Physics is a natural science where state-of-the-art experiments, precise mathematical reasoning, and increasingly powerful computational tools are combined to address fundamental questions about spacetime, energy, nature’s building blocks, and the physical properties of matter. Research in physics spans a wide range of subjects, from the laws that govern how the universe works to how materials can be manipulated to reveal new phases and novel quantum properties. It also includes emergent areas such as quantum information and technology as well as applications of generative AI in both research and education.
The Physics Department strives for excellence in research and teaching. We aspire to be a place where people thrive, and a department that educates students to be well prepared to make scientific breakthroughs and to fulfill modern industry needs for the future STEM workforce.
Currently, the Physics Department has 45 faculty members, 130 graduate students, over 200 undergraduate majors (Physics and Interdisciplinary Physics), and over 30 staff members. We continue to recruit stellar faculty to our department and to mentor junior colleagues to successful careers. The external research funding reached nearly $15 million in FY26.
The department leadership consists of the Department Chair, three Associate Chairs, and a four-member elected Executive Committee.
Department Chair
Professor Henriette Elvang
Associate Chairs
Professor Tom Schwarz (Undergraduate Program)
Professor Dragan Huterer (Graduate Program)
Professor Hui Deng (Facilities and Research)
Executive Committee
Professor Myron Campbell
Professor Xiaoming Mao
Professor Tim Chupp
Professor James Wells
Facilities
Our department is located across three adjacent buildings: Homer A. Neal Lab, Randall Lab, and parts of West Hall.
