The ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Physics Department is at the forefront of cutting-edge research across three major areas: Experimental Materials Physics, Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, and Biophysics. Our faculty’s work spans fundamental investigations of properties of materials to explorations of complex biological systems, often blurring the boundaries between traditional scientific disciplines. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a cornerstone of our research culture, with strong partnerships across campus in departments such as Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Cell and Molecular Biology. These collaborations drive innovation in areas like nanotechnology, quantum materials, soft matter, and biological physics, opening doors to real-world applications in energy, health, and technology.
Areas of Faculty Research
Biophysics
Our biophysics research focuses on developing advanced theoretical and computational methods to study biological processes across a wide range of spatial and time scales. At the molecular and intracellular levels, we investigate the structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules and protein-drug interactions. On the cellular and tissue scales, we explore the properties and dynamics of tissues and tumors as living soft materials. Our work contributes to the design of new medicines and bio-inspired materials aimed at improving human health. Another area of our computational research is the application of deep learning methods in biology.
Faculty: Wen Ma, Haicen Yue
Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Our research in theoretical condensed matter is concerned with high-temperature superconductivity, magnetism, quantum sticking, density functional theory, correlated electron systems and the properties of Graphenes, Fullerenes and nanotubes.
Faculty: Dennis Clougherty, Valeri Kotov
Experimental Materials Physics
Our research in experimental materials physics includes hybrid and organic photovoltaic device physics, thin film deposition and growth, solid state ionics and surface science, with broad application in low-cost and high-performance photovoltaics, next-generation computing, sensors, and electrochemical systems.
Faculty: Matthew Dawber, Randall Headrick, Alexander C. Kozen, Matthew White
Verde Technology
By advancing thin-film perovskite solar cell technology that was developed in ¶¶Òõ̽̽’s Physics laboratories, Verde Technologies has emerged as one of the most promising local technology start-ups driving the renewable energy revolution.
Greening the Future with Verde Technologies (article)