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Physics Theses, Dissertations, and Masters Projects

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Ab Initio Computations Of Structural Properties In Solids By Auxiliary Field Quantum Monte Carlo , Siyuan Chen

Constraining Of The Minerνa Medium Energy Neutrino Flux Using Neutrino-Electron Scattering , Luis Zazueta

Experimental Studies Of Neutral Particles And The Isotope Effect In The Edge Of Tokamak Plasmas , Ryan Chaban

From The Hubbard Model To Coulomb Interactions: Quantum Monte Carlo Computations In Strongly Correlated Systems , Zhi-Yu Xiao

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Broadband Infrared Microspectroscopy and Nanospectroscopy of Local Material Properties: Experiment and Modeling , Patrick McArdle

Edge Fueling And Neutral Density Studies Of The Alcator C-Mod Tokamak Using The Solps-Iter Code , Richard M. Reksoatmodjo

Electronic Transport In Topological Superconducting Heterostructures , Joseph Jude Cuozzo

Inclusive and Inelastic Scattering in Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions , Amy Filkins

Investigation Of Stripes, Spin Density Waves And Superconductivity In The Ground State Of The Two-Dimensional Hubbard Model , Hao Xu

Partial Wave Analysis Of Strange Mesons Decaying To K + Π − Π + In The Reaction Γp → K + Π + Π − Λ(1520) And The Commissioning Of The Gluex Dirc Detector , Andrew Hurley

Partial Wave Analysis of the ωπ− Final State Photoproduced at GlueX , Amy Schertz

Quantum Sensing For Low-Light Imaging , Savannah Cuozzo

Radiative Width of K*(892) from Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics , Archana Radhakrishnan

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

AC & DC Zeeman Interferometric Sensing With Ultracold Trapped Atoms On A Chip , Shuangli Du

Calculation Of Gluon Pdf In The Nucleon Using Pseudo-Pdf Formalism With Wilson Flow Technique In LQCD , Md Tanjib Atique Khan

Dihadron Beam Spin Asymmetries On An Unpolarized Hydrogen Target With Clas12 , Timothy Barton Hayward

Excited J-- Resonances In Meson-Meson Scattering From Lattice Qcd , Christopher Johnson

Forward & Off-Forward Parton Distributions From Lattice Qcd , Colin Paul Egerer

Light-Matter Interactions In Quasi-Two-Dimensional Geometries , David James Lahneman

Proton Spin Structure from Simultaneous Monte Carlo Global QCD Analysis , Yiyu Zhou

Radiofrequency Ac Zeeman Trapping For Neutral Atoms , Andrew Peter Rotunno

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A First-Principles Study of the Nature of the Insulating Gap in VO2 , Christopher Hendriks

Competing And Cooperating Orders In The Three-Band Hubbard Model: A Comprehensive Quantum Monte Carlo And Generalized Hartree-Fock Study , Adam Chiciak

Development Of Quantum Information Tools Based On Multi-Photon Raman Processes In Rb Vapor , Nikunjkumar Prajapati

Experiments And Theory On Dynamical Hamiltononian Monodromy , Matthew Perry Nerem

Growth Engineering And Characterization Of Vanadium Dioxide Films For Ultraviolet Detection , Jason Andrew Creeden

Insulator To Metal Transition Dynamics Of Vanadium Dioxide Thin Films , Scott Madaras

Quantitative Analysis Of EKG And Blood Pressure Waveforms , Denise Erin McKaig

Study Of Scalar Extensions For Physics Beyond The Standard Model , Marco Antonio Merchand Medina

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Beyond the Standard Model: Flavor Symmetry, Nonperturbative Unification, Quantum Gravity, and Dark Matter , Shikha Chaurasia

Electronic Properties of Two-Dimensional Van Der Waals Systems , Yohanes Satrio Gani

Extraction and Parametrization of Isobaric Trinucleon Elastic Cross Sections and Form Factors , Scott Kevin Barcus

Interfacial Forces of 2D Materials at the Oil–Water Interface , William Winsor Dickinson

Scattering a Bose-Einstein Condensate Off a Modulated Barrier , Andrew James Pyle

Topics in Proton Structure: BSM Answers to its Radius Puzzle and Lattice Subtleties within its Momentum Distribution , Michael Chaim Freid

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

A Measurement of Nuclear Effects in Deep Inelastic Scattering in Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions , Anne Norrick

Applications of Lattice Qcd to Hadronic Cp Violation , David Brantley

Charge Dynamics in the Metallic and Superconducting States of the Electron-Doped 122-Type Iron Arsenides , Zhen Xing

Dynamics of Systems With Hamiltonian Monodromy , Daniel Salmon

Exotic Phases in Attractive Fermions: Charge Order, Pairing, and Topological Signatures , Peter Rosenberg

Extensions of the Standard Model Higgs Sector , Richard Keith Thrasher

First Measurements of the Parity-Violating and Beam-Normal Single-Spin Asymmetries in Elastic Electron-Aluminum Scattering , Kurtis David Bartlett

Lattice Qcd for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay: Short Range Operator Contributions , Henry Jose Monge Camacho

Probe of Electroweak Interference Effects in Non-Resonant Inelastic Electron-Proton Scattering , James Franklyn Dowd

Proton Spin Structure from Monte Carlo Global Qcd Analyses , Jacob Ethier

Searching for A Dark Photon in the Hps Experiment , Sebouh Jacob Paul

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

A global normal form for two-dimensional mode conversion , David Gregory Johnston

Computational Methods of Lattice Boltzmann Mhd , Christopher Robert Flint

Computational Studies of Strongly Correlated Quantum Matter , Hao Shi

Determination of the Kinematics of the Qweak Experiment and Investigation of an Atomic Hydrogen Møller Polarimeter , Valerie Marie Gray

Disconnected Diagrams in Lattice Qcd , Arjun Singh Gambhir

Formulating Schwinger-Dyson Equations for Qed Propagators in Minkowski Space , Shaoyang Jia

Highly-Correlated Electron Behavior in Niobium and Niobium Compound Thin Films , Melissa R. Beebe

Infrared Spectroscopy and Nano-Imaging of La0.67Sr0.33Mno3 Films , Peng Xu

Investigation of Local Structures in Cation-Ordered Microwave Dielectric a Solid-State Nmr and First Principle Calculation Study , Rony Gustam Kalfarisi

Measurement of the Elastic Ep Cross Section at Q2 = 0.66, 1.10, 1.51 and 1.65 Gev2 , YANG WANG

Modeling The Gross-Pitaevskii Equation using The Quantum Lattice Gas Method , Armen M. Oganesov

Optical Control of Multi-Photon Coherent Interactions in Rubidium Atoms , Gleb Vladimirovich Romanov

Plasmonic Approaches and Photoemission: Ag-Based Photocathodes , Zhaozhu Li

Quantum and Classical Manifestation of Hamiltonian Monodromy , Chen Chen

Shining Light on The Phase Transitions of Vanadium Dioxide , Tyler J. Huffman

Superconducting Thin Films for The Enhancement of Superconducting Radio Frequency Accelerator Cavities , Matthew Burton

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Ac Zeeman Force with Ultracold Atoms , Charles Fancher

A Measurement of the Parity-Violating Asymmetry in Aluminum and its Contribution to A Measurement of the Proton's Weak Charge , Joshua Allen Magee

An improved measurement of the Muon Neutrino charged current Quasi-Elastic cross-section on Hydrocarbon at Minerva , Dun Zhang

Applications of High Energy Theory to Superconductivity and Cosmic Inflation , Zhen Wang

A Precision Measurement of the Weak Charge of Proton at Low Q^2: Kinematics and Tracking , Siyuan Yang

Compton Scattering Polarimetry for The Determination of the Proton’S Weak Charge Through Measurements of the Parity-Violating Asymmetry of 1H(E,e')P , Juan Carlos Cornejo

Disorder Effects in Dirac Heterostructures , Martin Alexander Rodriguez-Vega

Electron Neutrino Appearance in the Nova Experiment , Ji Liu

Experimental Apparatus for Quantum Pumping with a Bose-Einstein Condensate. , Megan K. Ivory

Investigating Proton Spin Structure: A Measurement of G_2^p at Low Q^2 , Melissa Ann Cummings

Neutrino Flux Prediction for The Numi Beamline , Leonidas Aliaga Soplin

Quantitative Analysis of Periodic Breathing and Very Long Apnea in Preterm Infants. , Mary A. Mohr

Resolution Limits of Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry with Pulsed Source , Guangzhi Qu

Solving Problems of the Standard Model through Scale Invariance, Dark Matter, Inflation and Flavor Symmetry , Raymundo Alberto Ramos

Study of Spatial Structure of Squeezed Vacuum Field , Mi Zhang

Study of Variations of the Dynamics of the Metal-Insulator Transition of Thin Films of Vanadium Dioxide with An Ultra-Fast Laser , Elizabeth Lee Radue

Thin Film Approaches to The Srf Cavity Problem: Fabrication and Characterization of Superconducting Thin Films , Douglas Beringer

Turbulent Particle Transport in H-Mode Plasmas on Diii-D , Xin Wang

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Ballistic atom pumps , Tommy Byrd

Determination of the Proton's Weak Charge via Parity Violating e-p Scattering. , Joshua Russell Hoskins

Electronic properties of chiral two-dimensional materials , Christopher Lawrence Charles Triola

Heavy flavor interactions and spectroscopy from lattice quantum chromodynamics , Zachary S. Brown

Some properties of meson excited states from lattice QCD , Ekaterina V. Mastropas

Sterile Neutrino Search with MINOS. , Alena V. Devan

Ultracold rubidium and potassium system for atom chip-based microwave and RF potentials , Austin R. Ziltz

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Enhancement of MS Signal Processing for Improved Cancer Biomarker Discovery , Qian Si

Whispering-gallery mode resonators for nonlinear and quantum optical applications , Matthew Thomas Simons

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Applications of Holographic Dualities , Dylan Judd Albrecht

A search for a new gauge boson , Eric Lyle Jensen

Experimental Generation and Manipulation of Quantum Squeezed Vacuum via Polarization Self-Rotation in Rb Vapor , Travis Scott Horrom

Low Energy Tests of the Standard Model , Benjamin Carl Rislow

Magnetic Order and Dimensional Crossover in Optical Lattices with Repulsive Interaction , Jie Xu

Multi-meson systems from Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics , Zhifeng Shi

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Dark matter in the heavens and at colliders: Models and constraints , Reinard Primulando

Measurement of Single and Double Spin Asymmetries in p(e, e' pi(+/-,0))X Semi-Inclusive Deep-Inelastic Scattering , Sucheta Shrikant Jawalkar

NMR study of paramagnetic nano-checkerboard superlattices , Christopher andrew Maher

Parity-violating asymmetry in the nucleon to delta transition: A Study of Inelastic Electron Scattering in the G0 Experiment , Carissa Lee Capuano

Studies of polarized and unpolarized helium -3 in the presence of alkali vapor , Kelly Anita Kluttz

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Undergraduate Requirements

The undergraduate curriculum allows students to acquire a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental physics through its core requirements. Students then choose one of two options to complete the degree, the Flexible track or the Focus track. Both options lead to the same degree, a Bachelor of Science in Physics. And both options are superb preparation for any student planning on applying to graduate school in Physics.

Students may choose either option at any time in their undergraduate career, but many determine their choice during sophomore year in order to have enough time to craft a program that best suits their individual needs. Each option provides time for exploration through electives.

The Flexible Track

The Flexible track is based on a series of rigorous courses in fundamental physics topics, and its options enable many of our students to complete second majors in other disciplines.

The Flex track requires:

• 8.03 , 8.04 or 8.041, 8.044 , 18.03 (Differential Equations)
• 8.21 Physics of Energy or 8.223 Classical Mechanics II (choose one)
• 8.033 Relativity, 8.05 or 8.051 Quantum Physics II, or 8.20 Introduction to Special Relativity (choose one)
• 8.13 Experimental Physics (a similarly rigorous lab subject from another department can be substituted with permission, or less frequently, an experimental project or experimentally-oriented externship may substitute be allowed to substitute). Note that 8.13 satisfies the lab requirement that is part of the GIRs.
• At least one elective Physics subject beyond 8.02

In addition, students in the Flex track complete a group of three related subjects, similar to a concentration, subject to the approval of Flex Major Coordinator Dr. Sean Robinson . This group of subjects is known as a “focus area.” Examples of possible focus areas include, but are not limited to:

• biology / biophysics
• computer science / engineering
• electrical engineering
• history of science
• mathematics
• materials science
• science teaching
• quantum physics

The Focused Track

This option—which includes three terms of quantum mechanics, 36 units of laboratory experience, and a thesis—constitutes strong preparation for a career in physics. It is comprised of three required parts: specifically required subjects; restricted electives; and a research thesis.

The Focus track requires:

• 8.03 , 8.033 , 8.04 or 8.041 , 8.044 , 8.05 or 8.051 , 8.06 , 8.223 , 18.03 (Differential Equations)
• 8.13 and 8.14 Experimental Physics I and II; note that both 8.13 and 8.14 satisfy the lab requirement that is part of the GIRs.
• one subject given by the Mathematics Department beyond 18.03 ;
• two additional subjects given by the Physics Department beyond 8.02 including at least one of the following: 8.07 , 8.08 , 8.09
• Students should have an idea for a thesis topic by the middle of junior year; many thesis projects grow organically out of UROP projects. A thesis proposal must be submitted by Add Date of senior year, and students must register for units of 8.ThU (Undergraduate Thesis) in the senior year. See the Senior Thesis section below for more details.

Double Major in Physics

A frequent question of undergrads is whether a double major is possible with Physics. It definitely is, and in fact the majority of our undergraduates pursue major studies in Physics and another department, or a minor, or both. Popular second majors for our Physics students include: Mathematics, Computer Science, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Nuclear Science and Engineering.

A second major can only be declared after three terms. Students with two majors must complete the requirements of both departments. More general information about double majoring .

To apply for a double major:

• Email Dr. Sean Robinson ( [email protected] ), the Physics Flex Plan Coordinator, and make an appointment to discuss how you will meet all the requirements of the Flex major.
• Fill out the double major petition and submit it by emailing [email protected] or by delivering it to the Academic Programs Office, 4-315, for a signature. Please note that we will not sign your petition until you’ve obtained your advisor’s signature first.
• After obtaining the necessary signatures, submit the signed petition to the Committee on Curricula ( [email protected] ) to be processed. Once approved, the Physics Undergraduate Program Coordinator will reach out to you with a welcome.

Minor in Physics

The Minor in Physics provides a solid foundation for the pursuit of a broad range of professional activities in science and engineering. The requirements for a minor in Physics are:

• 18.03 or 18.034, plus
• at least five Course 8 subjects beyond the General Institute Requirements that constitute at least 57 units.

While subjects completed via transfer credit are eligible to be counted towards a Physics minor, at least half of your minor subjects must be MIT subjects taken while you are enrolled at MIT.

Students thinking about a minor in Physics might also consider the alternative of obtaining a second major in Physics through the Flexible option.

To add a Physics minor, submit a completed Minor Application Form to Physics Academic Administrator Shannon Larkin after obtaining the permission of your academic advisor. Note that students are required to document the completion of the minor in addition to listing the intended courses on the initial application form.

Minor in Astronomy

The minor in Astronomy, offered jointly with the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), covers the observational and theoretical foundations of astronomy. The minor requires a selection of seven subjects distributed among five areas:

• Astronomy, Mathematics, and Physics Required Subjects: 8.03 ; 8.282J/12.402J ; 18.03 or 18.034
• Astrophysics Choose one: 8.284 or 8.286
• Planetary Astronomy Choose one: 12.008 , 12.400 , 12.420 , or 12.425
• Instrumentation and Observations Choose one: 8.287/12.410 , 12.43J , 12.431J , or 12.432J
• Independent Project in Astronomy Choose one: 8.UR , 8.ThU , 12.UR , 12.ThU , or 12.411

Four of the subjects used to satisfy the requirements for the astronomy minor may not be used to satisfy any other minor or major. For more information, contact Astronomy Minor Coordinator is Prof. Michael McDonald .

Communication Requirement for the Physics Major (CI-M 8)

Each MIT undergraduate must take two subjects within their major that have been designated as communications-intensive (CI-M). CI-Ms teach the specific forms of written, oral, and/or visual communication appropriate to the field’s professional and academic culture. Students may write in teams; prepare and present oral and visual research reports for different audiences; learn audience analysis and peer review; or go through the experience of proposing, writing, and extensively revising a professional journal article. Most students complete their CI-Ms during the junior and senior year.

The Physics Department offers the following CI-Ms for both Flex and Focus students:

• 8.06 Quantum Physics III
• 8.13 Experimental Physics I
• 8.14 Experimental Physics II
• 8.225J Einstein, Oppenheimer, Feynman: Physics in the 20 th Century
• 8.226 Forty-three Orders of Magnitude
• 8.S227 Special Subject: Technical Communication, Scientific Judgment, and Professional Preparation (pilot, spring 2021)
• 8.287J Observational Techniques of Optical Astronomy

Students occasionally petition to substitute a CI-M from another department in place of one of these subjects; the department may support such a petition if the proposed substitution forms a natural part of the student’s individual program. Petitions are approved by the MIT Subcommittee on the Communications Requirement (SOCR).

Senior Thesis

Research is an integral part of any student’s experience as an MIT Physics major. Students who have had the opportunity to delve deeply into an area of research over time are encouraged to write a Senior Thesis describing their work and their conclusions.

Senior Thesis Submission Dates

• Senior Thesis Proposal form (PDF) due by Add Date the term before you complete your thesis
• Senior Thesis Title form (PDF)
• Candidates on February 2024 degree list: Friday, January 12, 2024
• Candidates on May 2024 degree list: Friday, May 10, 2024

Senior Thesis Policies

• All Physics Focus students must write an undergraduate thesis; students on the Physics Flex track may choose to write a thesis, but are not required to.
• Any Physics Department faculty member or research staff member is an acceptable thesis supervisor.
• To write a thesis under the supervision of an MIT professor outside the Physics Department, or a non-MIT professor, you must have a departmental faculty member as a co-supervisor. Contact the Academic Programs Office for more information.
• You must be registered for thesis units (8.THU) in the term you plan to submit your thesis. The standard number of units is 12; a student with an unusual situation may register for up to 24 units, but should discuss with the thesis supervisor why this thesis requires more effort than a standard 12-unit subject.
• During the term you are enrolled in 8.THU, you may not also conduct a UROP project that contributes or relates to the thesis work, or vice versa (MIT UROP policy).
• For a list of formatting requirements and details for writing your senior thesis, see the MIT Libraries’ MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation page , which contains links to several sections on thesis preparation, as well as MIT Thesis FAQs .
• Abstracts are not required for undergraduate theses.
• No ProQuest/UMI form is required.
• Copyright ownership depends on how your research was funded and what equipment was used.  Most likely, MIT will have funded/supplied equipment for your thesis, but be sure to read the policy in detail.
• Senior Thesis Title form (PDF):  use this template to format your title page.

Required Signatures and Submission Guidelines

Your thesis will be signed by you, your thesis supervisor, and the Associate Head of the Physics Department.  After your thesis supervisor has read your thesis completely, provided feedback or corrections, and approved the final version for submission:

• Submit your thesis in a PDF attachment via email to [email protected] .
• Copy your thesis supervisor(s) on the email.
• Your supervisor then provides a signature via Docusign . 
• Once this is done, the staff of the Academic Programs Office will be responsible for obtaining the signature of the Associate Head.

Digital Submission Guidelines

• Do not print OR physically sign and scan your thesis to us. Follow the signing instructions written below.
• When the final version of your thesis is completed, submit your thesis in a PDF attachment via email to [email protected] .
• You must copy your thesis supervisor(s) on the email.
• Once you’ve submitted your thesis and your supervisor has given their approval via Docusign , then the Associate Head will review it.

Each year, a group of faculty members are designated as academic advisors to an incoming cohort of sophomore Physics majors. In July, rising sophomores are provided information about the available advisors and are asked to indicate their top choices, and matches are then made by the Academic Administrator. Students who join the department after this initial set of assignments will then be matched with one of the advisors for the student’s class; these students may make specific requests which will be considered along with the current advising loads of each advisor.

Your advisor can assist with:

• Course selection and sequencing
• Changes to subject choices after Registration
• Academic progress
• Academic or personal support resources
• Advice about graduate school in physics or other disciplines
• Internship and career advice

Our advising program’s goal is for Physics majors to retain their advisor throughout the undergraduate program, but students are welcome to request a change of advisor if circumstances warrant by contacting the Academic Administrator Shannon Larkin .

FAQ for Prospective Undergraduate Students

Does the physics department accept ap credit.

Yes. The Physics Department awards credit for 8.01 to incoming students who score a 5 on both parts of the AP Physics C test. No credit is given for the Physics B test or for a qualifying score on only one part of the Physics C test.

Does the Physics Department grant credit for the International Baccalaureate or G.C.E. “A” Level Exams?

Entering students may receive 8.01 credit for qualifying scores on A-level exams, IB exams, the German Arbitur, and similar tests. For full details on Physics credit awarded for international exams and how to request it, see information on the website of the Office of the First Year.

If I have 8.01 credit already through an exam, do I have to take the Math Diagnostic Exam?

Yes. The Math Diagnostic Exam serves a dual purpose. In addition to providing advice for the appropriate level of Physics I for the majority of entering first-year students who must take a version of 8.01 , Math Diagnostic scores also validate AP credit for Mathematics courses.

How can I receive Physics transfer credit?

Requests for transfer credit for Physics courses taken at other institutions can be made through Physics Academic Administrator Shannon Larkin . Please read our Transfer Credit page for complete details on how to apply for credit. This page also has information on the scheduling of exams and on topics covered.

May I take 8.02 before passing 8.01?

No. All students must receive credit for 8.01 before registering for any version of 8.02. The sole exception to this policy is for second-semester seniors who have not yet completed either 8.01 or 8.02 . A senior who needs to complete both 8.01 and 8.02 in the final term should contact the Academic Administrator, Shannon Larkin .

Can I switch between the various versions of 8.01 or 8.02?

Yes. Students can switch between 8.01 and 8.01L , or 8.011 and 8.012 (as well as between 8.02 and 8.022 ) before Add Date. Instructors of the subject a student wishes to switch into can provide additional information on any written work to be submitted or tests to be taken to facilitate such a change.

Can I take graduate classes as an undergrad?

Yes, many undergrads take graduate courses, but we take prerequisites and appropriate preparation very seriously. Whether you are taking a first-year Physics course or an advanced graduate course, we want to be sure you are set up for success.

Are there any study-abroad programs?

Yes. Most study-abroad opportunities are handled by MIT’s Global Education and Career Development Office . The MISTI program is most specifically aimed towards science and technology initiatives.

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Physics Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Development and Evaluation of Novel Applications for the Ethos CBCT-Guided Online Adaptive Radiotherapy System , Nour Nasser

Interfacial Magnetism and Anisotropy in Dirac and Weyl Semimetals , Noah Schulz

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Influence of Thickness and Capping Materials on the Static and Dynamic Properties of Ferrimagnetic Thin Films , Noha Alzahrani

Evaluation of a Prototype Deep Learning-based Autosegmentation Algorithm on a High Quality Database of Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy Patients , Jihye Koo

Void Formation in Model Liquids, Polymer Glasses, and Granular Materials , Kai Nan

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Coarse-grained Modeling Studies of Entangled Semiflexible Polymers: Melts, Glasses, and Granular Media , Joseph Fox D. Dietz

First-principles-based Modeling of Energy Converting Properties of Conventional and Emerging Ferroelectrics , Maggie Kingsland

Ultrafast Magneto-optic Study of Exchange Interactions in Magnetic Materials , Hengzhou Liu

Exploring Magneto-Excitons in Bulk and Mono-Layer Semiconductors Using Non-Linear Spectroscopy Techniques , Varun Mapara

Light-Controlled Magnetism and Magnetic Sensing in Two-Dimensional Vanadium Dichalcogenides and Related Semiconductors , Valery Ortiz Jimenez

Magnetic and Structural Effects in Interfacial Magnetism: Molecular Magnets and Ferrimagnetic Alloys , Jenae E. Shoup

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

MBE Growth and Modifications of Early Transition Metal Tellurides , Paula Mariel Coelho

Spin Coupling in Magnetic Core - Shell Nanoparticles , Corisa Kons

Third-Order Frequency-Resolved Photon Correlations from a Single Quantum Dot's Resonance Fluorescence , Yamil A. Nieves González

Texturing in Bi 2 Te 3 Alloy Thermoelectric Materials: An Applied Physics Investigation , Oluwagbemiga P. Ojo

Probing the ground state magnetism in materials with competing magnetic interactions , Richa Pokharel Madhogaria

Crystal Structure Prediction of Materials at Extreme Conditions , Ashley S. Williams

Carbon and Other Low-Z materials Under Extreme Conditions , Jonathan T. Willman

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Laser-Induced Modifications in Two-Dimensional Materials , Tariq Afaneh

The impacts of membrane modulators on membrane material properties at microscopic and nanoscopic levels , Chinta Mani Aryal

Origins of Amyloid Oligomers and Novel Approaches for their Detection , Jeremy Barton

Van der Waals Epitaxy of Ultrathin Early Transition Metal (Ti & V) (di)Selenides: Charge and Magnetic Order in the Ultrathin Limit , Manuel Bonilla Lopez

Spontaneous Raman Scattering Enhancement with Microcavities and Multipass Resonators for Trace Gas Detection , Juan Sebastian Gomez Velez

Atomistic Simulations of Novel Materials at Ambient and High Pressures , Joseph M. Gonzalez

Controlling Properties of Light: Metamaterials Design and Methodology , Darrick Hay

Van Hiele Problem Solving Logic Levels applied to Force Concept Inventory Problems using the Resources Framework , Charles Mason Hemphill

Investigation into Reduced Thermal Conductivity for Half-Heusler Alloys and Identification of Novel Multinary Chalcogenides Possessing Intrinsically Low Thermal Conductivity , Dean Hobbis

A Novel Magnetic Respiratory Sensor for Human Healthcare , Kee Young Hwang

Study of the therapeutic effects of synchronization-modulation of the Na/K pump on muscle fatigue , Jason E. Mast

Growth and Characterization of Spatially Ordered Nanostructures of Functional Materials , Domingo J. Mateo Feliciano

Data-driven Modeling of the Causes and Effects of Interneuronal Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dravet Syndrome , Carlos Perez

Thermoelectric transport control using single phase materials and metamaterial composites , Wencong Shi

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Development and Validation of Advanced Techniques for Treatment Planning and Verification in Megavoltage Radiotherapy , Saeed Ahmed

Phase Evolution and Dynamic Behavior in Materials with Noncollinear Spin Textures , Eleanor M. Clements

Modulations of Lipid Membranes Caused by Antimicrobial Agents and Helix 0 of Endophilin , Nawal Kishore Khadka

Water and Salt at the Lipid-Solvent Interface , James M. Kruczek

The modified Synchronization Modulation technique revealed mechanisms of Na,K-ATPase , Pengfei Liang

First-Principles Simulations of Materials under Extreme Conditions , Kien Nguyen Cong

Amyloid Protein Aggregation and Associated Toxicity , Chamani A. Niyangoda

Novel Macroscopic and Microscopic Concepts in Thermoelectricity , Troy Stedman

Study of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Via Linear and Non-Linear Spectroscopy , Christopher E. Stevens

Development of a Voxel-Based Monte Carlo Radiation Dosimetry Methodology for a Targeted Alpha Particle Therapy , Christopher John Tichacek

Millimeter-wavelength characterization of the CO emission of comets 174P/Echeclus, 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann, and C/2016 R2 (PanSTARRS) , Kacper Wierzchos

Measuring and Utilizing High-Dimensional Information of Optical Fields , Ziyi Zhu

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Surface and Interface Effects of Magnetoimpedance Materials at High Frequency , Tatiana M. Eggers

A Fundamental Investigation into Low Thermal Conductivity p -Type Chalcogenides and Skutterudites with Potential Thermoelectric Applications , Dean Hobbis

Spin Seebeck effect and related phenomena in functional magnetic oxides , Vijaysankar Kalappattil

Towards Fundamental Understanding of Thermoelectric Properties in Novel Materials Using First Principles Simulations , Artem R. Khabibullin

Coarse-grained Modeling Studies of Polymeric and Granular Systems , Hong Trung Nguyen

Characterization of Computed Tomography Radiomic Features using Texture Phantoms , Muhammad Shafiq ul Hassan

Computational Discovery of Energetic Polynitrogen Compounds at High Pressure , Brad A. Steele

Novel Magneto-LC resonance Sensors for Industrial and Bioengineering Applications , Ongard Thiabgoh

Analyzing the effects of Ca 2+ dynamics on mitochondrial function in health and disease , Patrick Toglia

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

18F-FDG PET/CTCT-based Radiomics for the Prediction of Radiochemotherapy Treatment Outcomes of Cervical Cancer , Badereldeen Abdulmajeed Altazi

Interference of Light in Multilayer Metasurfaces: Perfect Absorber and Antireflection Coating , Khagendra Prasad Bhattarai

Photopolymerization Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticle Embedded Nanogels for Targeted Biotherapeutic Delivery , Daniel Jonwal Denmark

Application of Metamaterials to RF Energy Harvesting and Infrared Photodetection , Clayton M. Fowler

Complex Electric-Field Induced Phenomena in Ferroelectric/Antiferroelectric Nanowires , Ryan Christopher Herchig

Organometal Halide Perovskite Solar Absorbers and Ferroelectric Nanocomposites for Harvesting Solar Energy , Chaminda Lakmal Hettiarachchi

Growth, characterization, and function of ferroelectric, ferromagnetic thin films and their heterostructures , Mahesh Hordagoda

Surfaces and Epitaxial Films of Corundum-Structured Mixed Metal Oxides. , Alan Richard Kramer

Two Dimensional Layered Materials and Heterostructures, a Surface Science Investigation and Characterization , Yujing Ma

Thermodynamic and Kinetic Aspects of Hen Egg White Lysozyme Amyloid Assembly , Tatiana Miti

Coherent Response of Two Dimensional Electron Gas probed by Two Dimensional Fourier Transform Spectroscopy , Jagannath Paul

Towards Violation of Classical Inequalities using Quantum Dot Resonance Fluorescence , Manoj Peiris

Manipulating Electromagnetic waves with enhanced functionalities using Nonlinear and Chiral Metamaterials , Sinhara Rishi Malinda Silva

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Reduced Dimensionality Effects in Gd-based Magnetocaloric Materials , Hillary Faith Belliveau

Preparation and Characterization of Van der Waals Heterostructures , Horacio Coy Diaz

Biophysical Characterization and Theoretical Analysis of Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Cell Interactions with Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogels , Michael C. Cross

Exciton Dynamics and Many Body Interactions in Layered Semiconducting Materials Revealed with Non-linear Coherent Spectroscopy , Prasenjit Dey

The Role of Partial Surface Charge Compensation in the Properties of Ferroelectric and Antiferroelectric Thin Films , Elena Glazkova

Surface Properties of Titanium dioxide and its Structural Modifications by Reactions with Transition Metals , Sandamali Halpegamage

Inquiry of Lipid Membranes Interacting with Functional Peptides and Polyphenol Drug Molecules , Chian Sing Ho

Resonant Light Scattering from Semiconductor Quantum Dots , Kumarasiri Konthasinghe

Structure-Interaction Effects In Novel Nanostructured Materials , Nam B. Le

Polymer Characteristics of Polyelectrolyte Polypeptides , Jorge Monreal

Biophysical Investigation of Amyloid Formation and Their Prion-like Self-replication , Mentor Mulaj

Novel Magnetic Nanostructures for Enhanced Magnetic Hyperthermia Cancer Therapy , Zohreh Nemati Porshokouh

Increasing 18F-FDG PET/CT Capabilities in Radiotherapy for Lung and Esophageal Cancer via Image Feature Analysis , Jasmine Alexandria Oliver

Microcavity Enhanced Raman Scattering , Benjamin James Petrak

Confinement Effects and Magnetic Interactions in Magnetic Nanostructures , Kristen Lee Stojak Repa

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Effects of disorder and low dimensionality on frozen dynamics in Ca3Co2-xMnxO6 , Brian Wesley Casas

Surface Science Studies of Graphene Interfaces , Arjun Dahal

Enhanced Magnetoimpedance and Microwave Absorption Responses of Soft Ferromagnetic Materials for Biodetection and Energy Sensing , Jagannath Devkota

Synthesis, Characterization and Ferroelectric Properties of LN-Type ZnSnO 3 Nanostructures , Corisa Kons

Low Dimensionality Effects in Complex Magnetic Oxides , Paula J. Lampen Kelley

Coherent Digital Holographic Adaptive Optics , Changgeng Liu

In Vacuo Fabrication and Electronic Structure Characterization of Atomic Layer Deposition Thin Films , Michael Schaefer

The Evaluation and Study of Modern Radiation Dosimetry Methods as Applied to Advanced Radiation Therapy Treatments Using Intensity Modulated Megavoltage Photon Beams , Cassandra Stambaugh

Thermal Fluctuations Tunneling in Doped Conjugated Polymers , Troy C. Stedman

Nanomechanical and Nanotribological Characterization of Sub-Micron Polymeric Spheres , Himanshu Kumar Verma

Investigation of Low Thermal Conductivity Materials with Potential for Thermoelectric Applications , Kaya Wei

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Analysis of Critical Behavior in Magnetic Materials , Dustin David Belyea

Magneto-optical Kerr Eect Study of Magnetic Anisotropy in Soft Ferromagnets , Tatiana Marie Eggers

High Dimensional Non-Linear Optimization of Molecular Models , Joseph C. Fogarty

Solvent Dependent Molecular Mechanics: A Case Study Using Type I Collagen , Heather Harper

Photophysical and Electronic Properties of Low-Bandgap Semiconducting Polymers , Evan Lafalce

First-Principles Atomistic Simulations of Energetic Materials , Aaron Christopher Landerville

Photocatalysis and Grazing-Ion Beam Surface Modifications of Planar TiO2 Model Systems , Timothy Luttrell

A Study of Fe 3 O 4 Magnetic Nanoparticle RF Heating in Gellan Gum Polymer Under Various Experimental Conditions for Potential Application in Drug Delivery , Gabriel Marcus

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Space Physics Research – University of Helsinki

BSc and MSc thesis topics

Below are listed topics suitable for BSc and MSc theses. MSc theses are 30 credits and maximum length is about 80-100 pages. BSc thesis are 6 credits and maximum length is about 20 pages. The motivation of the BSc thesis is to familiarize writing scientific text and they can be literature reviews or contain a small research task. Our MSc theses contain typically a more extensive research task. Most of the topics below  can be tailored to both purposes. Finnish speaking students write typically their BSc thesis in Finnish, while most of our MSc theses are written in English.

Page last updated: 12.01.2022

Identifying moving radio sources associated with solar storms using radio observations and modelling of magnetic fields.

The Sun is an active star and the source of the most powerful explosions in the Solar System such as solar flares and solar storms. Solar storms can be accompanied by bursts of radiation at radio wavelengths that result from fast electrons produced during these eruptions. In some cases, moving radio sources are associated with solar storms. The aim of this project is to identify moving radio sources that originate from within solar storms to obtain estimates of their internal magnetic field strength. The project will use radio images of the Sun from international radio telescopes combined with ESA/NASA spacecraft data. The data analysis and modelling will be done in Python using software dedicated to the analysis of solar observations, Sunpy, but IDL may also be used. Experience with coding is desired, however, training will be provided to use the data analysis tools. In particular, applicants interested in writing their Msc thesis on this project are encouraged to apply. Contact : Diana Morosan (at) helsinki fi

Multi-wavelength analysis of solar eruption source regions

The nearest star to our planet, the Sun exhibits all sorts of small-scale eruptions and large-scale explosions in various wavelengths. The signatures of these emissions can be seen throughout the electromagnetic (EM) spectra. The most intense outbursts on the Sun are known as Coronal mass ejections (CMEs). CMEs are the signatures of huge amounts of plasma material released in interplanetary space along with the solar magnetic field. CMEs are the primary drivers of any interplanetary disturbances, and hence affects the space weather. CMEs are often accompanied with other wavelength eruptions/signatures e.g., as flares in x-ray, erupting waves in extreme ultraviolet (EUV), radio bursts in metric and decametric radio wavelengths. The aim of this project is to work on identifying the source region and the emission mechanism of these eruptions in radio wavelengths, and associated phenomena in other wavelengths. For this work, the data with multi space and ground based instruments will be used. The data analysis will be done using Python/MATLAB. A candidate with experience in Python/MATLAB is desired. Contact : Anshu Kumari (at) helsinki fi and Diana Morosan (at) helsinki fi

Quantifying wave power in near-Earth space during magnetic storms

Magnetic storms are periods of large disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic environment. They are characterised by a strong intensification of the ring current flowing around the Earth, quantified by the Dst or SYM-H geomagnetic indices which provide a proxy of the storm’s intensity. Magnetic storms are however also associated with intense wave activity which is not accounted for in these proxies, but can result in significant effects such as energetic particle acceleration and losses. In this project, we will use a global wave power index to identify the largest wave storms, and investigate how their intensity compares with other storm proxies. We will then identify which storm drivers result in these most intense wave storms. This project will make use of various spacecraft and ground-based observations in near-Earth space. The data analysis will be done using Python. This project is suitable for either a BSc or MSc thesis. Type : data analysis Contact : Lucile Turc (at) helsinki fi

Turbulence in coronal mass ejection plasmas

Turbulence, a universal phenomenon found in low-viscosity fluids, plays a fundamental role in transferring energy from large to small length scales in space plasmas.  This energy transfer process has been extensively studied in the solar wind, but is much less well understood for coronal mass ejection (CME) plasma.  CMEs are discrete eruptions of plasma from the Sun, in contrast to the more continuous outflow of the solar wind.  In this project, you will investigate the properties of turbulence in CMEs and compare them with the turbulence properties of the solar wind.  Cutting-edge data from the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter spacecraft, now approaching distances very close to the Sun, will be used.  The project may involve (i) a mix of data analysis and theory or (ii) modelling and theory, depending on the interests of the successful applicant.  The work performed would be suitable for either a BSc or MSc thesis, and funding is available for up to 3 months during summer 2022. Contact: Simon Good (at) helsinki fi

Real-time physics-based space weather forecasting using Euhforia

Solar eruptions and in particular coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are the main drivers of space weather, i.e. , conditions in space that can have an adverse effect on the performance of space-borne as well as ground-based technological systems. With our society becoming increasingly more dependent on such technologies, answering the need for space weather prediction capabilities has risen to become a key topic in solar-terrestrial research efforts. UH is actively engaged in the development of a novel European space weather tool named EUHFORIA. The goal of this thesis work is to introduce the student to the physical modeling principles powering EUHFORIA, to run space weather forecasts as well as aid in the development of the tool. Tasks can include e.g. assessment of the accuracy of the space weather predictions, determination of error sources in the modeling pipeline or developing new components to the model, for instance implementation of magnetic flux-rope based models of coronal mass ejections.  Type : simulations and data analysis  Contact : Eleanna Asverstari (at) helsinki fi

Heliospheric shock Database and properties of interplanetary fast-mode shocks

Fast mode shocks are ubiquitous in the interplanetary space. In solar-terrestrial physics the role of fast shocks is of paramount importance as they accelerate charged particles to very high energies (several tens of MeV) and the turbulent post-shock flows may cause severe geomagnetic disturbances. In addition, the study of collisionless shocks is an important part of fundamental plasma physics. The Heliospheric Shock Database developed and maintained at the University of Helsinki is a comprehensive database of interplanetary shock database with user-friendly search and data download options. The thesis work is related to the development of the Heliospheric Shock Database , in particular related to its Machine Learning code and conducting an analysis of shock properties at different heliospheric distances and driven by different large-scale heliospheric structures. Type : code development and data analysis.  Contact : Emilia Kilpua (at) helsinki fi

Influence of the interplanetary magnetic field strength on the properties of magnetosheath mirror modes

Mirror mode waves are plasma waves which are characterized by anti-correlated fluctuations of the magnetic field strength and plasma density. They develop in plasmas with large temperature anisotropies and are observed in many space environments, such as planetary magnetosheaths, the wake of comets and ICME sheaths. Here we will focus on mirror modes developing in the Earth’s magnetosheath. Understanding the properties of the magnetosheath is particularly important in the study of solar-terrestrial relations as this region is at the interface between the solar wind and the magnetosphere and regulates the energy and plasma transfer from the former to the latter. The aim of the project will be to compare the properties of the mirror modes in two simulation runs with almost identical set-ups, but with different interplanetary magnetic field strength, which allows to separate the effects of a change in this parameter. The runs have been performed with a global model called Vlasiator, which simulates the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction with unprecedented detail. The results will be compared with spacecraft observations. The project is directly contributing to a European Research Council grant, and a Marie Curie grant. Type : Modelling and data analysis Contact : Minna Palmroth (at) helsinki fi

Modelling solar eruptions from birth to lift-off

Coronal mass ejections are large-scale solar coronal structures that eventually violently erupt from the Sun. They are powered by magnetic energy that has accumulated in the corona over time spans of several days supplied by slowly evolving motions in the photosphere. These changes can be readily observed and used to determine the electric field that is responsible for generating the eruptive structures in the corona. In this project, a coronal time-dependent model using such electric fields will be used to study the formation of solar eruptions and their magnetic fields. Such modelling work can be used for improving the accuracy of space weather forecasting, essential for protecting modern technology. The project involves using Python-based simulation software, 3D data visualization and/or inversion methods of remote-sensing solar observations depending on the interest of the candidate. No knowledge of solar or plasma physics is required, but familiarity with the Python/NumPy/SciPy ecosystem is advantageous. The project can be targeted as a BSc or a MSc thesis topic. Type : Modelling and data analysis Contact : Daniel Price (at) helsinki fi

Energy transfer at the magnetopause

The magnetopause is an intriguing boundary that separates the Earth’s magnetic domain (called the magnetosphere) from the interplanetary space. All magnetospheric dynamics, like the vivid auroral displays, are driven by energy transferred from the solar wind. Energy transfer is hot topic in magnetospheric physics, but it is investigated globally only approximately. Vlasiator is the world’s most accurate space environmental simulation developed with two ERC grants. The target here is to utilise Vlasiator and to first develop a method for magnetopause detection. Knowledge of the boundary location will then be used to perform analysis of energy transfer at the magnetopause as a function of driving conditions. Type: Modelling and data analysis Contact: Minna Palmroth (at) helsinki fi

Electron precipitation and atmospheric chemistry during different solar wind drivers

Solar influence on climate is an active research area. Recent atmospheric models attempt to take into account energetic particle precipitation effects on the middle atmosphere. In particular, modeling the energetic electron precipitation (EEP) is a challenge. Most significant source of EEP is the Van Allen radiation belt. Wave-particle interactions scatter the electrons trapped originally in the Earth’s magnetic field into the atmosphere. EEP leads to the production of gases having important role in middle atmosphere ozone balance. It is known that radiation belts respond differently to different solar wind drivers (coronal mass ejection related plasma clouds, their turbulent sheath regions and slow-fast stream interaction regions). However, EEP and resulting atmospheric response have not yet been related to the type of the solar wind driver. Organizing the EEP and atmospheric response with the type of solar wind driver might help to understand better solar influence on regional climate. This MSc thesis is focused on analyzing EEP and atmospheric response (in particular ozone response) during coronal mass ejections and sheath regions.  Contact : Emilia Kilpua (at) helsinki fi

Sheath regions driven by interplanetary coronal mass ejections

Interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) are huge eruptions of plasma and magnetic flux originating from the Sun.  ICMEs often propagate through interplanetary space so fast that a shock wave forms in front them. The plasma between the shock and the leading edge of an ICME is called the sheath region. ICME-driven sheath regions have particularly turbulent internal structures because of complex physical processes at the shock and the ICME leading edge, and they are remarkable drivers of geomagnetic activity. ICME-driven sheaths differ from planetary magnetosheaths due to the expansion they experience while propagating in interplanetary space. This BSc topic will focus on ICME sheaths, their general properties and the ways they differ from other sheath structures by reviewing literature. Both theoretical and practical approaches are possible. Also, the topic can include a small research task and extended to a MSc thesis.  Contact : Emilia Kilpua (at) helsinki fi

Magnetic helicity in space plasma

Magnetic helicity is one of the key observables in solar and interplanetary studies. In particular, small-scale solar dynamo produces magnetic helicity and without removing it continuously from the Sun the large-scale dynamo would quench. In addition, it has been suggested that the reversal of the large-scale solar magnetic field every about 11 years is facilitated by huge magnetized plasma clouds, coronal mass ejections, removing helicity. This thesis will focus on presenting the concept of the magnetic helicity (different definitions) at the Sun and in interplanetary space and reviewing the key literature around this issue. For a MSc thesis this topic can be extended to include an analysis of the helicity of magnetic clouds in the solar wind.  Contact : Emilia Kilpua (at) helsinki fi

Hamiltonian approach to wave-particle interactions of relativistic electrons.

The Earth’s radiation belts are the site of acceleration for electrons reaching velocities comparable to the speed of light. Generation of relativistic electrons constitute a threat to satellites and an open fundamental problem for a wide range of astrophysical plasmas. In this project we will use Hamiltonian theoretical tools and numerical tools to quantify the energisation of electrons. This project is suitable for a student of theoretical physics or applied mathematics with a background in analytical mechanics, electromagnetic and some basics coding experience. The tools we will use have a wide range of application across many fields of physics and can constitute a good springboard for a PhD. Contact : Adnane Osmane (at) helsinki fi

Flux Transfer Events and their interaction with Earth’s polar cusps

The solar wind carries magnetic field structures with a wide variety of field orientations towards Earth. In situations where the interplanetary magnetic field happens to be southward, it can cancel out part of the Earth’s dipole field. This process does not happen in a continuous manner, but in bursty phenomena called Flux Transfer Events (FTEs). Magnetic field lines on Earths’ dayside are are opened and reconfigured into plasmoids that carry magnetic field energy polewards. There, the plasmoids reconnect to the fieldlines coming out of the polar cusp structure, releasing some of their high energy plasma. The goal of this project is to understand and quantify the process of FTE-cusp interaction from global kinetic simulation data, and to compare to satellite and ground-based observations as well as theory. Type: simulation and data analysis Contact: Urs Ganse (at) helsinki fi

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Recent Submissions

Hidden growth of black holes across cosmic time , self-organised flow structures in confined active nematics , understanding the properties of diffuse gas in cosmology: from galaxies to large-scale structures , search for displaced dark photons in vector boson fusion higgs events with the atlas detector , topological and activity-induced constraints in nematic liquid crystals , tackling the cosmological constant problem with scalar-tensor dark energy , towards a high-precision description of resonances through lattice simulations , lattice simulations of su(n) scalar+gauge theories for holographic cosmology , measurement, interpretation and potential exploitation of ph changes during bacterial growth , activity of comets: insights from ground-based broadband observations , quantum nuclear motion in density functional theory , astrobiological potential of putative aqueous microenvironments on mars , single-cell study of the biophysics of bacteriophage infection , studies of exotic hadron states at the lhcb experiment , developing methods to machine-learn potentials with application to nitrogen , lattice determination of semi-leptonic, heavy-light meson decay form factors , development and application of pulse echo techniques to the study of charge density waves and superconductivity in pressurized u₆fe , β-decay properties of r-process nuclei in the vicinity of the n=126 shell closure , constraining quenching mechanisms at high redshift: the sizes, masses and star-formation histories of massive galaxies , interacting active particles and cellular automata: microscopic models of stochastic nonequilibrium systems .

Department of Physics

Senior Theses

The senior thesis is the capstone of the physics major and an opportunity for intellectual exploration broader than courses can afford. It is an effort that spans the whole academic year. The thesis is a great opportunity to dive into research on an aspect of physics which most engages you. Whether your thesis is on biophysics, gravity and cosmology, condensed matter, or string theory, writing it is way to put to use all that you have learned in coursework so far—and to make a contribution to scientific knowledge. Even for topics outside of the mainstream of physics, for example with a focus on policy, or neuroscience, or finance, we expect you to apply your undergraduate physics education to the problem you focus on.

You can build on previous work in your senior thesis, for example summer work or a junior paper. However, it is equally acceptable to start a brand new project in the fall of your senior thesis with an adviser you have not previously worked with. In any case, in order to have a level playing field, your thesis will be evaluated based on work done during the academic year.

You must submit your choice of adviser and topic in Canvas by 3:00pm October 3. Your adviser must have a full-time faculty appointment at Princeton University. Your adviser can be one of your junior paper advisers, but need not be. If your adviser does not have their primary appointment in the Physics Department, you must communicate your choice of second reader in Canvas by October 3, and this second reader must have a full-time faculty appointment at Princeton University with their primary appointment in the Physics Department.

You must turn in a draft of content for your senior thesis by 3:00pm January 16, as explained in the section entitled Fall term draft .

The final version of your senior thesis is due by 3:00pm of the University's deadline for submitting the senior thesis, April 29. The requirements for formatting and submitting your final senior thesis are somewhat detailed;  please consult the section entitled Thesis Formatting and Submission . The page on important dates gives a complete listing of dates and deadlines relevant to the senior thesis. In case of any confusion about dates and deadlines, the page on important dates should be regarded as authoritative.

An oral examination conducted by the the Senior Committee at the end of the senior year serves as the senior departmental examination. This exam is described in more detail below in the section entitled Oral Examination .

Department of Physics Independent Work Guide

Senior committee.

A committee of several faculty in Physics oversees all the senior theses. In AY 2023-2024, the committee members are Professor(s) Daniel Marlow (chair), Curtis Callan, Phuan Ong and Shinsei Ryu. The senior committee is assisted by Karen Olsen, the Undergraduate Administrator. The committee meets with the seniors at the beginning of the academic year to outline what is expected and to help them get started on choosing advisers and topics. The committee may establish milestones during the year (e.g. a due date for a thesis outline and/or an oral progress report) in addition to the ones indicated on this webpage; any such additional milestones will be announced to all seniors via e-mail and clearly indicated on the important dates  page. You are encouraged at any time to approach members of the senior committee with questions or concerns about the progress of your thesis work.

Getting Started

The best advice in finding an advisor is to go to several faculty members in areas of research that you are interested in, and see what topics they propose. If you have a topic to propose yourself, great: shop it around to faculty and see what they think. Most topics come from faculty as part of the work their research groups are conducting. When you have a tentative topic in mind, start by reading some of the literature, ideally at the Scientific American level, in order to understand the highlights and context of the work you'll embark on. If you're undecided between topics, this first stage of reading should help you choose. Make sure to circle back to your prospective adviser with questions, and confirm with them before the deadline that they are in fact prepared to advise you on a topic that you have both agreed on. It's important to start this process at the very beginning of term, because false starts are possible.

The most important advice we can give is to make a fast start on your senior thesis, and focus on it particularly at the start of the fall term. Adjust your courses accordingly; for instance, senior fall is not the right time to shop five courses. Experience suggests that distractions and delays occur from time to time, both expected (e.g. grad school applications) and unexpected (e.g. your adviser disappears to a conference just when you need help). If you have a good start on your thesis you can put it aside briefly when such a delay occurs. If you don't, it becomes harder and harder to catch up. Regardless of where you are in the term—and especially early on—the best advice is to set your senior thesis at top priority.

Students considering thesis topics mostly or entirely outside of physics should consider the application procedure outlined in the section below entitled Alternative grading rubric .  Please note that time is of the essence in applying for an alternative grading rubric.

Fall Term Draft

A draft of content to be included in your senior thesis must be turned in to Canvas by 3:00pm on January 16. The second reader must be identified in Canvas at the time you turn in this draft of content. (Even if you have previously identified your second reader, e.g. because you are working with a primary advisor outside the department, please confirm this choice at the time of turning in your draft of content.) This draft of content will be assigned a P/D/F grade by your advisor and second reader, and the grade will be reported to the senior committee; however, it will not appear on your Princeton transcript. The draft of content is intended to serve as a status check and a way to start the conversation with your advisor and second reader about the spring term end game for your thesis. The guidelines for the draft of content are as follows:

• The minimum length is 7 pages, plus front matter and bibliography.
• The document should be written in full sentences and paragraphs, in the style you intend for the final version of your senior thesis. An outline of work to follow can be included at the end, but the main focus of the document should be on what you have understood and done so far.
• Formatting should be the same that you intend to use in the final version of your senior thesis; in particular, front matter (including the Student Acknowledgment of Original Work, signed), introduction, main body, and bibliography should be present, with all the formatting as you intend for the final version of your senior thesis. In short, follow the guidelines in the Primary grading rubric .  Indicate clearly in the front matter that the document is a draft of content.
• While it is anticipated that your results will be quite incomplete, do make an effort to communicate the background in an accessible fashion that starts with the fundamentals and demonstrates your understanding of the context of your ongoing work.

Thesis Formatting and Submission

You must submit your thesis electronically as a PDF file.  The first few pages of your senior thesis are called the front matter.   Front matter must include in the first two pages the title, the student's name, an abstract, the Student Acknowledgment of Original Work, and a signature following this acknowledgment. The wording of the Acknowledgment must be as set forth in the current edition of Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities: "This paper represents my own work in accordance with University regulations.”   The Page formatting should be suitable for printing on standard 8.5" x 11" paper with one to one and a half inch margins all around the main text. All fonts should be between 10 and 14 points, and line spacing should be anywhere between double spacing and 1.5 spacing. Pages should be numbered, with numbers no closer than half an inch to any edge of the page. Figures should be clear and legible, with descriptive captions.  Figures should be  your original work or else credit should be clearly given in the caption to the figure creator.  You should request permission to re-use figures made by colleagues.  There is no length requirement, but a total length (including front matter, bibliography, figures, appendices, etc) of 50 to 100 pages is about right for most topics.

The deadline for submission of the senior thesis is 3 pm April 29. For the spring semester of 2024, no hard copy submission will be required.   By that deadline, you must submit your thesis electronically in Canvas.  You must provide an electronic signature for the Student Acknowledgment of Original Work.  Your signature will serve as confirmation that the  submitted version is the official version.  By the end of the day on April 29, you must also send electronic copies of your thesis to your advisor and second reader.  You must also submit your thesis electronically to Mudd Library in order to graduate. Details on the Mudd Library submission process will come by email.  

To set high goals for the thesis, and at the same time to accommodate the breadth of experience that physics majors seek, the Physics Department has a dual rubric approach to grading. The primary grading rubric for the senior thesis is the one set forth in detail in the section below entitled Primary grading rubric .  It should be used for all theses which are primarily focused on a topic in physics, broadly construed. Applied physics, biophysics, astrophysics, plasma physics, and mathematical physics (among others) are fields in which this primary rubric should be used. Every student is advised to take pains to make their thesis accessible to physicists outside their discipline. Doing so is part of good presentation, and it is part of showing the student's own mastery of their topic. The physical principles involved should be explained clearly, starting at the level of undergraduate physics courses. Any necessary jargon should be introduced with clear explanations.

Written presentation is also important and will affect the final grade. Good presentation includes all aspects of scholarly writing, including clear explanations, organization, and citations; correct spelling, grammar, and formatting; a style that is at once accessible and precise; and a logical structure including front matter, introduction, main body, conclusion, and bibliography. 

Primary grading rubric

The main basis for the final grade will be the physics content contained in the thesis as a document. Physics content could include, for example, theoretical ideas, calculations, modeling, and predictions; experimental methods, description of apparatus, results, and data analysis; and an assessment of the significance of the work reported in the thesis against the backdrop of the larger field of which it is part. Physics content can be particularly noteworthy—for instance a really new theoretical idea or a genuinely impactful experimental result—but humbler advances, such as verification or extension of published calculations, or successful calibration of an experimental device, are also highly esteemed. In short, new research results are desirable but not required for even the highest grades.  Scholarly substance is the key.

Written presentation is also important and will affect the final grade. Good presentation includes all aspects of scholarly writing, including clear explanations, organization, and citations; correct spelling, grammar, and formatting; a style that is at once accessible and precise; and a logical structure including front matter, introduction, main body, conclusion, and bibliography.

Grade recommendations from the adviser and second reader are communicated to the senior committee, along with short text descriptions describing and assessing the thesis. The letter grade from the Oral examination will count for 10% of the senior thesis grade. The following grade descriptions are representative of Physics Department grading practices. Any individual thesis may have qualities spread across several of these descriptions, and it is ultimately up to the judgement of the Physics Department faculty to balance the considerations in any given case in order to come up with the final grade.

• A+. A substantial, professional-level contribution to some field of physics, with outstanding presentation and truly impressive content. For example, there may be original results suitable or almost suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal which physicists working in this field often publish in. Or the thesis may be a brilliantly written review paper which could usefully be shared with professional colleagues. A written statement from the advisor justifying the A+ must be included.
• A. The thesis deals with some topic in physics in an unusually thorough way, with unexpected insights and/or an especially clear presentation. The advisor should have learned new things from it. This grade should be used for work that goes far beyond "doing a good job."
• A-. The thesis covers some topic in physics well and goes into significant depth. It is written in a professional style with only minor flaws. The student shows mastery of the subject.
• B+. The thesis covers a topic in physics well, and in some depth. The presentation and physics content are good but leave room for improvement.
• B. The thesis covers a topic in physics fairly well. Presentation and physics content are fairly good, but some deficiencies may be noted.
• B-. The thesis addresses a topic in physics but without the depth expected for senior independent work. There may be significant errors or an inadequate presentation.
• C+. The thesis contains an overview of a topic in physics, but the physics content is mostly superficial. The presentation may be inadequate, and there may be significant errors or omissions.
• C. The thesis contains a partial or superficial overview of a topic in physics. The thesis gives little evidence of understanding of the relevant physics. The presentation is sloppy, and there are significant errors or omissions.
• C-. The thesis contains some correct information about a topic in physics, but it fails to show understanding of the relevant physics. The presentation is incomplete, with serious errors or omissions.
• D. The lowest passing grade. The thesis is deficient in multiple respects, with minimal physics content, poor presentation, and/or poor scholarship.
• F. There are several ways an F can result. One way is for the thesis to be largely incomplete and incorrect. A second way is for the thesis not to be turned in on time, accounting for any extensions granted, or for a document to be turned in without a clear written indication that it is the official version of the student's senior thesis. A third way is for the thesis to be turned in on time but with issues that prevent it from being accepted. Examples of this last are omitting from the first two pages the title, the student's name, the abstract, the Student Acknowledgment of Original Work, or a signature following this acknowledgment. Formatting that renders the thesis unreasonably difficult to read may also prevent it from being accepted and result in an F.

Alternative grading rubric

Students wishing to branch out and work on a senior thesis topic that is mostly or entirely outside of physics will have their theses graded using an alternative grading rubric customized to their field of work, provided they receive approval from the senior committee of a proposal submitted electronically in Canvas no later than 3pm October 10.  The proposal must consist of the following points:

• Student's name.
• Adviser's name. The adviser must sign next to their name to indicate their endorsement of the proposed grading rubric.
• Second reader's name. As with all theses in the Physics Department, your adviser and the second reader should both have full-time faculty appointments at Princeton University, and at least one of them should have their primary appointment in the Physics Department.
• A tentative thesis title (200 characters or less).
• Summary of proposed work (1500 to 2000 characters).
• Give us a simple description of the area of scholarship your thesis falls in. For example, "Climate policy" or "Behavioral neuroscience."
• Provide a short explanation of why you are interested in this area, and why it should be of general interest to professional physicists.
• Provide an adaptation of the primary grading rubric that you feel is suitable to your thesis work. The text to adapt is the entire contents of the section entitled Primary grading rubric . Leave the second, third, and fourth paragraphs unchanged, as these sections will be applied in any case; likewise the criteria for an F cannot be changed. Changes to the rest of the text should be at the minimal level needed in order for it to be fairly applied to the work you are going to do. For example, if you are working on climate policy, replacing "physics" by "climate policy" throughout should be a good start. Topics which have some physics content but are primarily outside of physics should include in the grading rubric some measure of how well the physics is developed and presented.

The senior committee may adjust or rewrite the grading rubric you propose before approving it, and the final rubric will go to your adviser and second reader as well as to you.

Proposals that are approved will allow a thesis to be graded at the same standard as other Physics Department senior theses, but in a different direction. Students who do pursue a topic outside of physics should make a particular effort to make their thesis accessible to physicists and students of physics, and this effort will be counted as part of a good presentation. If a proposal is not received on time by the senior committee or is not approved, thesis work will be graded according to the Primary grading rubric : In particular, the physics content will then be the main basis for the final grade.

A fall term draft of content as outlined in the section entitled Fall term draft is required for all theses.

Oral examination

The oral examination will be scheduled near the end of the academic year, after you have turned in your senior thesis. You should prepare a presentation with a planned duration of 20 minutes. Use standard visual aids, i.e. PowerPoint or similar. Presentations should be well organized and thoughtful; in particular:

• If you want to use a laptop, you are responsible for making sure things work!
• Have enough paper copies of your presentation material so that every committee member can have their own copy. Paper copies are useful even when you use PowerPoint from a laptop and serve as a backup in case of a technical glitch.
• Limit your main presentation to approximately 15 slides (depending on your style). If you have more material, prioritize it and put extra material at the end as backup slides.
• Do not expect committee members to flip through your thesis during the exam; your presentation should be self-contained.
• Emphasize graphical material in your slides (including key equations).
• If you have text in your slides, focus on terse summaries and avoid long segments of text.
• Rehearse! You can rehearse before a group of friends, or your advisor, or a graduate student, or an empty room.

The senior committee is entitled to ask questions both about the thesis and about undergraduate physics. The grade for the oral depends on both the quality of the presentation and your ability to answer questions.

The oral examination will be assigned a letter grade by the senior committee.  The letter grade for the oral examination will count for 10% of the senior thesis grade.

Bachelor thesis in Physics

My thesis on Gravitational Waves in Modified Gravity I wrote in 2015 at Heidelberg University .

From README.md in the nilsvu/bsc-thesis GitHub repository:

• Title: Gravitational Waves in Modified Gravity
• Author: Nils Leif Fischer
• Submission date: Jul 22, 2015
• Supervisors: Dr. Valeria Pettorino and Prof. Dr. Luca Amendola
• Institution: Institute for Theoretical Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Heidelberg
• Abstract: Modified gravity theories generally aim to solve part of the cosmological constant problem by providing self-accelerating cosmological solutions without a cosmological constant. Such modifications of general relativity also affect the evolution of gravitational waves in the proposed theory. Instead of focussing on an explicit model, I introduce parametric modifications to the evolution equation of gravitational waves in both unimetric and bimetric settings and investigate their effect on the evolution of tensor perturbation modes. In particular, I argue that any modified gravity theory that exhibits growing tensor modes in cosmological evolution can be in tension with experiments. Therefore, parametric constraints for the physical viability of a general modified gravity theory can be found such that tensor modes remain within limits set by observations.
• Full Text: Digital version

Using the LaTeX style for your thesis

• Please refer to my master thesis for an updated LaTeX style.

Home > Sciences and Arts > Dept. of Physics > Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Dept. of Physics Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Explore our collection of dissertations, master's theses and master's reports from the Department of Physics below.

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2024 2024

APPLICATIONS OF INDEPENDENT AND IDENTICALLY DISTRIBUTED (IID) RANDOM PROCESSES IN POLARIMETRY AND CLIMATOLOGY , Dan Kestner

DEPENDENCE OF ENERGY TRANSFER ON CURVATURE SIMILARITY IN COLLISIONS INVOLVING CURVED SHOCK FRONTS , Justin Cassell

Study of Particle Accelerators in the Universe with the HAWC Observatory , Rishi Babu

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2023 2023

An exploration of cloud droplet growth by condensation and collision-coalescence in a convection-cloud chamber , Jacob T. Kuntzleman

A Search for Compact Object Dark Matter in the Universe Utilizing Gravitational Millilensing of Gamma-ray Bursts , Oindabi Mukherjee

Fabrication and Optical Properties of Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides , Manpreet Boora

Large cloud droplets and the initiation of ice by pressure fluctuations: Molecular simulations and airborne in-situ observations , Elise Rosky

On Examining Solvation and Dielectric Constants of Polar and Ionic Liquids using the Stockmayer Fluid Model , Cameron J. Shock

PHYSICAL, OPTICAL, AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF LIGHT ABSORBING AEROSOLS AND THEIR CLIMATIC IMPACTS , Susan Mathai

STUDY OF ELECTRONIC AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF BILAYER GRAPHENE NANOFLAKES AND BIMETALLIC CHALCOGENIDES USING FIRST-PRINCIPLES DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY AND MACHINE LEARNING , Dharmendra Pant

SURFACE RECONSTRUCTION IN IRON GARNETS , Sushree Dash

Tracing the Most Powerful Galactic Cosmic-ray Accelerators with the HAWC Observatory , Dezhi Huang

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2022 2022

A Combined Spectral and Energy Morphology Analysis of Gamma Ray Source HAWC J2031+415 in the Cygnus Constellation , Ian Herzog

APPLICATION OF ARGON PRESSURE BROADENED RUBIDIUM VAPOR CELLS AS ULTRA-NARROW NOTCH FILTERS , Sam Groetsch

A SURROGATE MODEL OF MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS FOR POLAR FLUIDS: SUPERVISED LEARNING METHODS FOR MOLECULAR POLARIZATION AND UNSUPERVISED METHODS FOR PHASE CLASSIFICATION , Zackerie W. Hjorth

BORON NITRIDE NANOSTRUCTURES: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATION IN PHOTOVOLTAICS AND BIOMEDICINE , Sambhawana Sharma

Machine Learning-Driven Surrogate Models for Electrolytes , Tong Gao

OPTICAL AND SINGLE PARTICLE PROPERTIES OF NORTH ATLANTIC FREE TROPOSPHERIC AEROSOLS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR AEROSOL DIRECT RADIATIVE FORCING , Megan Morgenstern

PRELIMINARY STUDIES OF BACKGROUND REJECTION CAPABILITIES FOR THE SOUTHERN WIDE−FIELD GAMMA−RAY OBSERVATORY , Sonali Mohan

SEARCHING FOR ANOMALOUS EXTENSIVE AIR SHOWERS USING THE PIERRE AUGER OBSERVATORY FLUORESCENCE DETECTOR , Andrew Puyleart

THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION ON OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF 2D MATERIALS AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMER COMPOSITES AT MOLECULAR LEVEL , Geeta Sachdeva

THE VARIABILITY OF THE SATURATION RATIO IN CLOUDS , Jesse C. Anderson

TOWARD DEEP LEARNING EMULATORS FOR MODELING THE LARGE-SCALE STRUCTURE OF THE UNIVERSE , Neerav Kaushal

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2021 2021

A COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF PROPERTIES OF CORE-SHELL NANOWIRE HETEROSTRUCTURES USING DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY , Sandip Aryal

ACTIVATION SCAVENGING OF AEROSOL : EFFECT OF TURBULENCE AND AEROSOL-COMPOSITION , Abu Sayeed Md Shawon

APPLICATION OF GRAPHENE-BASED 2D MATERIALS AND EXPLORATION OF LITHIUM POLYSULFIDES SOLID PHASES – FIRST-PRINCIPLES STUDY BASED ON DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY , Qing Guo

Control of spontaneous emission dynamics in microcavities with chiral exceptional surfaces , Amin Hashemi

Investigating ice nucleation at negative pressures using molecular dynamics: A first order approximation of the dependence of ice nucleation rate on pressure , Elise Rosky

Modeling and Numerical Simulations Of The Michigan Tech Convection Cloud Chamber , Subin Thomas

PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOLS AND THEIR EFFECT ON ICE CLOUD FORMATION , Nurun Nahar Lata

RADIAL BASIS FUNCTION METHOD FOR COMPUTATIONAL PHOTONICS , Seyed Mostafa Rezaei

UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF WATER VAPOR AND TEMPERATURE ON AEROSOL USING NOVEL MEASUREMENT METHODS , Tyler Jacob Capek

Van der Waals Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications , Amit Acharya

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2020 2020

Cosmic-Ray Acceleration in the Cygnus OB2 Stellar Association , Binita Hona

OPTICAL DISPERSION RELATIONS FROM THREE-DIMENSIONAL CHIRAL GOLD NANOCUBES IN PERIODIC ARRAYS , Manpreet Boora

Phase Resolved Analysis of Pulsar PSR J2032.2+4126 , Aishwarya Satyawan Dahiwale

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2019 2019

Aerosol-Cloud Interactions in Turbulent Clouds: A Combined Cloud Chamber and Theoretical Study , Kamal Kant Chandrakar

Energy Transfer Between Eu2+ and Mn2+ for Na(Sr,Ba)PO4 and Ba2Mg(BO3)2 , Kevin Bertschinger

INVESTIGATION OF LIGHT TRANSPORT AND SCATTERING IN TURBULENT CLOUDS: SIMULATIONS AND LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS , Corey D. Packard

Laser Induced Phase Transformations and Fluorescence Measurements from Nanodiamond Particles , Nick Videtich

Light-matter interactions in plasmonic arrays, two dimensional materials and their hybrid nanostructures , Jinlin Zhang

LIGHT PROPAGATION THROUGH A TURBULENT CLOUD: COMPARISON OF MEASURED AND COMPUTED EXTINCTION , Eduardo Rodriguez-feo Bermudez

LOCATION, ORBIT AND ENERGY OF A METEOROID IMPACTING THE MOON DURING THE LUNAR ECLIPSE OF JANUARY 21, 2019 & TESTING THE WEAK EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE WITH COSMOLOGICAL GAMMA RAY BURSTS , Matipon Tangmatitham

Physics and applications of exceptional points , Qi Zhong

Synthetic Saturable Absorber , Armin Kalita

The Solvation Energy of Ions in a Stockmayer Fluid , Cameron John Shock

UNDERSTANDING THE VERY HIGH ENERGY γ-RAY EMISSION FROM A FAST SPINNING NEUTRON STAR ENVIRONMENT , Chad A. Brisbois

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2018 2018

ANGLE-RESOLVED OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPY OF PLASMONIC RESONANCES , Aeshah Khudaysh M Muqri

Effects of Ionic Liquid on Lithium Dendrite Growth , Ziwei Qian

EFFECTS OF MASS AND DISTANCE UNCERTAINTIES ON CALCULATIONS OF FLUX FROM GIANT MOLECULAR CLOUDS , Matt Coel

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Current Atmospheric Refraction Models in Predicting Sunrise and Sunset Times , Teresa Wilson

FIRST-PRINCIPLES INVESTIGATION OF THE INTERFACIAL PROPERTIES OF BORON NITRIDE , Kevin Waters

Investigation of microphysical properties of laboratory and atmospheric clouds using digital in-line holography , Neel Desai

MAGNETLESS AND TOPOLOGICAL EDGE MODE-BASED ON-CHIP ISOLATORS AND SPIN-ORBIT COUPLING IN MAGNETO-OPTIC MEDIA , Dolendra Karki

MORPHOLOGY AND MIXING STATE OF SOOT AND TAR BALLS: IMPLICATIONS FOR OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND CLIMATE , Janarjan Bhandari

Novel Faraday Rotation Effects Observed In Ultra-Thin Iron Garnet Films , Brandon Blasiola

PROBING QUANTUM TRANSPORT IN THREE-TERMINAL NANOJUNCTIONS , Meghnath Jaishi

STUDY OF THE CYGNUS REGION WITH FERMI AND HAWC , Andrew Robare

Synthesis and Applications of One and Two-Dimensional Boron Nitride Based Nanomaterials , Shiva Bhandari

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATION OF 2D TRANSITION METAL DICHALCOGENIDES , Mingxiao Ye

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2017 2017

CVD SYNTHESIS, PROCESSING, QUANTIFICATION, AND APPLICATIONS OF BORON NITRIDE NANOTUBES , Bishnu Tiwari

Gamma/Hadron Separation for the HAWC Observatory , Michael J. Gerhardt

LABORATORY, COMPUTATIONAL AND THEORETICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF ICE NUCLEATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MIXED PHASE CLOUDS , Fan Yang

LABORATORY STUDIES OF THE INTERSTITIAL AEROSOL REMOVAL MECHANISMS IN A CLOUD CHAMBER , Sarita Karki

QUANTUM INSPIRED SYMMETRIES IN LASER ENGINEERING , Mohammad Hosain Teimourpour

Search for High-Energy Gamma Rays in the Northern Fermi Bubble Region with the HAWC Observatory , Hugo Alberto Ayala Solares

Synthetic Saturable Absorber Using Non-Uniform Jx Waveguide Array , Ashfiqur Rahman

The Intrinsic Variability of the Water Vapor Saturation Ratio Due to Mixing , Jesse Anderson

Theses/Dissertations/Reports from 2016 2016

FIRST-PRINCIPLES STUDIES OF GROUP IV AND GROUP V RELATED TWO DIMENSIONAL MATERIALS , Gaoxue Wang

INVESTIGATION OF THE RESISTANCE TO DEMAGNETIZATION IN BULK RARE-EARTH MAGNETS COMPRISED OF CRYSTALLOGRAPHICALLY-ALIGNED, SINGLE-DOMAIN CRYSTALLITES WITH MODIFIED INTERGRANULAR PHASE , Jie Li

LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS OF CONTACT NUCLEATION BY MINERAL DUSTS, BACTERIA, AND SOLUBLE SALTS , Joseph Niehaus

Studies of invisibility cloak based on structured dielectric artificial materials , Ran Duan

Testing Lidar-Radar Derived Drop Sizes Against In Situ Measurements , Mary Amanda Shaw

Reports/Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

A METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE MASS COMPOSITION OF ULTRA-HIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS BY PREDICTING THE DEPTH OF FIRST INTERACTION OF INDIVIDUAL EXTENSIVE AIR SHOWERS , Tolga Yapici

BARIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN ROCK SALT BY LASER INDUCED BREAKDOWN SPECTROSCOPY , Kiley J. Spirito

FUNCTIONALIZED BORON NITRIDE NANOTUBES FOR ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS , Boyi Hao

GEOMETRY INDUCED MAGNETO-OPTIC EFFECTS IN LPE GROWN MAGNETIC GARNET FILMS , Ashim Chakravarty

LABORATORY AND FIELD INVESTIGATION OF MIXING, MORPHOLOGY AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF SOOT AND SECONDARY ORGANIC AEROSOLS , Noopur Sharma

MULTISCALE EXAMINATION AND MODELING OF ELECTRON TRANSPORT IN NANOSCALE MATERIALS AND DEVICES , Douglas R. Banyai

RELATIVISTIC CONFIGURATION INTERACTION CALCULATIONS OF THE ATOMIC PROPERTIES OF SELECTED TRANSITION METAL POSITIVE IONS; NI II, V II AND W II , Marwa Hefny Abdalmoneam

SEARCH FOR LONG-LIVED WEAKLY INTERACTING PARTICLES USING THE PIERRE AUGER OBSERVATORY , Niraj Dhital

Search for TeV Gamma-Ray Sources in the Galactic Plane with the HAWC Observatory , Hao Zhou

STUDY OF NON-RECIPROCAL DICHROISM IN PHOTONIC STRUCTURES , Anindya Majumdar

UNDERSTANDING ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT PROPERTIES IN NANOSCALE JUNCTIONS , Kamal B. Dhungana

Reports/Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

A THEORETICAL STUDY OF INTERACTION OF NANOPARTICLES WITH BIOMOLECULE , Chunhui Liu

INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF THE CONTACT LINE IN HETEROGENEOUS NUCLEATION WITH HIGH SPEED IMAGING , Colin Gurganus

MORPHOLOGY AND MIXING STATE OF ATMOSPHERIC PARTICLES: LINKS TO OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND CLOUD PROCESSING , Swarup China

QUANTUM CORRELATIONS OF LIGHTS IN MACROSCOPIC ENVIRONMENTS , Yong Meng Sua

THE THREE DIMENSIONAL SHAPE AND ROUGHNESS OF MINERAL DUST , Xinxin Woodward

Reports/Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

ADVENTURES IN FRIEDMANN COSMOLOGIES---INTERACTION OF POSITIVE ENERGY DENSITIES WITH NEGATIVE ENERGY DENSITIES AND CURVATURE OF THE UNIVERSE , Ravi Joshi

ELECTRON TRANSPORT IN LOW-DIMENSIONAL NANOSTRUCTURES - THEORETICAL STUDY WITH APPLICATION , Xiaoliang Zhong

Investigations of Cloud Microphysical Response to Mixing Using Digital Holography , Matthew Jacob Beals

MAGNETO-PHOTONIC CRYSTALS FOR OPTICAL SENSING APPLICATIONS , Neluka Dissanayake

NONLINEAR EFFECTS IN MAGNETIC GARNET FILMS AND NONRECIPROCAL OPTICAL BLOCH OSCILLATIONS IN WAVEGUIDE ARRAYS , Pradeep Kumar

OPTIMAL SHAPE IN ELECTROMAGNETIC SCATTERING BY SMALL ASPHERICAL PARTICLES , Ajaree Mongkolsittisilp

QUADRUPOLE LEVITATION OF PARTICLES IN A THERMODYNAMICALLY REALISTIC CLOUD ENVIRONMENT , Nicholas A. Black

STOCHASTIC CHARGE TRANSPORT IN MULTI-ISLAND SINGLE-ELECTRON TUNNELING DEVICES , Madhusudan A. Savaikar

Reports/Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Calibration of the HAWC Gamma-Ray Observatory , Nathan C. Kelley-Hoskins

Charge and spin transport in nanoscale junction from first principles , Subhasish Mandal

Measurements of ice nucleation by mineral dusts in the contact mode , Kristopher W. Bunker

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Particle theory

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• Fields, strings, and quantum dynamics
• Fundamental particles and interactions
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• Recent Theses

Related research groups

• Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology

Theses written by recent former students of the group, listed by main supervisor

Joseph Conlon Searches for Axion-Like Particles with X-ray astronomy Nicholas Jennings (2018) Astrophysical signatures of axion and axion-like particles Francesca Day (2017) Cosmology & Astrophysics of Dark Radiation Andrew Powell (2016) Phenomenology of Dark Radiation & String Compactifications Stephen Angus (2014)

Andre Lukas Aspects of string model-building and heterotic/F-theory duality Callum Brodie (2019) Calabi-Yau Manifolds, Discrete Symmetries & String Theory Challenger Mishra (2017) Heterotic string compactification & quiver gauge theory on toric geometry Chuang Sun (2016) Heterotic Compactification on Spaces of General 6-Structures Eirik Eik Svanes (2014) (with Prof Xenia de la Ossa Maths) Elementary Particle Physics from String Theory Compactifications, Michael Klaput (2014) Heterotic string models on smooth Calabi-Yau threefolds Andrei Constantin (2013)

John March Russell Radiation from Black Holes George Johnson (2020) Aspects of massive spin-2 effective field theories James Bonifacio (2017) (with Prof Pedro Ferreira Astro) Multimetric theories of gravity James Scargill (2016)  (with Prof Pedro Ferreira Astro) Searching for New Particles at the Large Hadron Collider: Theory and Methods for Extradimensional Supersymmetry James Scoville (2015)  (with Prof Alan Barr PP) New Phenomenology from Asymmetric Dark Matter Robert Lasenby (2015) Supersymmetry and Electroweak Fine Tuning Edward Hardy (2014) Aspects of Asymmetric Dark Matter James Unwin (2013) (with Prof Philip Candelas   Maths) The String Axiverse and Cosmology David Marsh (2012)

Gavin Salam Precision fits for the LHC and beyond Emma Slade (2020) (with Juan Rojo, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam) Precision Physics at the Large Hadron Collider Frederic Dreyer (2016) (with Matteo Cacciari, LPTHE, Paris Diderot University) Theoretical & experimental study of electroweak corrections for inclusive production of jets and development of methods for detecting extreme topologies Nicolas Meric (2013)  (with Philippe Schwemling, LPNHE, Paris Diderot University)

Subir Sarkar

On the impact of new, light states in some astrophysical and laboratory systems Giacomo Marocco (2022) (with John Wheater ) Investigating new physics with high power lasers  Konstantin Beyer (2021) (with Gianluca Gregori , ALP)

Inhomogeneities in Cosmology David Kraljic (2016) From the LHC to IceCube Jim Talbert (2016) (with Dr Guido Bell) The Standard Model to the Planck scale Kyle Allison (2015) (with Prof Graham Ross) Phenomenology of Asymmetric Dark Matter Felix Kahlhoefer (2014)

Andrei Starinets Holographic Approaches to Strongly-Interacting Systems Nikola Gushterov (2018)  (with  Dr Andrew O'Bannon Southampton) Applications of the gauge/gravity duality Jonas Probst (2017) Gauge/Gravity Duality & Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Strongly Coupled Quantum Systems Philip Kleinert (2017) Hidden structures in scattering amplitudes & correlation functions in supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories Jakub Sikorowski (2015) (with Prof Luis Fernando Alday Maths) Hydrodynamics: from effective field theory to holography Saso Grozdanov (2014) Holographic quantum liquids Nikolaos Kaplis (2013) Excitations in holographic quantum liquids Richard Davison (2012)

John Wheater

On the impact of new, light states in some astrophysical and laboratory systems Giacomo Marocco (2022) (with Subir Sarkar )

Topics in quantum gravity and quantum field theory Dennis Praveen Xavier (2022) Spin systems and boundary conditions on random planar graphs Aravinth Kulanthaivelu (2020) Naturalness in beyond the standard model physics Isabel Garcia Garcia (2017) Random Matrices, Boundaries and Branes Benjamin Niedner (2015) Spectral dimension in graph models of causal quantum gravity Georgios Giasemidis (2013)

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Physics & Astronomy theses

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Theses and dissertations

The library holds a large number of Bristol theses and dissertations, including many PhD and doctoral theses. Read our advice about how to locate theses from other institutions, both in the UK and internationally .

University of Bristol theses and dissertations

To find a University of Bristol thesis:

• If the thesis is held in the Research Reserve, it can be requested using the 'reserve a copy' button.
• If the thesis is held in the Research Reserve, use the online request form to request it.
• See below for details of how to access theses held in our other library sites.
• Recently submitted theses may be listed on Explore Bristol Research  though information about these is regularly added to Library Search.

Arts and Social Sciences

The collection includes theses from Arts Faculty, Social Sciences and Law Faculty, Physics, Mathematics, Biological Sciences, Geographical Sciences, Agricultural Science and the School for Policy Studies.

MA, MSc, MPhil and MLitts do not have to be deposited with the library under the Regulations, so our collections of these are incomplete. 

How to consult a thesis

• Arts and Social Sciences theses are now held in the Library's Research Reserve.  See 'to find a University of Bristol thesis' section above for details of how to request.
• We will notify you when the thesis arrives at the library.
• Thesis loans are for use in the Arts and Social Sciences Library only.

School of Chemistry PhD, MSc and DSc theses from 1910 to date.

Thesis loans are for use in the Chemistry Library only, though postgraduates with seats may keep a thesis at their desk. You may ask if a particular thesis can be kept behind the Issue desk if you will be using it repeatedly for a period of time. Other theses are kept in a Library Staff room and are not available during the evenings.

School of Education EdD, PhD, MPhil, and a selection of Masters theses. Many theses written before 2005 are located in the Research Reserve.

• The MSc and Masters theses are located in the Quiet Study Area;
• The MPhil, PhD and EdDs are located in Research Reserve.  See 'to find a University of Bristol thesis' section above for details of how to request.

The thesis collection from the Medical Library has been relocated to the library's Research Reserve. The collection includes: PhD, MD, MSc, ChM and DSc theses of staff and postgraduate students of the Health Sciences Faculty, from 1910 to date.

A card catalogue in the Medical Library contains details of the earlier theses, or you may check the  Card Catalogue Online .

• See 'to find a University of Bristol thesis' section above for details of how to request.
• We will notify you when the thesis arrives at the library;
• Theses are for use in the Medical Library only and you will be asked to sign a register.

School of Physics PhD, MSc and DSc theses from 1950 to date, with a few earlier ones. BSc and MSci projects are also held.

A card catalogue in the Physics Library contains details of the earlier ones.

• Ask at the Issue Desk to borrow a thesis, quoting author, year and category;
• Theses may be borrowed by staff and postgraduates as standard loans;
• Undergraduates may use theses in the library only;
• BSc and MSci projects may be borrowed by undergraduates: for the standard loan period.

Queens (Engineering, Mathematics, Computer science)

Engineering and Mathematics PhD theses are held in the Research Reserve, including Computer Science theses before the Department transferred to the Faculty of Engineering.  See 'to find a University of Bristol thesis' section above for details of how to request these.

A card catalogue, on the right beyond the Issue desk, contains details of pre-1978 theses.

• It can take 2-3 working days for a thesis to arrive and you will be notified when they are available;
• PhD theses may not be borrowed by undergraduates; taught postgraduates or external members but may be consulted in the library.

MSc Projects

• Some early Engineering MSc projects (1914-1950) are available from the Research Reserve - please contact your  Subject Librarian

Undergraduate projects

• Individual and group projects from 2015/16 - 2019/20 academic years for Civil and Mechanical Engineering are available on the open shelves in the Gallery.
• Early projects from 1920 to 1949 have been moved to  Special Collections  in the  Arts and Social Sciences Library

Veterinary Sciences

MSc Meat Science theses from 1979 to date and a small number of PhD theses. The majority of veterinary sciences PhD theses are housed in the Research Reserve.  See 'to find a University of Bristol thesis' section above for details of how to request.

Theses are shelved in the Computer Room and are for use in the library only.

Wills Memorial (Law, Earth Sciences)

Collections of both Law and Earth Sciences theses.

Theses are confined to the library; please ask at the information desk if you wish to borrow one.

UK and international theses

Information about many UK and international theses can be found via  Library Search . If the thesis you are interested in is not available online, you can use our  inter-Library Loan service . Non-UK theses can be difficult to obtain: in some countries, universities are working together to make full text electronic collections available:

• Electronic Theses Online Service (EThOS)  - a service provided by the British Library
• DART - Europe e-theses Portal
• Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD)
• PQDT Open  - open access dissertations and theses
• PQDT Global  -  a collection of dissertations and theses from around the world

Submit a thesis

Advice on how to submit a thesis for a higher degree can be found on the  Presenting and submitting your dissertation for examination  page. Information on how to submit a thesis to the library can be found on the Library's own Thesis Guidance  pages.

Benschop, Eva, A numerical study of simulations of an ultrasonic waveguide experiment for Power-law fluids, July 2022 ( PDF )

Baetsen, Huib, Investigating the influence of T-shaped mircrochannel architecture on flow patterns and leakage using the Lattice Boltzmann Method, June 2022 ( PDF )

Roubiou, Soufyan, The influcence of the temperature distribution inside a TRISO-particle and fuel pin on the neutron multiplication factor, February 2022 ( PDF )

Groot, Feline de, Investigation the effect of microchannel junction geometry on two-phase flow using the Lattice Boltzmann Method, December 2021 ( PDF )

Dijk, Sabine van, Determining the shear-rate of shear-thinning fluids at the surface with an ultrasonic waveguide viscometer, December 2021 ( PDF )

Grooten, Anne, Helium Bubbling in the Molten Salt Fast Reactor, November 2021 ( PDF )

Hartog, Tiuri, Simulating space and time dependence of a simplified thorium fuel cycle in a Molten Salt Fast reactor, August 2021 ( PDF )

Kurstjens, Maarten, Investigation of multiphase flow patterns through a T-shaped microchannel using the Lattice Boltzmann Method, August 2021 ( PDF )

Roovers, Rona, A study of the feasibility of Molybdenum 99 production by neutron capture of Molybdenum 98 in a mini loop using natural convection, July 2021 ( PDF )

Haffmans, Laurens, A feasibility and safety evaluation of the 99 Molybdenum Producing Mini Loop, March 2021 ( PDF )

Muller, Kyle, The developing flow profile of the suspension in a Semi-Solid Flow Battery, March 2021 ( PDF )

Pauwels, Floris, Burnup Simulations of the Thorium Cycle in a MSFR using Perturbation Theory, December 2020 ( PDF )

Smit, Rinus, Flux-behaviour and Resistances of Electroactive Material in a Semi-Solid Flow Battery Cell, September 2020 ( PDF )

Rooijakkers, Fleur, Uncertainty Quantification of the Mixing Enthalpy, Excess Heat Capacity and Gibbs Energy parameters of the LiF-KF System using CALPHAD modelling and Polynomial Chaos Expansion, August 2020 ( PDF )

Arends, Koen, Viscosity determination and attenuation measurements in non-Newtonian liquids using a ultrasonic waveguide, August 2020 ( PDF )

Borstlap, Lotte, Numerical study on the viscosity determination of power-law fluids in the ultrasonic waveguide experiment, August 2020 ( PDF )

Schakenraad, Nynke, Computational thermodynamics of the LiF-ZrF 4 system for the Molten Salt Reactor, July 2020

Korthals Altes, Hugo, Flow-influenced electrical conduction in a Semi-Solid Flow Battery, February 2020 ( PDF )

Herrmann, Lex, Fission product chemistry of the Ba-Mo-O system  for the safety assessment of the behavior of nuclear energy, January 2020

Nieuwland, Hendrik, Chemistry of fision products produced in the nuclear fuel of the next generation Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors, January 2020

Berg, Maarten van den, Computational thermodynamics of the KF-ZrF 4 system for the molten salt reactor, January 2020

Kater, Arjan de, Wave propagation through a nickel plate, October 2019 ( PDF )

Schuijtvlot, Tristan, Uncertainty assessment of the CALPHAD model parameters in the LiF-KF molten salt system using polynomial chaos expansion, August 2019

Abbink, Maas, Chemistry of fission products produced in the nuclear fuel of the next generation Sodium cooled Fast Reactor, Investigation of the Cs-Te-Mo-O system, August 2019

Nollen, Paul, Flow separation in non-Newtonian fluid flow through a diverging funnel, August 2019 ( PDF )

Dresen, Luuk, THE MPML: 99Molybdenum Producing Mini Loop, driven by natural circulation, August 2019 ( PDF )

Vriends, Calvin, Computational thermodynamics of the NaF – ZrF 4 system for the Molten Salt Reactor, July 2019

Iovanovici, Sasha, Emperical Evaluation of Noble Extraction in MSRs by Helium Bubbling, February 2019 ( PDF )

Gerritsma, Anne Maaike, Optimizing Viscometer for Ultrasonic Nondestructive Testing with Finite Element Software, January 2019 ( PDF )

Striekwold, Thijs, Modelling the extraction efficiency inside a Molten Salt Reactor, September 2018 ( PDF )

Kasbergen, Menno, Adjoint Methodologies for Proton Therapy, August 2018 ( PDF )

Boed, Gijs de, Extraction of noble metals in a Molten Salt Reactor by helium bubbling, August 2018 ( PDF ) 

Braskamp, Laurens, Thermochemistry of Ruthenium in Molten Fluoride Salts, Metal or Melt?,

August 2018 ( PDF )

Bakker, Jelle, Wall-Distance Calculation for Turbulence Modelling, July 2018 ( PDF )

Galen, Jan Willem van, Reduced Order Modelling methodologies for proton therapy applications, July 2018 ( PDF )

Hartsema, Emiel, Higher order basis functions for the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method,

July 2018 ( PDF )

Warmerdam, Bart, Filling the mergency tank around the Small-scale, Large efficiency, Inherently safe, Modular Reactor, July 2018 ( PDF )

Oudenaren, Gilliam van, Study of cooling requirements in the fertile blanket and the freeze-plugs of the MSFR, July 2018 ( PDF )

Nijen, David van, Investigation of natural circulation capabilities of the Molten Salt Fast Reactor, July 2018 ( PDF )

Reuver, Reindert de, Temperature dependence of the attenuation and group velocity of ultrasonic waves in tungsten, July 2018 ( PDF )

Arntzenius, Mark, Handling breathing uncertainties in proton therapy, April 2018 ( PDF )

Ettema, Sebastiaan, An emergency cooling system for SLIMR, the supercritical-water Small, Modular Reactor, February 2018 ( PDF )

Nanninga, Tymen, An experimental analysis of two-phased flow patterns inside a microchannel, February 2018 ( PDF )

Kamp, David, Cooling requirements for the freeze plug module, January 2018 ( PDF )

Duijn, Miranda van, Simulating the microfluidic solvent extraction of perrhenate, January 2018 ( PDF )

Henstra, Gijs, Optimising a model of ultrasonic waves propagating in a buffer rod, December 2017 ( PDF )

Schuringa, Olivier, Density and viscosity calculation using ultrasonic wave propagation, December 2017 ( PDF )

Blokker, Joris, Medical isotope production using Lighthouse accelerator, November 2017 ( PDF )

Boers, Casper, Investigation of pore evolution in concrete by spin-echo small angle neutron scattering, October 2017 ( PDF )

Möller, Paul, Investigating the Selective Separation Ability of an Optimized Microfluidic Chip with Focus on Metal Ions, September 2017 ( PDF )

Jonosky, Ilin, Dose Calculation in Proton Therapy using Finite Element Methods to solve the Fokker-Planck Transport Equation, August 2017 ( PDF )

Jong, Koen de, Angular Discretisation of the Steady-State Mono-Energetic Lineair Boltzman Equation with Fokker-Planck Apporximation for Proton Transport using a Control Volume Method, August 2017 ( PDF )

Keijzers, Jurre, The study of cerium containing phosphates with kosnarite structure in the context of nuclear waste disposal, August 2017 ( PDF )

Oud, Thomas, Elastic wave simulation for buffer rod tapering, August 2017 ( PDF )

Froeling, Hidde, Causes of Spurious Echoes by Ultrasonic Wave Simulation, June 2017 ( PDF ) 

Deurvorst, Floris, Design of Cooling Fins on the Freeze Plug, June 2017 ( PDF )

Nauta, Jelmer, Finite Volume Method For Charged Particle Transport In The Fokker-Planck Limit, May 2017 ( PDF )

Makkinje, André, Design of a Freeze Plug Grate, February 2017 ( PDF )

Hoogsteen, Wietse, Positron annihilation studies of sodium zirconium phosphate based ceramic materials and Boom clay in the context of radioactive waste isolation and disposal, December 2016 ( PDF )

Tuyll, Frederique van, A new design for the safety plug in a Molten Salt Fast Reactor, December 2016 ( PDF )

Pothoven, Coosje, Recirculation of the Mo-99 research loop, November 2016 ( PDF )

Muller, Douwe, Investigation of cementitious materials subjected to aggressive environments exposure by means of SESANS: application to nuclear waste storage, October 2016 ( PDF )

Vermunt, Tuur, Selenium anions diffusion in bentonite  in the presence of silicates, August 2016 ( PDF )

Rabbie, Julian, Investigation of an alternative spatial discretization for the Foller-Planck equation, August 2016 ( PDF )

Egmond, Chris van, Calculating the interdependency of the temperature and power production inside the Mo-99 research loop, July 2016 ( PDF )

Koks, Iris, Melting behaviour of the freeze plug in a molten salt fast reactor, July 2016 ( PDF )

Ham, Daan van der, Linear analysis of a natural circulation driven supercritical water loop, July 2016 ( PDF )

Bergh, Olivier van den, Passive emergency drainage of the Molten Salt Fast Reactor, July 2016 ( PDF )

Kewal, Kevin, The effect of wall thermal inertia on the stability of a natural circulation driven supercritical water reactor, June 2016 ( PDF )

Huisman, Jurriaan, Heat Transfer of the Mo-99 Research Loop, June 2016 ( PDF )

Vries, Tim de, Linear stability analysis of a supercritical water loop driven by natural convection, March 2016 ( PDF )

Pols, Willemijn, Exploring characteristics for optimal accuracy of a settling sphere viscometer using the Lattice Boltzmann Method, February 2016 ( PDF )

Niet, Luuk de, Including general scattering in high-fidelity deterministic particle transport calculations for proton therapy applications, February 2016 ( PDF )

Iersel, Mike van, Effect of supercritical friction factor and Heat Transfer Model on the stability of a natural circulation driven super critical water reactor, January 2016 ( PDF )

Swaroop, Parth, Design of a Freeze Plug for the Molten Salt Reactor, SET System Integration Project II, September 2015 ( PDF )

Blecourt, Anne de, Delft Cold Neutron Source Flow Modeling, July 2015 ( PDF )

Koppen, Luke van, NZP-type ceramics for simultaneous incorporation of radioisotopes of cesium strontium and minor actinides, July 2015 ( PDF )

Blok, Anne-Nynke, Extraction of Technetium-99m, July 2015 ( PDF )

Carter, Philippe, The influence of competition between selenate and metasilicate ions on their migration behavior in bentonite, June 2015 ( PDF )

Zonneveld, Alistair, Linear analysis of the influence of neutronic-thermal-hydraulic coupling on the stability of a natural convection driven supercritical water loop, January 2015 ( PDF )

Elgin, Kenneth, A study of the feasibility of 99Mo production inside the TU Delft Hoger Onderwijs Reactor, October 2014 ( PDF )

Wetstein, Suzanne, Implementing the Lattice-Boltzmann Method, August 2014 ( PDF )

Bijman, Rik, Radiotoxicity and Decay Heat Comparison of Nuclear Waste produced by a Thorium or Uranium Fuelled Pebble Bed Reactor, August 2014 ( PDF )

Jagai, Priya, Immobilization of Cs/Sr fraction of radioactive wastes into phosphorus containing compounds of NZP structure types, July 2014 ( PDF )

Versendaal, Jochem, Simulating the flow through a specific stacking pattern, using the lattice Bolzmann method, May 2014 ( PDF )

Jagai, Priya, Immobilization of Cs/Sr fraction of radioactive wastes into phosphorus and silicon containing compounds of pollucite structure, Minor thesis ( PDF )

Graafland, Chris, Modeling and analysis of a depressurized loss of forced cooling event in a thorium fueled high temperature reactor, March 2014 ( PDF )

Lippens, Joris, Linear analysis of thermal intertia effects on the thermal-hydraulic stability of a natural circulation driven supercritical water loop, February 2014 ( PDF )

Carlier, Felix, Coherent Structures in a Rod-Bundle Geometry, August 2013 ( PDF )

Schenderling, Thomas, Numerical analysis of the influence of wall thermal inertia on the stability of natural circulation driven supercritical water reactors, July 2013 ( PDF )

Krijger, Dennis, A linear stability analysis of a water loop driven by natural circulation convection at supercritical conditions, July 2013 ( PDF )

Bremen, Rik van, Water Ingress Scenario Analyses of a Thorium Fuelled HTR, July 2013 ( PDF )

Wit, Jos de, Mathematical Optimization Methodology for Neutron Filters, July 2013 ( PDF )

Kruchten, Tim van, Calculating the variance of k eff  over neutron chains in Monte Carlo critically calculations, January 2013 ( PDF )

Jong, Joran de, Eigenvalue Calculations in Accelarator-Driven Subcritical Systems, August 2012 ( PDF )

Buijs, Luuk, Calculation of the Dancoff Factor in Pebble Bed Reactors using Emperical Chord Length Distributions, August 2012 ( PDF )

Kuilman, Fedde, Implementing the combing method in the dynamic Monte Carlo, July 2012 ( PDF )

Hennink, Aldo, Correcton Method for Neutron Transport Calculations with Real Time Flux Estimation, March 2012 ( PDF )

Spoor, Frank, Monte Carlo and analytical calculations of the Dancoff Factor in Pebble Bed Reactors, specially for Wallpaper Fuel and Moderator Pebbles, February 2012 ( PDF )

Hartman, Charlotte, Effects of geometrical uncertainties in a gas cooled fast reactor, January 2012 ( PDF )

Nijhuis, Marijn van, Adaptive mesh refinement for neutron transport, Augsut 2011 ( PDF )

Bakx, Tom, Testing a Nuclear Pebble-Bed Reactor Model in OpenFoam, August 2011 ( PDF )

Veld, Maarten in ‘t, Linear stability analysis of a High Performance Light Water Reactor, June 2011 ( PDF )

Hesselmann, Brian, Accuracy of linear and quadratic finite elements when solving the Boltzmann transport equation, 2011 ( PDF )

Huisman, Mark, Variance reduction in a three-dimensional space using the correction method, January 2011 ( PDF )

Frederikse, Thomas, CFD calculations on the helium cooling of the Pebble Bed Reactor Core, August 2010 ( PDF )

Koren, Gerbrand, Linear Stability Analysis of a Supercritical Water Loop driven by Natural Convection, August 2010 ( PDF )

Koeze, Dion, A Study of Possible Applications for Jacobian-Free Newton Krylov Methods in Nuclear Reactor Physics, september 2009 ( PDF )

Gils, Joske van, Dampfractie in een kokendwaterreactor, August 2009 ( PDF )

Groen, Joost, Radial void fraction measurement of a random multisized pebble stacking, August 2009 ( PDF )

Webbe, Erick, Simulation of a randomly packed pebble bed using the Discrete Element Method, June 2009 ( PDF )

Wijnen, Marcel, Implementation of Preconditional CG solver for FEM analysis on neutron transport, January 2009 ( PDF )

Weppelman, Gerward, Flashing geïnduceerde instabiliteit in de CIRCUS opstelling met vier parallelle kanalen, September 2008 ( PDF )

Wessem, Melchior van, Experimentally investigating the influence of the feedwater sparger position on the stability of the boiling water reactor facility GENESIS, July 2008 ( PDF )

Dijk, Vincent van, Radial void fraction measurement of a randomly packed pebble-bed, June 2008 ( PDF )

Boer, Jacob Jan de Boer, New Filter Design with Monte Carlo Calculation, June 2008 ( PDF )

Wijk, Andreas van, Computational Modeling of the Flow Field in a Molton Salt Reactor Core, June 2008 ( PDF )

Hoogendoorn, Karin, Bestuderen van het drukprofiel over een BWR bundel voor één- en twee-fasen stroming, February 2008 ( PDF )

Sjenitzer, Bart, Neutron moderation in a rotating disc, January 2008 ( PDF )

Auwerda, Gert-Jan, Computational Modeling of a Molten Salt Reactor, May 2007 ( PDF )

Stok, David van der, The Closed Nuclear Fuel Cycle for the Gas Cooled Fast Reactor, January 2007 ( PDF )

Degen, Coen, Dynamics of the Genesis heating rods, May 2006 ( PDF )

Beker, Mark, Capacitive measurement technique for void fraction measurements in two phase pipe flow, July 2005 ( PDF )

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Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

Bsc and msc projects.

Our group is offering numerous BSc and MSc projects that cover a wide spectrum of subjects in geodynamics and its numerical modelling. Short descriptions, prerequisite knowledge  and contact information are listed below. These are indicative and many more projects are possible, depending on candidates interests.

• chevron_right Mantle dynamics
• chevron_right Dynamics of the lithosphere
• chevron_right Planetary dynamics

Mantle Dynamics

Mixing in earth's mantle by vigorous, three-dimensional non-newtonian convection.

From geochemical measurements we know that Earth's mantle is chemically very heterogeneous, and most likely this heterogeneity is caused mainly by the introduction of chemically-layered slabs at subduction zones, which then get stirred and mixed by mantle convection. Thus, the details of stirring and mixing in the mantle are of great interest to both geochemists and geophysicists, but have so far been studied mainly by two-dimensional calculations. In this project, three-dimensional numerical convection simulations will be performed to study mixing in three-dimensional convection, focusing particularly on the effect of non-Newtonian viscosity (i.e., strain rate is not necessarily proportional to stress).

Contact: Paul Tackley Project type: BSc Major: Geophysics or Physics

The fate of silicates exsolved from the Earth’s core

Recent studies indicate that the geodynamo may have been largely powered by the exsolution of light elements (such as SiO 2 or MgO) from the core [O’Rourke&Stevenson, nature 2016; Hirose+, nature 2017]. However, the fate of exsolved silicates in the mantle remains unknown. In this project, the entrainment of a layer of SiO 2 at the core-mantle boundary by mantle convection, as well as the dispersal of SiO 2 through the mantle will be studied using two-dimensional geodynamic simulations. Any accumulation of SiO 2 near ~1,500 km depth, i.e. the level of neutral buoyancy for SiO 2 , may account for abundant seismic scatterers in the mid mantle [Kaneshima&Helffrich, science 1999].

Contact:   Paul Tackley Project type:  BSc or MSc Major:  Geophysics, Geology or Physics

Slab graveyards at the core-mantle boundary

Most slabs appear to sink to the bottom of the mantle, where they are heated up by the core, their chemically-distinct components (crust and residue) may segregate, they may cause the formation up upwelling hot plumes, and they interact with the post-perovskite phase transition.  High-resolution three-dimensional numerical models will be used to study these processes and the results will be related to detailed seismic studies.

Contact: Paul Tackley Project type: MSc Major: Geophysics or Physics

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Dynamics of the Lithosphere

Investigating the geodynamic evolution of the red sea rift.

The Red Sea and its flanking continental crusts offers a unique opportunity to understand the evolution of divergent plate margins within the continental realm. The Red Sea rifting architecture (Fig.1) differs dramatically along strike (Szymenski et al., 2016), with the northern segment of the RS characterized by hyper-extended crust lacking significant magmatism, coastal escarpment and an axial trough with asymmetrical lithospheric necking and dike intrusions. In contrast, the southern Red Sea rift segment is an example of a magma-rich margin and narrow continental rifting system, that formed in old and stable lithosphere with a thick elastic thickness of the southern Arabian margin (Chen et al., 2015). Understanding the controlling processes of these architectural differences is a fundamental key to the Red Sea rifting evolution and global continental rifting processes. The driving forces of the Red Sea are still debatable (Aldaajani et al., 2021), whether is driven by the emplacement of the Afar plume or far field forces, such as the Neo-Tethys slab pull. Thus, this project focuses on building three dimensional model to simulate the geodynamic evolution the Red Sea under the given plate boundaries condition, Afar potential effect, and western Arabian lithospheric rheology. References: Aldaajani, T. Z., Almalki, K. A., & Betts, P. G. (2021). Plume versus slab-pull: example from the Arabian Plate. Frontiers in Earth Science, 9, 700550.‏ Chen, B., Kaban, M. K., El Khrepy, S., & Al‐Arifi, N. (2015). Effective elastic thickness of the Arabian plate: weak shield versus strong platform. Geophysical Research Letters, 42(9), 3298-3304.‏ Szymanski, E., Stockli, D. F., Johnson, P. R., & Hager, C. (2016). Thermochronometric evidence for diffuse extension and two‐phase rifting within the Central Arabian Margin of the Red Sea Rift. Tectonics, 35(12), 2863-2895.‏

Contact: Taras Gerya or Attila Balazs, external advisor: Thamer Aldaajani Project type: BSc or MSc Major: Geophysics or Geology

The links between subduction dynamics and upper plate deformation

Oceanic and subsequent continental subduction and collision are fundamental elements in plate tectonics. The kinematics of subduction and associated mantle flow control the thermo-mechanical evolution of active margins. During progressive oceanic subduction the overriding plate can be affected by contraction or extension depending on the relative plate velocities. Surface topography is governed by the joint effects of crustal thinning or thickening via isostasy, stresses imposed at the base of the lithosphere controlled by asthenospheric flow and lithospheric flexure. Using existing 2D numerical simulations this project aims to quantify the spatial and temporal evolution of topography and surface heatflow at convergent margins at different scales. The role of rheological heterogeneities and different initial and boundary conditions will be analyzed in a series of numerical experiments. Understanding the rise and demise of forearc and backarc basins can provide conceptual insights into the interaction between subduction kinematics, mantle flow and sedimentary basin formation.

Contact : Attila Balazs, Taras Gerya Project type : BSc or MSc Major : Geophysics or Geology

Dynamic topography and sediment redistribution in extensional basins

Subsidence and uplift patterns and thermal history of sedimentary basins are controlled by a wide range of processes including tectonics, deep Earth dynamics, surface processes in terms of erosion, sediment transportation and deposition and their links to climatic variations. Crustal and lithospheric mantle thinning factors (βc, βlm) were usually derived from the analysis of syn- and post-rift sediment thicknesses to understand basin subsidence variations and its thermal evolution (e.g., Royden and Keen, 1980; Sclater et al., 1980). In contrast to these early kinematic models, many sedimentary basins show periods of anomalous subsidence and uplift pulses and associated thermal anomalies that do not fit the classical rift signatures. Forcing factors, such as increased intraplate stress, ductile flow of the lower crust, asthenospheric or deep mantle flow, variable erosion and sedimentation and the sensitive interplay between these processes should be considered. Using existing 2D numerical simulations this project aims to quantify the subsidence, burial and thermal evolution of sedimentary basins. A series of numerical experiments will be conducted to analyse the influence of mantle convection and its effects on the development of thermal and subsidence anomalies in extensional sedimentary basins.

Discontinuity out of continuity

Volcanism is by definition discontinuous with volcanic eruptions and periods of magma injection (recorded by surface deformation; Fig. 1 inset; Biggs and Pritchard, 2017) being intercalated by repose intervals of different duration. Additionally, all well-studied volcanic provinces show that the average eruption rate is variable in the millions of year timescale (Fig. 1; de Silva and Kay, 2018; Salisbury et al., 2011). With this project we intend to assess if such variability is controlled by variations of the rate of magma supply from the mantle into the crust. More specifically numerical modelling will serve to constrain the rate of melt production and the rate of melt extraction from the mantle. If the rate of extraction is higher than the rate of melt production, this would intrinsically lead to a periodic behaviour with characteristic periodicity linked to subduction parameters. The findings of this study will help understanding if periods of enhanced volcanism are modulated by magma productivity in the mantle and help constraining the potential evolution of a volcanic region toward a period of enhanced volcanism.

REFERENCES Biggs, J., Pritchard, M.E., 2017. Global Volcano Monitoring: What Does It Mean When Volcanoes Deform? Elements. doi:10.2113/gselements.12.3.xx de Silva, S.L., Kay, S.M., 2018. Turning up the Heat: High-Flux Magmatism in the Central Andes. Elements 14, 245–250. doi:10.2138/gselements.14.4.245 Salisbury, M.J., Jicha, B.R., de Silva, S.L., Singer, B.S., 2011. 40Ar/39Ar chronostratigraphy of Altiplano-Puna volcanic complex ignimbrites reveals the development of a major magmatic province. Geol Soc Am Bull 123, 821–840. doi:10.1130/B30280.1

Plate interaction in New Zealand using 3D numerical modelling

The southern island of New Zealand sits at the boundary of the Australian and Pacific plates. The relative plate motion is well constrained, but where exactly it takes place is still a mystery. Is it completely localized along the Alpine Fault, which is considered to be the "official" plate boundary? Or is it distributed within the plates themselves? How do the crust and lithospheric mantle behave in the proximity of the plates boundary? The project involves addressing these questions by setting, running, and analyzing numerical simulations using a 3D numerical model.

Contact: Taras Gerya, Sebastien Castelltort, Liran Goren Project type: BSc or MSc Major: Geophysics or Geology

Rifting, transforms and localized volcanism in young oceanic lithosphere

Using existing 3-D numerical models of oceanic spreading initiation compared to the natural data the Terceira ultra-slow rift in the Azores will be investigated. Main goal is to understand rift asymmetry and distribution of volcanic islands inside the rift.

Contact: Taras Gerya, Fernando Marques Project type: BSc or MSc Major: Geophysics or Geology

3-D dynamics of subduction and crustal growth in magmatic arcs

3-D numerical experiments simulating subduction of an oceanic plate under a continent will be performed with the use of existing numerical models. Variations in slab geometry, continental margin topography, magmatic arc productivity and back-arc extension will be studied as a function of various physical parameters.

Contact: Taras Gerya Project type: BSc or MSc Major: Geophysics or Geology

3-D dynamics of slab breakoff

3-D numerical experiments simulating breakoff of a subducted oceanic plate in the beginning of continental collision will be performed with the use of existing numerical models. Variations in breakoff dynamics, surface topography development and subducted crust melting will be studied as a function of slab age, geometry, composition and subduction rate. Numerical results will be tested on the data from Mediterranean region.

Sedimentary basin development

2-D and 3-D numerical experiments simulating development of a sedimentary basin on a continental lithosphere will be performed with the use of existing numerical models. Variations in basin development dynamics will be studied as a function of continental crust structure and composition and lithospheric extension velocity.

Emplacement of large multi-phase intrusions (batholiths) in magmatic arcs

2-D and 3-D numerical experiments simulating intrusion of partially crystallized magmas from sub-lithospheric depths into the crust of a volcanic arc will be performed with the use of existing numerical models. Variations in intrusion geometry and dynamics will be studied as a function of variable magma volume, composition and viscosity.

Kimberlitic pipes emplacement into the continental crust

2-D and 3-D numerical experiments simulating intrusion of kimberlitic pipes from depths of 200-300 km to the near-surface region of the continental crust will be performed with the use of existing numerical models. Variations in intrusion geometry, size and dynamics will be studied as a function of variable kimberlitic magma volume and viscosity.

Emplacement and evolution of the World´s largest Bushveld layered intrusion

2-D and 3-D numerical experiments simulating emplacement of the World´s largest Bushveld layered intrusion (“magmatic sea” - 300 km in diameter, 8 km deep magma chamber) will be performed with the use of existing numerical models. Variations in intrusion internal structure and dynamics will be studied as a function of variable magma volume and viscosity.

Free numerical modeling project

Do you have your own ideas what planetary / geodynamic / tectonic / geological / deformation / thermal / etc. process you want to model and understand? Then you can define the content of your own project and use existing advanced  2-D and 3-D thermomechanical codes for satisfying your curiosity and investigating your own scientific problem.

Contact: Taras Gerya Project type: BSc or MSc

Modelling the evolution of Venus' mantle and lithosphere

Venus is a similar size to Earth, but looks quite different, lacking plate tectonics but having features such as coronae, highlands, and volcanos, and curiously, a surface with a fairly uniform age of ~700 million years. In this project, the evolution of Venus' mantle, lithosphere and crust will be studied using three-dimensional numerical simulations of the coupled system (including crust formation and core evolution), and comparing results to observations of the planet. Contact : Paul Tackley Project type : MSc Major : Geophysics or Physics

File(s) under embargo

Reason: A thesis chapter in preparation to submission to academic journal

until file(s) become available

Constraining Explosion Physics and Progenitors of Transients via Statistical Inferencing of All Sky Survey Data Streams

Advancements in astronomical imaging all-sky surveys are revolutionising the field of time domain astronomy. However, the immense volume of alert data presents a critical bottleneck in maximizing scientific returns from these surveys. Effectively analyzing alert streams to discover transients in unexplored physical parameter spaces is crucial for enhancing scientific output. Building robust infrastructure to identify, prioritize, and execute efficient follow-up strategies on alert streams from all-sky surveys becomes critical. My thesis confronts this challenge through a multidisciplinary approach, by integrating statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and hydrodynamical simulations to constrain transient explosion properties and motivate effective follow-up initiatives.

I analyze a sample of 45 Type II supernovae from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) public survey using a grid of hydrodynamical models in order to assess whether theoretically driven forecasts can intelligently guide follow-up observations supporting all-sky survey alert streams. I estimate several progenitor properties and explosion physics parameters, including zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS) mass, mass-loss rate, kinetic energy, 56 Ni mass synthesized, host extinction, and the time of the explosion. This work involves simulations of real-time of evolving incomplete light curves of the sample (∆t < 25 days, ∆t < 50 days, all data) leading to the conclusion that certain physical parameters exhibit greater reliability as indicators of true values during early epochs. This study emphasises the vital role of real-time modeling of transients, supported by multi-band synthetic light curves tailored to survey passbands, for identifying interesting transients based on their progenitor and explosion properties and determining critical epochs for follow-up observations.

In my thesis, I report multi wavelength observations and characterization of the ultraluminous transient AT 2021lwx (ZTF20abrbeie; aka“Barbie”) identified in the ZTF alert stream, that was flagged as an anomaly by the Recommender Engine For Intelligent Transient Track-ing (REFITT). From a spectroscopically measured redshift of 0.9945, and slowly fading g and r light curves spanning over 1000 observer-frame days that peak with an absolute magnitude of Mr = −25.7 mag, AT 2021lwx has an extraordinary peak pseudo-bolometric luminosity of log (Lmax/[erg/s]) = 45.7. The total radiative energy is over 10 53 erg, and as of today, the transient continues to decline slowly following a t −5/3 power-law. Modeling available photometry with MOSFiT suggests that AT 2021lwx is a tidal disruption event (TDE) candidate involving a ≈ 14 or 15 solar mass star accreting onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH) with mass M BH ≈ 10 8 solar mass. But, intriguingly, no host galaxy associated with the theorized SMBH is detected yet. The Pan-STARRS non-detections do not definitively exclude the existence of a galaxy hosting AT 2021lwx. Utilizing EzGal, upper limits on the stellar mass for different stellar population models were determined. These upper limits suggest that a 10 10 solar mass host galaxy cannot be ruled out.

The enhanced sensitivity of upcoming large-scale all-sky surveys enables the early detection of transients, providing unique insights into their progenitor systems, an example being detection of shock cooling emission (SCE) in light curves of stripped-envelope supernovae(SESNe). Leveraging a statistically significant sample of these events with early detections from all-sky surveys presents an invaluable opportunity to constrain their environments, pro-genitors, and explosion properties. In my final study contributing to this thesis, I analyze a sample of 16 SESNe identified from the ZTF survey, characterised by prominent shock cooling emission features in their light curves. By modeling the SCE and the radioactive peak in these transients, I derive estimates of progenitor radius, mass of the extended envelope and explosion properties of SESNe. This analysis yields upper limits and ranges for the compactness and envelope structures of the SESN progenitors that exhibit SCE in their light curves. I conclude my thesis with a summary of the findings and their future applications.

Degree Type

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Physics and Astronomy

Campus location

• West Lafayette

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Additional committee member 2, additional committee member 3, additional committee member 4, usage metrics.

• Stellar astronomy and planetary systems

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Eric Mazur’s research group uses ultra-short laser pulses to study ultrafast dynamics in physical systems and to create extreme non-equilibrium conditions in matter. For instance, ultrashort laser pulses provide a direct view of the ultrafast carrier and lattice dynamics in photo excited solids. A better understanding of electron behavior in solids is important for both microelectronics and micromachining applications. Mazur's group also uses these short laser pulses to coherently control the lattice dynamics in solids on the femtosecond time scale.

The high intensity of ultrashort laser pulses can also be used to micromachine waveguides and other photonic structures inside transparent materials. Such structures can be used to fabricate highly integrated photonic devices. Mazur's group currently studies the physical processes that take place during micromachining and is developing an array of active and passive photonic devices. By tightly focusing these laser pulses inside biological samples, the group recently developed a nanosurgery technique that allows the micro manipulation of subcellular organelles inside living cells and small organisms.

Mazur's group also discovered a modified form of silicon obtained by focusing femtosecond laser pulses on the surface of a silicon wafer in the presence of a sulfur containing gas. The optoelectronic properties of the resulting microstructured surface provide interesting physics and open the door to new applications.

___________________________ Faculty Assistant:  Virginia Casas

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Nine new faculty to join McKelvey Engineering for 2024-25

New faculty bring range of experience from data science to biomechanics

Nine new faculty will join the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis for the 2024-25 academic year, including six tenured/tenure-track faculty members and three lecturers.

• Computer Science & Engineering

Ilan Goodman, lecturer

MS, computer science, Stanford University, 2016 BS, physics, Stanford University, 2015

Ilan Goodman joins the Department of Computer Science & Engineering as a lecturer Sept.1, 2024. Most recently, Goodman was a machine learning engineer at Meta Platforms Inc. Previously, Goodman was an engineer at Robinhood Markets Inc., the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Facebook.

At Stanford, Goodman was a teaching assistant in various classes, including Data Structures, Introduction to Probability for Computer Scientists, Programming Abstractions, and Design and Analysis of Algorithms. Among his honors and awards is a Centennial Teaching Assistant Award for outstanding teaching assistants from Stanford University in 2016. Independently, he wrote a neural network to teach a computer to compose music and developed new techniques for understanding the strength of college football teams from the season’s competitive graph. He also is an accomplished musician.

Michael Hall, lecturer

PhD, computer engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 2015 MS, electrical engineering, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 2007 BS, computer engineering, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 2006 

Michael Hall joins the departments of computer science & engineering and electrical & systems engineering as a lecturer Sept. 1. Most recently, Hall has been an adjunct instructor for CSE 132, Introduction to Computer Engineering, and CSE 560M in McKelvey Engineering. In addition, Hall has been a software engineer for OpenVault since 2021. Previously, Hall was a hardware engineer with VelociData. His experience spans reconfigurable logic, integrated circuit and PCB design, networking, software engineering, parallel programming, optimization and data science.

Gregory Kehne, assistant professor

PhD, computer science, Harvard University, 2023 BA, mathematics, Williams College, 2016

Gregory Kehne joins the Department of Computer Science & Engineering Aug. 1, 2024, from the University of Texas at Austin, where he has been a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Computer Science. He studies online and approximation algorithms, computational social choice, and algorithms for the study and improvement of collective decision-making. Previously, he was a doctoral student at Harvard University in the EconCS Group, which pursues research, both theoretical and experimental, on artificial intelligence and algorithms for social and economic impact, and at Carnegie Mellon University in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. He has been an author of numerous papers and has given a variety of talks.

Qinghua Liu, assistant professor

PhD, electrical and computer engineering, Princeton University, 2024 BE, electrical engineering and BS, mathematics, Tsinghua University, 2018 

Qinghua Liu will join the Department of Computer Science at Washington University in St. Louis in 2025. He is a postdoctoral researcher at Microsoft Research in New York. He has also spent time at DeepMind in London and the Simons Institute.

Liu studies machine learning for decision-making. His past research encompasses a wide range of areas within reinforcement learning, including multi-agent reinforcement learning, partially observable reinforcement learning, and reinforcement learning with large state spaces. He is particularly interested in reinforcement learning from human feedback and the development of foundation models for decision-making. His work has been recognized with the Princeton SEAS Award and a Best Paper Award at the ICLR 2022 MARL workshop.

• Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

Fanwei Kong , a ssistant professor

PhD, mechanical engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2022 BSc, biomedical engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2016

Fanwei Kong plans to join McKelvey Engineering in January 2025 from Stanford University, where she has been a postdoctoral scholar since 2022. Her research interests lie at the intersection of AI, medical computer vision and computational modeling of the heart. Her research has focused on developing machine learning and computational methods to create digital twins of patients’ hearts to enable personalized treatment planning, outcome predictions and early risk detection for cardiovascular diseases.

In addition to academic research, Kong worked as an algorithm consultant for EnChannel Medical Inc., a medical device startup company for treating atrial fibrillation. She also completed an internship in computer vision and medical imaging research with Intuitive Surgical. She has numerous peer-reviewed publications, won first place at the ASME-BED/SB3C Student Paper Competition, and was selected as a Rising Star in Mechanical Engineering in 2022 by Stanford University.

Afaque Manzoor, senior lecturer

PhD, mechatronics engineering, Jeju National University, 2021 ME, power engineering, Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology, 2018 BE, electrical engineering, Sukkur IBA University

Afaque Manzoor will join McKelvey Engineering as a senior lecturer in August 2024 from Sukkur IBA University in Pakistan, where he has been an assistant professor of electrical engineering since 2021. He heads the Advanced Micro Mechatronics and Energy Lab, where he and lab members use theoretical, numerical and experimental approaches to tackle challenges in emerging electronics, robotics, energy storage and harvesting, and health care. Manzoor’s research focuses on soft materials and soft robotics, flexible and wearable electronics, energy storage and harvesting, and 3D and 4D printing of multifunctional materials. He focuses on the design, modeling and fabrication of soft bioinspired robots and flexible sensors using innovative fabrication techniques. He serves as academic editor of the Journal of Robotics and of the Journal of Sensors and is an editorial board member of AI, Computer Science and Robotics Technology. 

Sara Roccabianca , associate professor

PhD, engineering, civil and mechanical structural systems, University of Trento, 2011 BS, MS, civil engineering, University of Trento, 2004 and 2007, respectively

Sara Roccabianca plans to join McKelvey Engineering as an associate professor in August 2024 from Michigan State University, where she has been on the faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering since 2014, most recently as associate professor. Previously, she was a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Roccabianca’s research is in bladder and cardiovascular biomechanics, extracellular matrix remodeling, growth and remodeling, collagen and elastin, and constitutive modeling. Her research is funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, as well as Michigan State University. She has been a co-author of 27 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 60 conference papers. Through her research, she has collaborated with colleagues in various engineering fields as well as in pharmacology and toxicology, chemistry, physiology and urology. She services as a reviewer for various scientific journals and has been a guest editor for ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. She also has been involved in community outreach activities aimed to increase equity, diversity and inclusion in engineering, including activities to bring girls and young women into engineering.

• Electrical & Systems Engineering

Hong Hu, assistant professor

PhD, engineering and applied sciences, Harvard University, 2021 BS, automation, Tsinghua University, 2015

Hong Hu will join the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering as an assistant professor in fall 2024. 

Hu is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Statistics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned a doctorate in Engineering and Applied Sciences from Harvard University in 2021 and a bachelor’s degree in automation from Tsinghua University in 2015.

Hu’s research interests lie in the field of signal processing, statistics and machine learning, with a particular focus on developing theoretical underpinnings for algorithms that process high-dimensional data. His work aims to facilitate systematic and refined designs of information processing algorithms in real applications.

Hu will also have an appointment in the  Department of Statistics and Data Science  in Arts & Sciences.

Janet Sorrells, assistant professor

PhD and MS, bioengineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2024 and 2020, respectively BS, biomedical engineering, University of Rochester, 2018

Janet Sorrells will join the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering as an assistant professor in August 2024.

Sorrells is expected to earn a doctorate in bioengineering in July from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also earned a master’s degree in bioengineering in 2020. She earned a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering from the University of Rochester in 2018.

Sorrells works in the Biophotonics Imaging Laboratory with Stephen Boppart, professor and Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering at UIUC. Her doctoral thesis focuses on various hardware and software improvements for label-free nonlinear optical microscopy to enable faster and higher-throughput imaging. Part of the work has been developing the SPEED (Single- and multi-photon PEak Event Detection) algorithm to enable the fastest-ever single-detector photon counting in fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, for which she received the 2023 Illinois Innovation Award. She also is a member of the Center for Optical Molecular Imaging (COMI), a collaboration between the Biophotonics Imaging Lab and GSK, where she contributes to nonlinear optical microscopy system development. 

The departments of Biomedical Engineering and of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering have no new faculty for 2024-25.

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