd.edu/givetophysics. |
