Students – Physics and Astronomy

AI, Innovation and Faculty Mentorship Help Power this �鶹��ý�� Goldwater Scholar’s Scientific Ambitions

wiesea — Fri, 16 May 2025 13:40:45 +0000

Joseph David Quinn-Vitabile came to �鶹��ý�� expecting to study computer science. Now a junior, he’s expanded his academic ambitions to include astrophysics, where he’s helping push the boundaries of how we understand the universe – work that recently earned him a prestigious .

Initially drawn to �鶹��ý�� for its affordability and proximity to his home in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Quinn-Vitabile enrolled as a Computer Science major. Like many Computer Science majors, he set about finding a software engineering internship, thinking that he might work at a tech company after graduation. Though he ended up getting that internship at Johnson & Johnson last spring, he also happened to choose Physics for his elective science course that semester.

I really had a great time in physics. I thought that it was much more interesting than anything I had done yet in computer science. I wanted to continue studying physics, and I saw there was a lot of opportunity to use skills from computation and software to work in physics, whether research or other applications.”

Joseph David Quinn-Vitabile

Quinn-Vitabile decided to add the minor in Physics as it would only be a few extra classes. He could continue studying it, meet more people, and get involved in research. And that’s what he did that following summer. “It all happened pretty quickly after that,” he says.

Read the Full Article on University News

Congratulations to the Class of 2025

favatam — Thu, 15 May 2025 16:54:40 +0000

The Department of Physics & Astronomy congratulates the graduates of the class of 2025! We are proud of you and wish you the best.

This year’s graduates include seven physics majors (Sarah Estupinan Jimenez, Renzo Herrera, Jared Kure, Shaun Montoya, Stephanie Montoya, Eric Swanson, and Katerina Zoes) and three physics minors (CJ Szafranski in Chemistry, Elton Ago, Jan. 2025 in Computer Science; and Vlad Nita, Jan. 2025 in Mathematics).

Professor Kent Leung and physics graduate Eric Swanson at the Prudential Center.

Professor Kent Leung and physics graduate Sarah Estupinan Jimenez.

Graduation was held at the Prudential Center on Tuesday, May 7, 2025 and is discussed further in this University news story.

Professors Leung and Favata along with graduating Physics majors at the 2025 Commencement exercises in Newark’s Prudential Center.

Physics majors visit fusion experiment at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab

favatam — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 04:16:12 +0000

On April 12th, 2024 a group of 19 �鶹��ý�� physics majors (and minors) visited the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL). Students received a tour of the facility led by Dr. Andrew Zwicker, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Public Engagement (as well as NJ state Senator from the 16th Legislative District). They were joined by CSAM Dean Lora Billings, and physics professors Kent Leung and Marc Favata.

Visiting the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab with CSAM Dean Lora Billings (left) and physics majors Ava Mclaren, Renzo Herrera, Sarah Estupinan Jimenez, RJ Chandler, and Michael Camilo.

The outing began with a discussion on fusion energy, followed by a tour of the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U). NSTX-U will attempt to contain a plasma of hydrogen using strong magnetic fields, eventually heating the plasma to temperatures sufficient to begin fusion reactions. This is the latest in a sequence of experiments at the PPPL to explore the potential of magnetically confined plasmas as a source of fusion energy. (See .)

Dr. Andrew Zwicker explaining the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U) at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab.

A special thanks to Dr. Zwicker and Britt Albucker for hosting us at PPPL.

The April 2024 Solar Eclipse!

favatam — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 22:52:28 +0000

April 8th, 2024 saw the passage of the Moon’s shadow over Northern New Jersey and a large swath of the United States. The Physics & Astronomy Department organized a communal viewing of this partial eclipse in front of Richardson Hall and CELS (the Center for Environmental and Life Sciences). This was organized by Prof. Shaon Ghosh with assistance from several physics majors, including Elton Ago, Louis Araujo, Zoe Drasheff, Charles Ram, Nate Tan, and Jasmine Valencerina.

Gathering in front of the Center for Environmental and Life Sciences to view the eclipse. [Photo by John LaRosa.]

The event had a tremendous turn-out, with a large crowd gathering to view the partial eclipse. In addition to distributing eclipse glasses, physics students helped set up viewing stations where the Sun could be viewed in projection—focusing the Sun’s rays through a small telescope or binoculars onto a sheet of paper.

A huge turnout for viewing the partial eclipse! [Photo by John LaRosa.]

Physics major Louis Araujo adjust a “sunspotter,” which projects the Sun’s image and allows a safe viewing of the eclipse. [Photo by John LaRosa.]

Even Rocky the Red Hawk came out to enjoy the show and pump up the crowd.

Rocky joins Prof. Shaon Ghosh and physics majors Stephanie Montoya, Elton Ago, and Max Polak—checking out a projected image of the Sun. (Sorry, Rocky, we didn’t have eclipse glasses in your size.) [Photo by John LaRosa.]

While the �鶹��ý�� campus experienced a 91% partial eclipse, some members of the department traveled to the path of totality. Physics professor Marc Favata headed to Newport, Vermont, where favorable weather was forecasted. “Seeing totality was an incredible experience,” says Favata. “If you have a bucket list, viewing a total eclipse needs to be on it.”

Image of the April 8th eclipse taken during totality from Newport, Vermont. Check out the corona and two solar prominences! [Photo by Marc Favata.]

Physics major and budding astrophotographer Renzo Herrera headed to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, where he captured the sequence of images assembled below.

Photo montage of the April 2024 solar eclipse, taken by physics major Renzo Herrera.

The next partial solar eclipses viewable from New Jersey will be on August 12, 2026 and August 12, 20245. On May 1, 2079, New Jersey will experience its next total solar eclipse. See you then!

For more photos of the eclipse event at �鶹��ý��, check out (courtesy of John LaRosa, University Photographer) and the University’s news story on this event.

Physics students participate in Paterson pre-eclipse outreach event

favatam — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:46:24 +0000

On Sunday, March 3rd, Physics & Astronomy Department faculty and students participated in an outreach event at the . The event——was co-organized by the and included participation by the National Park Service, which manages the . The event focused on explaining the upcoming solar eclipse to children and family. Physics majors Renzo Herrera and Stephanie Montoya, along with Prof. Marc Favata, set up one of several stations in the Paterson Museum to explain eclipse science. This included a demonstration of the bending of light by the Sun, a set-up showing how to safely view the Sun via projection through a pair of binoculars, and flyers (in English and Spanish) explaining eclipses and their connection to Einstein’s theory of gravity.

Physics majors Stephanie Montoya and Renzo Herrera show visiting families and students their “spacetime spandex” demonstration of curved spacetime near the Sun, which deflects the path of nearby light rays (here represented by small marbles). This effect is only viewable from Earth during a solar eclipse and helped confirm Einstein’s theory.

State Senator Andrew Zwicker visits physics club

favatam — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:23:46 +0000

On Wednesday, February 21, NJ State visited the �鶹��ý�� Physics Club. Senator Zwicker is a physicist and currently serves as Head of Strategic Partnerships and Public Engagement at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. He earned his BS in physics from Bard College, and his PhD from Johns Hopkins University. From 2016 to 2021 he served in the NJ General Assembly. In 2022 he was elected to the State Senate, representing District 16.

Senator Zwicker spoke to a group of about 20 physics majors. Faculty members and President Koppell were also in attendance. Students asked a range of questions—from plasma physics to the Senator’s experiences in politics. Senator Zwicker provided insights into the range of issues that he tackles as a legislator, including issues relevant to supporting higher education.

Congratulations to the class of 2023!

favatam — Sat, 27 May 2023 05:27:34 +0000

The faculty of the Department of Physics & Astronomy congratulates the graduates of the class of 2023! We are proud of you and wish you the best.

This year’s graduates include five physics majors (Ivanusca Bailon, Michael Giarratana, Bill Klos, Dave Montoya, and Kevin Vargas) and two physics minors (Stephen Conte with major in Mathematics and Vanessa Glaser with major in Earth and Environmental Science). Two students (Robert Onoz and Rashmi Rajshekhar) received their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a certification to teach physics or physical science.

Newark, NJ USA – MAY 23: �鶹��ý�� holds its 2023 Commencement ceremony at the Prudential Center.
Photo by Aristide Economopoulos)

Graduation was held at the Prudential Center on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 and is discussed further in this University news story. See also and a .

Physics majors Michael Giarratana (left) and Bill Klos (right) at the 2023 University Commencement.

Prof. Marc Favata (left) and Master of Arts in Teaching graduate Robert Onoz (BS Physics, 2022).

Physics & Astronomy hosts spring meeting of the NJ Space Grant Consortium

favatam — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 20:20:25 +0000

Join us for the annual spring meeting of the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium (NJSGC).

This April 28th, the Physics & Astronomy Department at �鶹��ý�� is hosting the annual spring meeting of the NJSGC. The meeting features a poster session where NJSGC student fellows from the past year can present their research. There will also be a 30-minute research talk by MSU physics professor Dr. Shaon Ghosh on his work related to neutron stars.

In addition to supporting a variety of educational service projects, NASA’s Space Grant Program funds fellowships and scholarships for students pursuing STEM careers. The NJSGC and its 22 affiliate institutions are one of 52 Space Grant consortia nationwide. The NJSGC is directed by Prof. Haim Baruh of Rutgers University. More information about the NJSGC can be found .

Schedule of events for Annual Spring Meeting of the NJSGC

Poster session, Friday, April 28th, 1pm – 4pm, CELS Atrium
Research talk, Friday, April 28th, 2pm – 2:40pm, CELS 120,
Title: Understanding neutron star structure using gravitational-waves and x-rays
Speaker: Prof. Shaon Ghosh, �鶹��ý��.

See photos from the and from the .

Physics students win best poster competition at LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration meeting

wiesea — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 21:40:57 +0000

Two physics majors, Mariam Mchedlidze and Ariella Hernandez, are winners of this year’s poster prize competition at the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration meeting. Both will be awarded a share of the $600 prize for their poster entitled “Magneto-optical materials for Future Gravitational Wave Detectors” in the Experiment/Instrumentation category, co-authored with their research mentor Professor Rodica Martin.

The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration is a group of over 1400 scientists that collectively operate several kilometer-scale gravitational wave detectors. The LVK Collaboration also analyzes the data from these instruments, which search the cosmos for ripples in gravity produced by colliding black holes, neutron stars, and other cosmic phenomena predicted by Einstein’s theory of relativity. You can learn more about the work of the LVK collaboration at .

The LVK Collaboration Meetings are held twice each year and function as one of the main venues for the entire Collaboration to gather and discuss their joint work. The presentation of work by undergraduate and graduate students is an important part of the meeting, helping to promote their development as future scientists. The meeting was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Mchedlidze’s and Hernandez’s work concerns the optical properties of materials when placed in a magnetic field. These materials can change the oscillation direction of a light wave (its polarization), an effect that is used in the operation of gravitational-wave detectors. Future upgrades to laser interferometer devices like LIGO and its partners will potentially operate at different frequencies of laser light. Mchedlidze, Hernandez, and Prof. Martin are testing the properties of materials to understand which are most suitable for use in these future detectors.

Congratulations to our largest class of graduating Physics majors!

favatam — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:38:12 +0000

On Monday July 20, we celebrated the accomplishments of the class of 2020 at an outdoor Commencement ceremony. This was one of 23 Commencement exercises organized by the university. Physics and Astronomy is graduating 13 students this year—the largest graduating class of physics majors on record.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commencement ceremony had limited attendance and duration. Six of our graduates and two department faculty were in attendance. Photos and more information about the university Commencement exercises can be found here, and you can watch .

The department faculty and staff are proud of all of our graduates and wish them success! Come back and visit us!

Physics Class of 2020