Physics
News and Events
First single-photon generated and detected in Manning Hall
Dr. Thang Hoang generated and detected a single-photon in his laboratory.The process is as follows:
1. A single quantum dot (an artificial atom) emits a ONE photon at a time.
2. The emitted photon is randomly sent to either detector D1 or D2 at a time, not both.
3. A timing module will detect arrival times T1 and T2 at detectors D1 and D2.
4. A computer software generates a histogram showing the coincident counts between two detectors vs time difference T2-T1. Such a photon can be used as a quantum bit (qbit) for quantum computing.
Dr. Kei Nagai Gives NED Talk
Dr. Kei Nagai, a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Materials Science
presented a NED talk on October 24, at 4:15 pm. The title of his talk is "Peering
Inside the Proton: Nucleon Structure and Beyond." Please attend to hear the insights
that Dr. Nagai will provide into the inner workings of this fundamental particle.
For more information, please visit the NED Talk page.
Faculty and Students Present Research at Materials' Day
The fourth annual Materials day was held at the Fedex Institute on Friday, October 18, 2024. The event was organized by the Institute of Nanomaterials Development and Innovation at the University of Memphis (INDIUM) and sponsored by the Fedex Institute. Several members of the Department of Physics and Materials Science (DPMS) presented their work. Dr. Shawn Pollard was the keynote speaker, giving a talk entitled, "Thin film engineering for the design and manipulation of magnetic solitons". DPMS graduate students Justin Brutger, Alisha Dhakal, Jolaikha Sultana, Himal Pokhrel, Liyan Jacob, Yagya Woli and Azim Farhan gave oral presentation on their work. Posters were presented by current DPMS graduate students Jordan Darling, Debendra Timsina, and Afsana Sharmin, as well as DPMS Research Specialist Martina Rodriguez Sala. Additionally, DPMS alumni Yu Zhu and Hoasheng Wen also presented posters on their research.
Finally, please join us in acknowledging Dr. Sanjay Mishra and Dr. Mohamed Laradji for their efforts to make this event possible and a great success. Congratulations to all!
For more information, please visit the event homepage, the schedule, and the invited speakers pages.
UofM Faculty Member Awarded NASA Grant
Dr. Benjamin Keller, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Materials Science, was awarded a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Admin (NASA) for his project “Portable and Reproducible Initial Conditions for Galaxy Simulations”.
Congratulations, Dr. Keller!
New Alumni Spotlight – Kyle Moats
We have recently featured Kyle Moats, an UofM Alumnus (M.S. 2018) and native Memphian, as he shares his unique path highlighting
the unique interests of physics majors, and the various careers physics graduates
pursue. Kyle tells us about how he became interested in Physics:
I have liked learning about nature for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching The Magic School Bus and Bill Nye the Science Guy. In elementary school I loved going to science club with Mrs. Faulks. I was lucky enough that my high school offered a conceptual physics course. It was mostly taught by entertaining video recordings of Dr. Paul Hewitt. Unfortunately there was not enough student interest for an AP Physics course for my class. The summer I graduated from high school, I read a book by Michio Kaku called The Physics of the Impossible. It contained a lot of fascinating ideas and left me with a sense that there was a lot left to explore.
Please check out the rest of his alumni spotlight profile here.
UofM Physics and Materials Science Visits LIGO – Livingston
Sixteen students affiliated with the DPMS (picture below) made a trip---sponsored
by NSF REU grant (PI: Dr. Firouzeh Sabri)---to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in Livingston,
Louisiana on Friday, July 26. Dr. Benjamin Keller, Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez, and Dr. Samuel Mensah accompanied the students to explore this laboratory that---operating together with
the other site in Hanford, Washington State---detects the weak signals from the cosmologically-significant
gravitational waves.
UofM Physics and Materials Science Graduate Student Receives NASA Fellowship
Physics and Materials Science graduate student, Scott Morris (advisor: Dr. Benjamin Keller), received the NASA Fellowship. Below follows the description of this scholarship:
Students receiving a Space Grant Fellowship will be expected to make significant progress on their research efforts during the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 academic year and submit a peer reviewed journal or a peer reviewed conference publication (full paper) during this period.
Congratulations, Scott!
UofM Physics and Materials Science Summer Camp for High School Students
The Department of Physics and Materials Science hosted the \textbf{Physics and Materials Science Summer Camp 2024. Mr. Lucas Wade and Dr. Gustav Borstad organized this event, the fourth year in a row and the third on campus. The week-long camp was attended by 32 local high school students. The camp participants learned about various areas of physics, including acoustics, astronomy and astrophysics, optics, materials science as well as careers in physics. In particular, they learned about transistors and visited the UofM clean room to witness first-hand the equipment and setting required for the development of the sensitive electronics that power the devices that we rely for productivity and pleasure. The participants also had the opportunities to build transistor circuits. Other activities including in a tour of the Scale Model of the Solar System, an exercise involving computer programming and visualization data, and making speakers and a simple telescope with magnifying glasses.
We are grateful for the assistance provide by graduate students Justin Brutger, Liyan Jacob, Kazi Zahir Islam, Shamima Khanom, Himal Pokhrel, and Afsana Sharmin, Yagya Woli. Additionally, we are grateful for the support of Courtney Ruth Paulino and the support of Dr. Firouzeh Sabri.
The week concluded with a liquid nitrogen plume. If you are interested in participating in a future summer camp, please check our webpage for announcements in the spring.
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Dr. Benjamin Keller gave a keynote address at The Feedback-Driven Matter Cycle in Galaxies: New perspectives from JWST conference in Heidelberg, Germany, which was held from June 3 - 7. Congratulations, Dr. Keller!
UofM Research Group Report Research In Prestigious Journal ACS Nano
Dr. Mohamed Laradji, recently published a paper in ACS Nano reporting that lipid vesicle self-assemble
Janus nano rods into an amazing array of highly-ordered nanoclusters. For more information,
please see the publication. Congratulations to Dr. Mohamed Laradji, Dr. Hoang Thang, and former students Dr. Abash Sharma and Dr. Yu Zhu!
Physics Students Recognized for Student Leadership and Involvement
Jacob Stewart and Joseph Zeron, two majors in the Department of Physics and Materials Science were recognized for their Student Leadership Involvement at the President's Leadership Awards and Honors Assembly on April 16, 2024. Congratulations, Jacob and Joseph!
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| Jacob Stewart | Joseph Zeron |
UofM Students Attend Regional Physics Symposium
Debendra Timsina, Yagya Woli, Alisha Dhakal, and Himal Pohkrel presented posters at the Physis Research Symposium 2024 on April 14. This regional
event provides graduate students in physics with the opportunity to present their
research and network with their peers. The UofM is a participating institution along
with other universities in Alabama and Mississippi. Physics and Materials Science
faculty member Dr. Shawn Pollard presented an invited talk, entitled ``Vertically non-uniform magnetic films for next
generation spintronics'' on April 14. Congratulations to all who participated in
this event!
UofM Celebrates April 8th Solar Eclipse
The UofM Department of Physics and Materials Science was actively involved in the eclipse celebration. Dr. Benjamin Keller coordinated a campus event featuring viewing of the major event through a solar telescope. The event was well-attended by our campus community, with thousands of students gathering in the Student Plaza on the UofM campus to view the eclipse through the telescope, eclipse glasses and share this event that will the last major solar eclipse over North America for two decades.
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Members of the UofM Department of Physics and Materials, coordinated by Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez, also travelled to Arkansas to witness and record totality. Joanne Rhodes, also in Arkansas, demonstrate speed of light at a scale of 10 billion to 1 using a robot. A collage of the images captured by UofM Physics graduate students, Kenneth Rymanowicz and Javier Saavedra Moreno, is shown below.
UofM Physics Graduate Student
Debendra Timsina was recognized by the Graduate Student Association - Celebration of Student Success Award. This award acknowledges student accomplishments, including publications, conference presentations, student leadership, and community service, during this academic year.
UofM Physics Faculty Member Recognized with Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award
Dr. Sanjay Mishra, Professor of Physics and Materials Science, was awarded the Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award. This is the highest distinction given to a faculty member by the University, and is bestowed upon one faculty member who has made outstanding and sustained contributions to scholarly-creative activity, teaching, and service, bringing honor and recognition to the University. Congratulations, Dr. Mishra!
UofM Physics Graduate Student Selected as APS Student Ambassador
Debendra Timsina was selected an as APS Student Ambassador. The American Physical Society webpage describes this position as follows:
...a leadership opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students where they will learn how to advocate for themselves in professional and academic settings. Student Ambassadors will also facilitate professional development for their peers at their home institutions by participating in and sharing valuable APS resources and programs. The goal is to enable a community of students to engage with the greater physics community.
Congratulations, Debendra!
UofM Physics Faculty Member Awarded Grant for Astronomy Research
Dr. Benjamin Keller was awarded a grant by the Space Telescope Science Institute, STScI, which operated by AURA. The grant will support Dr. Keller, a faculty member in Physics and Materials Science at the UofM, as he furthers his research through a program titled "Teasing Apart the Effects of Radiation and SN Feedback in Simulated Observations of Dwarf Galaxies." Congratulations, Dr. Keller!
UofM Faculty Member Featured in Research in a Minute
Our 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 series spotlights some of the most active and accomplished
researchers across various disciplines at the UofM. Dr. Francisco Muller-Sanchez’s
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 focuses on the characterization of the environments around supermassive
black holes using the most powerful ground-based and space-based telescopes. Click here to view Dr. Muller Sanchez's Research in a Minute.
UofM Ph.D. Student Publishes Paper in Nature Communications
Dr. Juan Chen, who earned her Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the University of Memphis (2022), co-first authored a scientific article in the prestigious Nature Communications, entitled "Moiré effect enables versatile design of topological defects in nematic liquid crystals". The article was based on data collected at UofM an explores the behavior of liquid crystals and their applications. In the concluding words of the abstract,
the proposed simple twist method enables the design and tuning of mesoscopic structures in liquid crystals, facilitating applications including defect-directed self-assembly, material transport, micro-reactors, photonic devices, and anti-counterfeiting materials.
UofM Physics and Materials Science Professor Awarded NASA Citizens Science Grant
Dr. Francisco Muller-Sanchez has been awarded a grant from the NASA Citizen Science/Astrophysics program to perform the project: "GAMER: An extension to Galaxy Zoo for the classification of galaxy mergers using two-dimensional stellar kinematics". By studying kinematic information, a much more robust identification of such mergers is possible, far better than simple visual appearance. This will be achieved via citizen science classifications, as an extension of the existing Galaxy Zoo project and using data from SDSS-IV/Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO (MaNGA).
UofM Student Attends Regional CUWiP Conference
UofM Physics Faculty Member to Lecture at Advanced School on Star Formation in Spain
Dr. Benjamin Keller will be teaching two lectures for on astrophysics for PhD students at the highly selective IAA-CSIC Severo Ochoa Advanced School on Star Formation in Granada, Spain. This program, funded by the Spanish National Research Council brings experts from around the world to provide insight into the current frontiers of research on star formation for an international group of 60 PhD students.
Physics and Materials Science Space Week 2023 Events
The Department of Physics and Materials Science offered a tours of the Memphis Voyage Solar System. The size and nature of the Solar System never cease to amaze physicists and non-physicists alike. It is truly difficult to grasp the relative sizes and distances of the planets and their moons, and asteroids in our Solar System. This scale model takes it beyond books and screens and lets you experience it. Tours were given in the morning and afternoon to the UofM Campus Community. About 80 people signed up for the tours and most of them showed up to see the outdoor, 10 billion to 1 scale model of the Solar System. Please visit the UofM campus to see the solar system, or even sign up for a guided tour at the Memphis Voyage page.
UofM Physics Professors Awarded NASA Grant
Dr. Francisco Muller-Sanchez has been awarded time with the Hubble Space Telescope during Cycle 31 to perform the project: "Probing SMBH/Galaxy Co-Evolution with Dual and Binary AGN". Dr. Muller-Sanchez is going to perform the first morphological study of the ionized gas in confirmed dual active galactic nuclei (AGN) and the only confirmed binary AGN to date, the radio galaxy 4C+37.11. This program will deliver a legacy of morphological data of dual AGN for studies of galaxy evolution.
UofM DPMS faculty member Dr. Benjamin Keller has recently been awarded a NASA Hubble Cycle 31 Theory grant submitted to study the influence of ionizing radiation from massive stars in dwarf galaxies, along with Co-PI Dr. Ferah Munshi of George Mason University. This grant will support Dr. Keller's research using simulations to understand the formation of evolution of galaxies, to unravel their history and help shed light on the mysterious nature of dark matter.
UofM Physics Professor Awarded NIH Grant
Dr. Thang Hoang, in collaboration with Dr. Xiaohua Huang (Department of Chemistry) have been awarded an NIH grant to support a project titled "Surface exosome integrin profiling to predict organotropic metastasis of breast cancer." The goal of this project is to validate and extend the depth of exosomal integrins for metastasis prediction by developing a dual imaging single vesicle technology. Such a technology is capable of detecting targeted surface protein markers on individual exosomes and quantifying the target-specific vesicle subtypes in plasma specimens. Because of its very high sensitivity, this technology allows for the detection of breast cancer at early stages. The outcomes of this project will accelerate the translation of exosomal biomarkers for cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and monitoring. The award total is $415,516 and runs from July 2023 until June 2026. For more information about Dr. Hoang's research lab, visit his webpage. His biographical information and publications can be found on his faculty profile pages. Congratulations to Dr. Hoang!
Congratulations to our Physics Graduates
We would like to congratulate our Physics Graduates.
- Jacob Mims
- Nicholas Nolen
- Nicolas Kyle Lam
- Kenneth Rymanowicz
- Robin Nool
We are proud of your achievements and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Department of Physics and Materials Science Celebrates Earth Week 2023
The Department of Physics and Materials Science went beyond merely the Earth and drew focus to its uniqueness by providing a tours of the Memphis Voyage Solar System. The wonders and comforts of Earth stand out in stark contrast to all the other planets, moons, and asteroid in our Solar System. Tours were offered on Thursday, April 20 at 1:00 pm -2:00 pm and Saturday, April 22 at 10:00 am - noonorning and afternoon to the UofM Campus Community. About 80 people signed up for the tours and most of them showed up to see the outdoor, 10 billion to 1 scale model of the Solar System. The light from the Sun moving out into the Solar System was simulatd with our speed of light robot! Please visit the UofM campus to see the solar system, or even sign up for a guided tour at the Memphis Voyage page.
Undergraduate Awards, Recognitions and Scholarships for UofM Physics Majors
- Jacob Stewart, awarded the Dr. Albert H Woollett Scholarship
- Joseph Duncan, awarded the Dr. Robert R Marchini Scholarship
High School Student, Supervised by UofM Physics Professor, Achieves Second Place in Prestigous International Science and Engineering Fair
Logan Reich, a high school student working under the supervision of Professor Muller-Sanchez, competed in the NYC regional science fair that serves as a qualifier for the International Science and Engineering Fair, the most prestigious science fair for high schoolers across the world. Logan placed second in the physics and astronomy division and also won the Yale Science and Engineering Association Award for the best project across all fields presented by a junior in high school. The project that Logan and Prof. Muller-Sanchez presented in the science fair is titled: "A Detailed Model of the AGN in NGC 7469".
UofM Physics Highlights Program Opportunities at Educator Community Partner Fair
Dr. Samuel Mensah and Justin Brutger represented the UofM Department of Physics and Materials Science at the Educator Community Partner Fair on February 17, 2023. This event was held at the Memphis School of Excellence in Cordova, TN. Various organization attended to discuss the educational programs offered to students in Shelby County to all of the teachers in the Memphis School of Excellence Network, which consists of approximately 125 educators.
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| Physics faculty member Dr. Samuel Mensah and Physics graduate student Justin Brutger
demonstrate the nitrogen plume at the Educator Community Partner Fair. |
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UofM Faculty Member
Lucas Wade, an assistant professor of teaching, was an Event Supervisor for the following
two events at Southwest's Union Campus.
- Sounds of Music
An event for middle school students, in which the students complete a written test on music theory and the physics of sound and demonstrate a homemade instrument capable of playing a one octave chromatic scale. They were tested on both pitch accuracy and a short musical performance with the instrument. - It's About TimeAn event fo a high school event, in which students completed a written test on time standards, astronomical timekeeping (solar/lunar year, etc.), atomic clocks, frequency, and more. The students then demonstrated a timekeeping device capable of producing a distinct signal at fixed time intervals of the Event Supervisors choosing (from 3-30 seconds in 1 second intervals)
Lucas Wade recounnted some of the event highlights, "The students had some really cool instruments and there was a neat water-based timekeeper from the high schoolers." It is nice to witness the involvement and interest in music a nd musical devices. We hope that more students might pursue physics and topics related to music, musical instrumentation, and acoustics.
Awards for the UofM Students Ahead of American Physics Society (APS) March Meeting
Two UofM Physics graduate students have been recognized ahead of the 2023 March Meeting, which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 5 - 10.
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| Abash Sharma | Liyan Jacob |
- Abash Sharma has been selected as a recipient of the Distinguished Students (DS) award for the March Meeting 2023. He has been invited to attend the Forum on International Physics reception at the March Meeting on Tuesday, March 7th, 6pm, during which time the DS certificate will be awarded.
- Liyan Jacob has been awarded the APS GMAG (Toepical Group on Magnetism and its Applications) student travel award for her upcoming presentation at APS March Meeting.
Physics Graduate Student Presents Research at Astronomy Conference
Congratulations to Mason Ruby for giving an oral presentation at the 241st meeting
of the American Astronomical Society in Seattle, Washington on January 11th, 2023.
The title of his talk was: "A Young, AGN-Driven Outflow in the Dual AGN Mrk 266".
New University of Memphis Study Finds Galaxy Formation Theory Survives JWST Observations
Recent observations from NASA's new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed many large galaxies forming in the first 500 million years of the Universe's existence. These observations have called into question existing theories of cosmology and galaxy formation, as many of these galaxies appear to be too large to have formed at such an early time. At the same time, these first detections have been rather uncertain, as they use a method to measure their distance called "photometry" that may contain large errors. This may mean these galaxies are actually much closer to us than they seem, and thus formed much later in the lifetime of the universe. In December 2022, the first set of observations using a different, high-precision technique called "spectroscopy" confirmed the existence of 4 galaxies at distances of more than 30 billion light years. With these observations, we now have the first robust detection of galaxies which formed in the first 300-500 million years of the universe. In a new study, accepted to the Astrophysical Journal Letters, University of Memphis' Dr. Benjamin Keller has found that these galaxies match what has already been seen in large simulations of galaxy formation. Using simulation data from 6 different simulation projects, Dr. Keller and his coauthors found that existing models for cosmology and galaxy formation predict the formation of galaxies with similar masses and star formation rates to those seen by the JWST. This study suggests that the concordance cosmological model has survived the first possible challenge presented by new JWST observations. As the JWST finds more confirmed galaxies in the very early universe, we may begin to discover where our understanding of galaxy formation fails, and where we might better understand how the universe came to contain the vast menagerie of galaxies it contains. For more information, please see the preprint on the arxiv.
UofM’s Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez & ALMA Scientists Find Pair of Black Holes Dining Together in Nearby Galaxy Merger
Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez was featured on the UofM News Releases regarding the recent discovery of two supermassive
black holes growing simultaneously near the center of the newly coalescing galaxy.
From the press release:
These super-hungry giants are the closest together that scientists have ever observed in multiple wavelengths. What’s more, the new research reveals that binary black holes and the galaxy mergers that create them may be surprisingly commonplace in the Universe. The results of the new research were published today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters and presented in a press conference at the 241st meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in Seattle, Wash.
For more information, please visit January UofM News Releases. For more information about Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez's research, please visit his faculty profile.
Remembering Dr. Michael, Garland Retired UofM Physics Professor and Former Chair
Dr. Michael Garland, retired faculty member and former Chair of our Department, passed
away on Jan 1, 2023 in Florida. He was one of the original Physics faculty members
when the UM Department of Physics was established on July 1, 1966. Becky Garland,
his wife of 44 years, asks that memorial donations be made to the Physics and Materials
Science Department Foundation Funds at supportum.memphis.edu/physics and the obituary written by his family can be found here.
Alums and faculty are invited to send photos and memories to Joanne Rhodes with subject line "Garland" for collection.
Dr. Benjamin Keller Explains the Physics of Fusion
For more information, please visit Dr. Muller UofM webpage.
UofM Physics Graduate Student First Author of Article in High-Impact Journal
PhD student Bryson Krause, supervised by UofM Assistant Professor, Dr. Thang Hoang, was the first author of a recently published paper entitled, "Nonlinear Strong Coupling by Second-Harmonic Generation Enhancement in Plasmonic Nanopatch Antennas." The article was published in the high-profile journal Advanced Optical Materials, which has an impact factor of 9.926. The complete list of authors is Bryson Krause, Dhananjay Mishra, Jiyang Chen, Christos Argyropoulos, and Thang Hoang. Congratulations to Bryson and Dr. Hoang.
UofM Physics Graduate Students Recipients of Awards
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| Juan Chen | Bryson Krause |
Congratulations to UofM Physics graduate students Juan Chen and Bryson Krause as they have received of the “Celebrate Student Success” Award. This award recognizes student accomplishments including publications, conference presentations, student leadership, and community service.
Juan Chen also received the following three awards:
- “Dean's Award”. This award recognizes graduate students who have excelled academically and have either overcome tremendous odds to be successful or have consistently made contributions that benefit others.
- “Provost’s Program/Track Outstanding Student Award”. This award recognizes students who have excelled academically and have made significant contributions to benefit others.
- “GSA 20 under 35” Award. Recognizing how difficult it is to complete graduate degrees consecutively or concurrently, this award recognizes 20 graduate students below age of 35 who have made a significant mark on the campus community through excellent teaching, innovative research, service to the campus and community, or general dedication above and beyond their performance in the classroom.
UofM Physics Faculty Members Drs. Chenhui Peng and Xiao Shen Receive Mentor Award from the Graduate Student Association
Congratulations to Drs. Chenhui Peng and Dr. Xiao Shen for their efforts which have been recognized by the “Mentor Award” from the Graduate Student Association. This award recognizes administrative and faculty members who have shown tremendous commitment to mentoring, advising, and supporting graduate students during the academic year. This award will be given to administration or faculty members who have made significant efforts in mentoring and advising graduate students to become professionals in their field, shape the graduate work of a graduate student, and/or provide exceptional personal support and development to a graduate student.
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| Dr. Chenhui Peng | Dr. Xiao Shen |
Congratulations to UofM Physics Undergraduate Students Joseph Duncan, Nicholas Nolen, and Cullen Rossmeissl
We are pleased to congratulate the Physics and Materials Science students listed below for their achievements and the award granted in recognition of their outstanding work.
- Joseph Duncan for receiving the Highest Physics GPA Award as well as the Best Undergraduate Researcher Award, and Dr. Albert H. Woollett Scholarship in Physics
- Nicholas Nolen for receiving Dr. Robert Marchini Scholarship in Physics!
- Cullen Rossmeissl for receiving the Chi Beta Phi Science Award and the 2022 Outstanding Physics Student Award!
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| Joseph Duncan | Nicholas Nolen | Cullen Rossmeissl |
UofM Graduate Student Bryson Krause Receives Graduate Assistant Meritorious Teaching Award
On April 26, 2022, PhD Candidate Bryson Krause was presented with the Graduate Assistant
Meritorious Teaching Award.
This awards acknowledges the importance of the instructional enterprise in the transmission, creation, and application of advanced knowledge by the university. Two awards are made annually to outstanding graduate teaching assistants (TAs) for their skill in transmitting knowledge in the classroom or laboratory.
Bryson earned a BS in Physics (and another in Mechanical Engineering) from Mississippi State University in December 2018. He had a brief 2-year stint as an Industrial Engineer before moving to Memphis with his wife and 2-year old son, joining the program as a graduate assistant PhD student in August 2020.
Samples Returned from the International Space Station
Dr. Firouzeh Sabri and her group received phosphor composite samples back from Aegis after flying on MISSE. The group traveled to their facility in Houston, and experienced exciting moments as they watched the de-integration of their samples. Dr. Sabri and her group acknowledge Allison and Ian for their assistance during the visit. This represents a wonderful learning opportunity for my students Jordan Darling (UofM graduate student) and Grayson Nelms (UofM undergraduate student).
UofM Professor receives Grant from West Cancer Foundation
It is a pleasure to announce that Dr. Muhammad Shah Jahan has received a grant from the West Cancer Foundation to investigate “Freeing the Radicals: Enabling patients to better understand the care they need, through knowledge of free radicals and their relation to cancer.” These awards are very competitive, and we look forward to the results that we hope will provide insight for prevention of cancer-causing free radicals. Congratulations, Dr. Jahan!
UofM Assistant Professor Receives NSF-ERI Grant
We are pleased to announce that Dr Shawn Pollard has been awarded an NSF-ERI grant. Dr. Pollard is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Materials Science at the UofM. The title of the proposal is "Compositionally modulated ferrimagnets for spin-orbitronic devices." Congratulations, Dr Pollard!
Recognizing First Physics Ph.D. Graduate, Jiyang Chen
It a pleasure to recognize to recognize Jiyang Chen's completion of his Ph.D. degree in Physics under the supervision of Dr. Thang Hoang. Jiyang Chen defended his thesis, "Silicon-Based Nanostructures: Growth and Characterizations of Si2Te3 Nanowires and Nanoplates" in April 2021. His work developed a comprehensive understanding of properties of Si2Te3 nanostructures and to provide useful information on using these new nanomaterials as building blocks for RRAM devices, optoelectronic, and chemical sensing. In particular, it was demonstrated that the switching behavior of the Si2Te3 nanomaterials exhibit promise for applications in the Random Access Memory devices, while the anisotropic optical behavior is relevant in polarized sensor applications. Jiyang has accepted an offer from Bruker and will return to China, where he will work with various X-ray instrumentation that perform X-ray diffraction, and X-Ray fluorescence spectroscopy. His time and efforts at the University of Memphis have been greatly appreciated and he will be missed. Jiyang came to consider the people in the Department as a second family. He hopes to return to the United States in the future and would love to continue to support the Department of Physics and Materials Science at the University of Memphis in the future. On behalf of the Department of Physics and Materials Science, we wish Jiyang success in his future endeavours.
Fundraising Launch for Voyage Solar System Scale Model at Main UofM Campus; Please Follow Link to Explore and Donate
The Department of Physics and Materials Science is proud to announce UofM approval of a scale model of the solar system contingent on the funds being raised. The Voyage Solar System model is on a 10 billion-to-one scale, which corresponds to 2,000 feet from the Sun to Pluto for this model. It is envisioned that it would lie along a north-south walkway passing through the center of the main UofM campus as shown in the pictures below. Please follow this link to learn more and donate. Matching funds will be provided for up to $20,000 in donations.
Dr. Meg Urry of Yale University to Deliver 2021 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics (Register Here)
It is an honor to announce that Dr. Meg Urry will deliver the 2021 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics on the topic of Black Holes, Galaxies and the Evolution of the Universe. The lecture will be streamed online via Zoom on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Urry is the Director of the Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Yale University. This lecture will trace the development of black holes at the center of galaxies throughout the history of the universe as this influences galactic evolution. Descriptions of a black hole will be presented, and the process by which the universe evolved to its present state will be elucidated through the presentation of recent observations and computer simulations.
UM Physics Professor Discusses Nobel Prize Winning Work of his Ph.D. Advisor Dr. Reinhard Genzel
On December 8, 2020, the Nobel Prize Ceremony took place, in which Dr. Reinhard Genzel (along with Dr. Roger Penrose and Dr. Andrea Ghez) gave his Nobel Lectures and was awarded 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics. Please follow this link to see Dr. Muller Sanchez discuss the details of this scientific discovery. Additionally, Dr. Muller Sanchez shares what it was like to work with Dr. Genzel and the factors that contributed to his success.
Remembering UofM Emeritus Professor Narahari Achar
It grieves us to announce that Professor Emeritus Narahari Achar passed away on 23 April 2021. Dr. Narahari Achar joined the Physics faculty at the University of Memphis in 1984. He had a broad research interests ranging from topics in the electric properties of materials to applied fractional calculus to ancient astronomy and published prolifically in these areas. His wise, encouraging words and affable demeanor benefited his colleagues and students at the University of Memphis. He will be greatly missed.
We would invite you to visit Dr. Achar's online memorial, which is a testament to the positive impact his life had on faculty, staff, students--all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
UofM Professor's Temperature Sensing Probe to be Tested in Space, currently on International Space Station
Dr. Firouzeh Sabri's research group at the UofM has been working on advancing the application of phosphor-based temperature measurements to space. This is a precise and low-cost technique for rapid temperature measurement over the range of 0°C to 1,200° C. Nevertheless, materials outside of the protection of Earth's atmosphere must be resistant to the extreme temperatures and radiation of space, and thus they are now being tested in this environment on board the ISS. Results from this project will shed light on the radiation tolerance of phosphor powders and composites, providing critical information on the stability of the temperature-dependent properties of phosphor. This experiment will aid in determining the feasibility of using phosphor composite sensors for temperature measurements relevant to the healthcare, petroleum, and aerospace industries. More information is available here.
Assistant Professor leads two JWST studies of the inner workings of giant black holes
Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez is the PI of two successful James Webb Space Telescope proposals that will characterize the environments around supermassive black holes. The James Webb Space Telescope will be the world's premier space science observatory when it launches in 2021. Webb will solve mysteries in our solar system, look beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probe the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency.
NASA Office of STEM Engagement Grant awarded to Physics and Materials Science faculty member
Dr. Firouzeh Sabri was awarded grant from NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (in collaboration with Dr. Stephanie Ivey) to convert content from her space sciences research into curriculum content for K-12. This will incorporate elements of Materials Physics at a suitable level for science classes. This work ties in nicely with Dr. Sabri's research in phosphor thermometry which was recently selected for investigation on board the International Space Station National Laboratory (ISSNL) and awarded a grant by ISSNL to conduct the work. Her project is currently scheduled for a February launch. Congratulations to Dr. Sabri and Dr. Ivey!
Physics and Materials Science faculty member among UofM faculty awarded a joint NSF ADVANCE grant
Dr. Firouzeh Sabri was awarded an NSF ADVANCE grant as a co-PrincipaI Investigator (co-PI) in collaboration with Dr. Esra Ozdenerol (PI) and fellow co-PIs Drs. Stephanie Ivey, Craig Steward, Amanda Rockinson-Szapkiw, Jacob Allen, and CAS Dean Abby Parrill-Baker. The purpose of the supported work is the fostering of gender equity in STEM throughout the UofM. Specifically, the intended outcome is an increasingly inclusive campus environment reflected in recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing of STEM women faculty, especially underrepresented minorities. Congratulations to Dr. Sabri and all the project PIs!
Dr. Kelly Holley-Bockelmann of Vanderbilt University to Deliver the 2022 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics
It is an honor to announce that Dr. Kelly Holley-Bockelmann will deliver the 2022
Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics e
ntitled, "Bringing Gravity to Light. The lecture will be held in the University Center
Theatre on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. following a reception at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Holley-Bockelmann is an Associate Professor in Astronomy at Vanderbilt University
and Co-Director of the Fisk-to-Vanderbilt Master's-to-PhD Bridge Program. The lecture
will provide an engaging description of the concept of gravity waves and the information
that they carry. The principles and practice of the Laser Interferometet Gravity-Wave
Observatories (LIGOs) will be discussed as well as the exciting 2015 detection of
the first gravity waves. Please join us for this
Remembering Emeritus Professor Dr. Don Franceschetti, Friday, January 28, at 3 p.m. in the U.C.
It is with regret and sorrow that we communicate the passing of Dr. Don Franceschetti
which occurred on July 1, 2019. Unfortunately, due to issues related to the pandemic
the memorial had to be postponed. Dr. Franceschetti left his mark on the Department
and the University through his leadership, service, and excellent research contributions.
The Department is grateful to him for his dedication to the success of our students
and years of service in leadership roles.
There will be a memorial for Dr. Franceschetti on January 28, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in
the Shelby Room of the University Center (UC Room 342). For those unable to attend
in person, it will be possible to register and attend via Zoom. A pdf version of this
announcement is included to the right.
James Webb Space Telescope Launch
The upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope is an exciting event for the scientific community. We are pleased to hear from Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez from the Department of Physics and Materials Science at the University of Memphis to describe what this event means for him and his group, and how the data they obtain will be used in their research. For more information, please visit Dr. Muller Sanchez's page.
Physics Alumnus Dr. Rex Gandy Discusses His Career and the Impact of Physics on It
Dr. Gandy shares that his course of study and mentors at the UofM influenced his career path, and we celebrate the achievements of an alumnus of the department. These insights into Dr. Gandy's thoughts about physics before, during and after his time as a student at the UofM provide helpful perspectives for students interested in or currently pursuing degrees or careers in physics. Read more here.
Remembering UofM Emeritus Professor Narahari Achar
It grieves us to announce that Professor Emeritus Narahari Achar passed away on April 23, 2021. Dr. Narahari Achar joined the Physics faculty at the University of Memphis in 1984. He had a broad research interests ranging from topics in the electric properties of materials to applied fractional calculus to ancient astronomy and published prolifically in these areas. His wise, encouraging words and affable demeanor benefited his colleagues and students at the University of Memphis. He will be greatly missed.
We would invite you to visit Dr. Achar's online memorial, which is a testament to the positive impact his life had on faculty, staff, students--all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
UM Physics Professor Discusses Nobel Prize Winning Work of his Ph.D. Advisor Dr. Reinhard Genzel
On December 8, 2020, the Nobel Prize Ceremony took place, in which Dr. Reinhard Genzel (along with Dr. Roger Penrose and Dr. Andrea Ghez) gave his Nobel Lectures and was awarded 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics. Please follow this link to see Dr. Muller Sanchez discuss the details of this scientific discovery. Additionally, Dr. Muller Sanchez shares what it was like to work with Dr. Genzel and the factors that contributed to his success.
UofM Physics and Materials Science Department Recognized in AIP Survey
A recent report published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP), surveying Enrollments and Degrees in physics departments across the nation from 2016 to 2018, named the Uof M Physics and Materials Science Department among the top 12 percent of masters-granting departments for 15 bachelor degrees granted. For more information, please see the AIP report.
UofM Physics Student Participates in Prestigious Astronomy Summer Research Program
During summer 2020, student Savannah Woods participated in a summer research program at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Charlottesville, VA. Savannah--who is an undergraduate student at the UofM majoring in Physics with an Astronomy concentration--performed research at the NRAO studying Luminous InfraRed Galaxies (LIRGs). As their name suggests, these galaxies possess large luminosities in the infra-red portion of the electromagnetic spectrum due to enhanced star formation typically originating from galactic mergers. Savannah analyzed data from the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, and Herschel (a space-based, infrared observatory). The experience provided the opportunity to work closely with leading astronomers from University of Virginia, UMass Amherst, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de Honduras, and Caltech among others, as well as to meet other undergraduate and graduate physics and astronomy students from other institutions. Savannah will be continuing her summer project as a student intern with the NRAO throughout the 2020-2021 academic year. Savannah's research talk is available here. For more information about Astronomy at the University of Memphis, please visit Dr. Muller Sanchez's page.
Welcome to Dr. Shawn Pollard!
It is our pleasure to offer a warm welcome to Dr. Shawn Pollard who joins the University of Memphis Department of Physics and Materials Science as Assistant Professor. We look forward to working with him. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Pollard. Stop past Manning Hall to greet him, even if you have to wait until campus opens fully.
Congratulations to the 2020 MS Graduating Class
The Department of Physics and Materials Science recognizes the wonderful accomplishments of the students who have graduated with MS degrees in August 2020. Congratulations to Dipendra Singh Khatri, Netra Dhakal, Yu Zhu, Kamal Ranabhat, Deepa Guragain, Juan Chen, Negar Charchi, Subash Bhandari, and Trae Staggers. We are proud of you, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Remembering Dr. Donald Franceschetti, Professor Emeritus at UM
In July 2020, we commemorate the one-year anniversary of the passing of Dr. Donald Franceschetti. Dr. Franceschetti was a valued member of the department faculty and made numerous contributions in teaching, research, and leadership. A memorial lecture and reception to honor him and his many contributions had been planned and scheduled; unfortunately, it had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. He is greatly missed, and we are grateful for all the ways in which he enriched the lives of his colleagues and students at the University of Memphis. We look forward to a time, when life returns to normal, in which we will be able to remember him together.
DNA Self-Assembled to Form UM Logo Featured in Peer-Reviewed Journal
Command the DNA molecular self-assembly into the shape of the UM logo to represent the University of Memphis. This work was recently published in Physical Review Applied 13, 014026 (2020). The work was done by Mr. Netra Dhakal and Dr. Jinghua Jiang from Dr. Chenhui Peng's Active Soft Matter Laboratory.
Physics faculty member awarded NIH grant
Dr. Thang Hoang (in collaboration with Dr. Xiaohua Huang, Chemistry) has recently been awarded an NIH grant to support a project titled "Single exosome protein profiling with surface enhanced Raman scattering imaging". This project aims at developing a technique to detect cancer from single exosomes by using plasmonic nanoparticles. The main mechanism relies on the enhanced Raman scattering by the presence of metal nanoparticles such as gold nanostars and nanorods. Because of its very high sensitivity, this technique allows for the detection of breast cancer at early stages. The award total is $415,740 and runs from July 2020 until June 2023. For more information about Dr. Hoang's research lab, visit his webpage. His biographical information and publications can be found on his faculty profile pages. Congratulations to Dr. Hoang!
Physics faculty member awarded NSF grant
Dr. Mohamed Laradji was recently awarded an NSF grant to support a project titled "Membrane-Mediated Interactions between Anisotropic Nanoparticles". This project utilizes coarse-grained numerical simulations and theory to investigate effective interactions between anisotropic nanoparticles and their self-assembly, which are mediated by their adhesion on lipid membranes. The results of this project are important for the development of nanomaterials for a variety of biomedical applications, such as biosensing, diagnostics, drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia and photothermal therapy. The award total is $309,367 and runs from January 2020 until December 2022. For more information, please visit Dr. Laradji's research webpage.
PhD program in Applied Physics approved by the state
On Jan 31st, 2020, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved the Department's PhD program in Applied Physics. The program will start in Fall 2020 and is now accepting applicants. The application deadline is April 1st. For more information, please visit the Prospective PhD student webpage.
Physics faculty awarded prestigious Ralph E. Powe Enhancement Award
Dr. Thang Ba Hoang has recently been recognized by the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) with the 2018 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award in Physical Sciences. The Awards (35 faculty awarded nationwide) provide seed money for junior faculty at ORAU member institutions to conduct their research. These awards are intended to enrich the research and professional growth of young faculty and result in new funding opportunities. For more information about Dr. Hoang's research lab, visit his webpage. Congratulations to Dr. Hoang! His bio and publications can be found on his faculty profile pages.
Physics faculty members receive NSF grants
Dr. Xiao Shen and Dr. Jingbiao Cui have recently been awarded an NSF grant to support a project titled "Silicon Telluride, A 2D Material with Unique Variable Structure." The research team combines theoretical and experimental studies to develop 2D materials with desirable properties and to achieve a fundamental understanding of the unique phenomenon in silicon telluride, which is expected to make significant impact on the field of low dimensional materials, electronic and optoelectronic industry. The research activities are integrated with educational efforts, augmenting the undergraduate and graduate curricula through hands-on projects, enriched course materials, and summer workshops on nanomaterials to inspire the students' interest in science, The total award is $392,679 and it runs from July 1st 2017 through June 30th 2020. For more information on the recipients' research, please follow their links on our Physics Faculty webpage.
Dr. Thang Ba Hoang has also recently been awarded an NSF grant to support his project titled "Directional Superradiant Light Emission from Epsilon-Near-Zero Plasmonic Nanochannels." The project utilizes experimental and theoretical approaches to help realize new materials and structures that enable controlled light emission for use in next generation energy efficient electronics, such as nanoscale lasers, as well as well advanced optical communications and sensing technologies. The project supports undergraduate and graduate student involvement in research as a means of encouraging pursuit of advanced study and research careers in nanophotonics. The total award amounts $361,177 and it runs from July 1st 2017 through June 30th 2020. Read more on Dr. Hoang's research Electronic and Photonic Nanomaterials Laboratory.
Interested undergraduate and graduate students (Masters and Doctoral) are welcome to participate in these cutting-edge research projects. We encourage interested students to apply. To get detailed information about these opportunities, contact Dr. Hoang, Dr. Shen or Dr. Cui to express your interest and learn more about their ongoing projects.
Congratulations to Dr. Hoang, Dr. Shen and Dr. Cui!
Dr. Shen selected as Early Career Research Award (ECRA) recipient
Dr. Xiao Shen has been selected by the College's Graduate Council as one of the recipients of an Early Career Research Award (ECRA). The members of the ECRA subcommittee, who reviewed the materials, were highly impressed with both the quality and the amount of research productivity of Dr. Shen and all of the recipients. This award carries with it the sum of $500, available over the 2017-2018 academic year. The money can be used to purchase books, for professional travel, or in some way that furthers your research; however, it cannot be used as salary. Recipients will also be recognized during the CAS faculty meeting in August with a plaque. The other 2017 awardees are selected Inmaculada Gomez-Soler, World Languages and Literature; Kathryn Howell, Psychology. Read more about Dr. Shen's research at his faculty webpage.
The Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics
Dr. Clifford Will will present "Black Holes, Waves of Gravity & Other Warped Ideas of Dr. Einstein," as the second Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics for 2017. The event is March 31 in the University Center Theatre with a reception beginning at 6:00 p.m and lecture at 6:30 p.m. More on this event.
Congratulations on the great impact of Physics research team
Drs. Narahari Achar and John Hanneken received notification from Intech, the World's largest Science, Technology & Medicine
Open Access book publisher that their book chapter has been downloaded over 1500 times.
The chapter titled, "Microscopic Formulation of Fractional Theory of Viscoelasticity"
is published in the book, Viscoelasticity - From Theory to Biological Applications. The chapter was downloaded in Brazil, Germany, India, China and USA. Intech Article Stats
Physics professor receives award
Dr. Narahari Achar received the Donald E. Osterbrock Prize for his contribution to the Biographical
Encyclopedia of Astronomers (2nd edition). The award is given to the author or authors
of a book "judged to advance the field of the history of astronomy" by The AAS Historical
Astronomy Division. View Certificate.
Dr. Achar also received the World Association for Vedic Studies (WAVES) 2016 Abhinandanam for Outstanding Service to the Vedic Studies, New Delhi, December 2016. See Award.
Dr. Naseeb Shaheen Scholarship Awarded to Physics and Biology Major
Martina Rodriguez Sala, Physics and Biology major, is the recipient of the 2016 Dr. Naseeb Shaheen Scholarship
and is currently working on her research in Experimental Materials Physics under the
supervision of Dr F Sabri. She is also the recipient of an Helen Hardin Honors Summer
Research Fellowship. Congratulations Martina for receiving this award! This scholarship
is awarded to students majoring in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Geography who
plan to become high school teachers in one or more of these subjects.
Faculty Member awarded Ralph E. Powe Enhancement Award in Physical Sciences
The Oak Ridge Associated Universities recognized Dr. Xiao Shen with the 2016 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award in Physical Sciences. The Awards provide seed money for research by junior faculty at ORAU member institutions. These awards are intended to enrich the research and professional growth of young faculty and result in new funding opportunities. For more information about Dr. Shen's research, visit his webpage.
Physics Faculty Recognized for Exceptional Teaching and Research
Dr. Mohamed Laradji is the recipient of the Alumni Association Distinguished Research in Science, Engineering and Mathematics. The Alumni Association may make up to five awards annually to faculty who have brought honor and recognition to the University through their research or creative activities.
Ms. Joanne Rhodes is the recipient of the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Award for Teaching award. The Briggs Award recognizes teaching excellence at the undergraduate level and overall commitment to undergraduate education.
Both awards will be presented at the Faculty Convocation. (UofM press release, UofM Will Recognize Exceptional Teaching and Research at Faculty Convocation)
UofM Scholars Publish Paper in Esteemed Journal:
Congratulations to our very own Xiumei Geng and Weiwei Sun (both students of Dr. Jingbiao, Chair), who recently published an article in the leading journal Nature Communications. The article, entitled "Pure and stable metallic phase molybdenum disulfide nanosheets for hydrogen evolution reaction", reveals new possibilities for the synthesis of stable, two-dimensional metallic-phase MoS2 nanosheets in water.
Internships and Fellowships
Kate Mitchell, an undergraduate Physics major, is the recipient of a National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) summer internship fellowship, to be held at Langley Research
Center in Hampton, Virginia. During her internship she will be working on High Strength
Structural Carbon Nanotube Composites for Spacecraft Structures. Kate is currently
conducting materials research in the Bio, Nano, and Space Materials Laboratory under
Dr Firouzeh Sabri's supervision. Kate is also the recipient of the 2015 Marchini Physics scholarship.
Kate says, "I'm really honored to have been given these opportunities and look forward
to spending my summer at NASA". Congratulations to Kate!
Scholarships
The 2016/17 Dr. Robert Marchini Scholarship was awarded to Jacob Hadley, a third year physics senior in our 3+2 accelerated master's program. His research concentration is in material physics. Past recipient of the scholarship is Ms. Katherine Elizabeth Mitchell.
Contributions
You may still make a contribution to the Physics Undergraduate Scholarships Marchini scholarship, the Woollett Scholarship.
50th Anniversary of the Department of Physics
Mr. Lewis O’Kelly was present when the University Of Memphis Department Of Physics was established, and he recently reminded us of our upcoming 50th anniversary. We will commemorate the milestone on 7/1 and host a celebration in fall. More information will be sent soon.