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Physicists have created a new 'time crystal'—it won't power a time machine, but it could have many other uses

Kirsten Apodaca — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:15:17 +0000

Physicists have created a new 'time crystal'—it won't power a time machine, but it could have many other uses Kirsten Apodaca Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:15

A team at 91ɫ�� including physics graduate student Hanqing Zhao and Professor Ivan Smalyukh, have made a curious state of matter in which particles move constantly—like a clock with hands and gears that spin forever, even without electricity to keep them going.

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Twice a Buff: Kerrie Ellzey’s path to physics

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:44:06 +0000

Twice a Buff: Kerrie Ellzey’s path to physics Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 09/04/2025 - 09:44

Kirsten Apodaca

Returning to college for a second degree takes grit and determination – and Kerrie Ellzey (Psyc’12, Phys’17) had both.

After completing her degree in psychology from 91ɫ��, Ellzey taught preschool for several years before deciding to make a change. In high school, she loved physics and missed the sciences.

“I specifically wanted to study physics because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as a career, but I wanted to understand how the world worked at a very basic level,” she said.

That curiosity shaped not only her academic focus but also how she engaged with the 91ɫ�� community the second time around.

Reimagining the college experience

During her first bachelor’s degree, Ellzey wasn’t involved in many extracurriculars. Returning for a second degree allowed her to approach school differently. While an undergraduate in physics, she conducted undergraduate research and worked to improve community in the department.

“I completed an undergraduate honors thesis, got involved in CU-Prime, helped plan the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics, and volunteered on other community building efforts in the department,” said Ellzey.

Ellzey’s undergraduate research with Professor Alysia Marino focused on neutrinos – the most abundant and smallest particles with measurable mass in the universe.

As part of her research, Ellzey evaluated detector options used to monitor muons, a byproduct of creating the neutrino beam sent from Fermilab, a national laboratory that specializes in high-energy particle physics.

“We put commercial and prototype detectors into the beamline at Fermilab and compared their performance to simulated performance predictions. I did both the simulation analysis and the hardware data analysis.”

After defending her honors thesis and graduating with her second bachelor’s degree in physics, Ellzey looked to what was next for her career.

From academia to aerospace

She briefly worked at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) conducting arctic ice research before joining Ball Aerospace (now BAE Systems, Inc) as a material science engineer.

“Material science and detailed engineering was a fantastic way to become familiar with the company and technology, but after about a year I was feeling a desire to understand the larger context of what I was working on,” she said.

She then transferred into a tactical modeling and simulation group.

“I have had the incredible opportunity to create performance prediction models of RF Mission Systems and then attend flight and field test events that proved out the performance of these systems.”

She’s now expanding her work experience into a broader systems engineering role, but still with an emphasis on modeling and simulation as well as occasional test events. Ellzey also mentors earlier career engineers in performance prediction modeling and test data analysis, which she finds incredibly rewarding.

Her day-to-day in her current role varies depending on the project she’s working on.

“Sometimes I’m at a computer debugging code and crunching data, and sometimes I’m in a lab troubleshooting test hardware,” she said. “Every day I collaborate with folks from different disciplines, and periodically I make presentations and brief customers on the big picture impacts of our systems and their performance.”

Lessons from a non-traditional path

In a competitive job market, it’s not always enough to have the technical know-how.

“Show you are a well-rounded human and get technical work experience,” Ellzey advised.

As someone who now interviews others, she assumes candidates will have a research experience or internship. But those that also do something else with their time – like volunteering, leading a student organization, working as a learning assistant – are the ones that stand out.

Physics taught me how to persevere, self-teach, and gave me the technical foundation for a career in systems engineering.
- Kerrie Ellzey

“Those experiences help show that you will thrive in a team environment,” Ellzey added. “I didn’t put my preschool teacher work experience on my resume, but hiring managers asked about the gap in time. When I told them, that ended up being a huge selling point!”

Ellzey said she has frequently dealt with impostor syndrome because of her non-traditional career path and background. But after considering her collective experience, her mindset shifted.

“I realized all the seemingly random things I have done actually make me an asset to my team. Physics taught me how to persevere, self-teach, and gave me the technical foundation for a career in systems engineering. I also have the people skills to work well with folks of any background and that came from so many of the experiences and learning opportunities I had outside of the classroom,” said Ellzey.

Advice for future students

To make the most of your college experience, Ellzey recommends doing more than just going to class.

“College and early career can be difficult and isolating but having a community can help you be resilient during the challenges,” she said. “You will meet more people, be part of a larger community, and grow as a person.”

Ellzey’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and persistence. From her first degree at 91ɫ��, to teaching preschool, pursuing physics, and now launching her career in aerospace – her path has led her to success. For students considering a second degree or a career change, her advice is simple: pursue your curiosity and embrace your unique experiences. They just might be your greatest strengths.

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Dune research by geophysics graduate student Stephanie McNamara featured in 91ɫ�� Today

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:29:26 +0000

Dune research by geophysics graduate student Stephanie McNamara featured in 91ɫ�� Today Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 08/28/2025 - 08:29

Stephanie McNamara, geophysics graduate student, is conducting research with Nathalie Vriend, associate professor at the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at 91ɫ��. Among other questions, the lab explores how dunes evolve over time.

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Professor and JILA Fellow Jun Ye awarded AB Nexus grant for Anschutz-91ɫ�� collaboration

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:18:26 +0000

Professor and JILA Fellow Jun Ye awarded AB Nexus grant for Anschutz-91ɫ�� collaboration Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 08/27/2025 - 17:18

Jun Ye and collaborator Lilliam Ambroggio (CU Anschutz) have been awarded a 2025 AB Nexus seed grant for their project "Using Quantum Sensing to Detect Pneumonia and Asthma in Children."

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JaeBeom Park awarded Sambamurti Memorial Lectureship at Brookhaven National Laboratory

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:57:25 +0000

JaeBeom Park awarded Sambamurti Memorial Lectureship at Brookhaven National Laboratory Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 08/18/2025 - 13:57

Kirsten Apodaca

JaeBeom Park (Image Credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory)

Postdoctoral Associate JaeBeom Park was recently awarded the Sambamurti Memorial Lectureship from Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) for his work on the sPHENIX experiment. Park delivered the lecture, “The Final Mission of RHIC: Unveiling the Last Chapter of the Quark-Gluon Plasma with sPHENIX” to a packed audience at the BNL Physics Department on July 31, 2025.

The lectureship was established “in memory of Aditya Sambamurti, a young high energy experimentalist working on rare kaon decays at the BNL AGS, who died in 1992,” according to the BNL website. The lectureship is awarded yearly for “outstanding achievement” to high energy or heavy ion experimentalist researchers within 20 years of their PhD, and includes a $1,000 honorarium.

“I am honored to receive the Sambamurti Award and to have the opportunity to share my work with a broad audience, including many enthusiastic young students who are curious about science,” said Park.

After receiving his PhD from Korea University, Park joined the experimental nuclear physics group at 91ɫ�� in 2023, working closely with Professors Dennis Perepelitsa and Jamie Nagle on sPHENIX.

sPHENIX is a large detector housed at Brookhaven National Laboratory, designed to learn more about quark-gluon plasma — a state of matter that existed for a brief moment after the Big Bang. The detector collects data on millions of particle collisions per second from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC).

Park delivers the 2025 Sambamurti Lecture. (Image Credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory)

Hundreds of scientists and engineers have collaborated on building and operating the experiment. The detector is about two-stories high, weighs 1,000 tons, and requires round-the-clock support in the control room during data-taking periods.

91ɫ��’s experimental nuclear physics group is deeply involved in sPHENIX, with Nagle serving as Run Coordinator during the 2024 collision data-taking, and Perepelitsa serving as Deputy Spokesperson. And since 2023, Park has spent extensive time in person at the experimental site.

“JaeBeom was a regular fixture in the sPHENIX control room, and a particular expert on the trigger and readout electronics, the data acquisition system, and on critical checks of the data integrity. He was even the designated “on-call” expert for large periods of time,” said Perepelitsa.

sPHENIX recently released its first physics results after three years of data-taking, setting the foundation to further explore the structure of quark-gluon plasma. The results lay the groundwork for future studies as scientists look to uncover properties of the early universe.

“JaeBeom has been instrumental in making three-years of data-taking at sPHENIX a success,” said Perepelitsa. “He has been making crucial contributions at a fundamental, technical level and really “living and breathing” the experiment.”

Park added “working on sPHENIX has been one of the most unique, challenging, and energetic experiences in my career. The Collaboration is full of passionate and dedicated people, and I’m constantly learning from them every day, especially from my group members from 91ɫ��.”

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Dr. JaeBeom Park delivers the 2025 Sambamurti Lecture at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Image credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory.

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Welcoming new assistant professor of physics, Ivy Tan

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 21:12:48 +0000

Welcoming new assistant professor of physics, Ivy Tan Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 08/12/2025 - 15:12

Kirsten Apodaca

The Department of Physics at the 91ɫ�� is thrilled to welcome Ivy Tan as a new Assistant Professor of Physics this fall.

Her interest in the field started with a love for physics and mathematics in high school. “I enjoyed understanding phenomena at a fundamental level,” said Tan.

She went on to major in physics and mathematics at the University of Toronto, where she was introduced to atmospheric and climate physics. She said, “it was a natural fit for me as it allowed me to apply my background in physics to my growing interest in climate change.”

Tan completed her doctoral studies in Earth and Planetary Sciences at Yale University in 2016. After her graduate studies, she was awarded several prestigious research awards at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

A geophysicist with interests in climate and atmospheric physics, Tan’s research is centered on Earth’s clouds, radiation and climate. She studies the formation and dissipation of small-scale processes associated with clouds, their interactions with radiation and how they in turn influence the large-scale climate system.

For Tan, 91ɫ�� presents a vast opportunity for collaboration with other academic departments, institutes, and national laboratories in the area. She added, “from modelling at all scales to satellite remote sensing, there is so much potential for collaboration right here in 91ɫ�� with colleagues in atmospheric and oceanic sciences, applied mathematics, LASP and CIRES at 91ɫ��, in addition to NCAR and NOAA.”

She’s also looking forward to inspiring more students to pursue climate physics through teaching and research. “91ɫ�� and its surrounding institutions are a powerhouse in physics and climate science, and I can’t wait to collaborate with its leading researchers,” said Tan.

For more information about Ivy Tan’s research, visit the Climate Physics Group website.

The Department of Physics at the 91ɫ�� is thrilled to welcome Ivy Tan as a new Assistant Professor of Physics this fall. A geophysicist with interests in climate and atmospheric physics, Tan’s research is centered on Earth’s clouds, radiation and climate.

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In Memoriam: P. Dale Kunz, professor emeritus of physics

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:52:09 +0000

In Memoriam: P. Dale Kunz, professor emeritus of physics Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 08/12/2025 - 08:52

Peter Dale Kunz, professor emeritus of physics at the 91ɫ�� passed away in January 2025 at the age of 96.

Kunz earned his Ph.D. at the University of Washington in 1959 and came to 91ɫ�� as an acting assistant professor in 1962. He spent his career at 91ɫ��, rising through the ranks and retiring as a full professor in 1992.

Kunz was a member of the nuclear physics group, the largest research group in the department during his time here. The group operated a cyclotron on east campus at what was known as the Nuclear Physics Laboratory. The cyclotron was the first built between St. Louis and the West Coast and the experiment enabled more than 25 years of pioneering nuclear physics research.

As a theorist, Kunz worked closely with other members of the group. One of his most significant research contributions was a software package used to analyze experiments about low energy nuclear physics, dubbed “DWUCK” (Distorted wave – University of Colorado – Kunz).

After he retired, Kunz lived in the Pacific Northwest until a few years ago, when he returned to 91ɫ�� to be with family. Kunz is remembered as an exemplary colleague by faculty who worked with him.

View Kunz' Obituary

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A milestone year for the 91ɫ�� School for Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:30:06 +0000

A milestone year for the 91ɫ�� School for Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 07/31/2025 - 08:30

Kirsten Apodaca

This year marked the 25th year of the 91ɫ�� School for Condensed Matter and Materials Physics (BSS) which brings advanced graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and lecturers from around the world to 91ɫ�� for the month of July.

The 91ɫ�� School for Condensed Matter and Materials Physics was established in 2000 to provide education for advanced graduate students and postdocs working in condensed matter physics, materials science and related fields. Students working at the frontiers of science and technology receive expert training not easily available within the traditional system of graduate education and postdoctoral apprenticeship.

BSS is directed by Leo Radzihovsky, Professor of Distinction in Physics at 91ɫ��. He is one of the school’s original co-founders, along with Steve Girvin (Yale), Matthew Fisher (UCSB) and Cristina Marchetti (UCSB). Each year, Radzihovsky and colleagues, along with an Advisory Board of distinguished scientists select a topical area for the July school.

This year’s BSS was titled “Dynamics of Strongly Correlated Electrons,” with scientific organizers Debanjan Chowdhury (Cornell), Sean Hartnoll (Cambridge), Minhyea Lee (91ɫ��), Andrew Lucas (91ɫ��) and Leo Radzihovsky (91ɫ��). Participants (65 graduate and postdoctoral students) and international lecturers explored the profound and long-standing challenges in the field of correlated quantum materials through theoretical, experimental and computational frameworks.

Public lecture presented by Prof. Margaret Murnane.

Margaret Murnane, Distinguished Professor, gave the school’s annual public lecture, “Building the Quantum Microscopes of the Future: From Star Wars to Quantum Sculpting.” Her lecture focused on how advances in quantum physics have led to the development of next-generation microscopes and what this means for the future of imaging, materials, and related areas.

“It has been 25 rewarding years of hosting the 91ɫ�� Summer School every July – meeting, interacting and getting to know some of the most brilliant young physicists from around the world, the future of our condensed matter physics community,” said Radzihovsky. “It’s also a pleasure to host and reconnect with many of my dear friends and colleagues lecturing at BSS and to discuss the diverse frontiers of condensed matter physics."

When not attending lectures or poster sessions, participants explored 91ɫ�� and the surrounding area, taking organized hikes, exploring Pearl Street, and joining other social activities.

The school is supported by the National Science Foundation, with additional funding provided by the 91ɫ��.

Next year’s 91ɫ�� School for Condensed Matter and Materials Physics will focus on “Geometry and Topology in Soft Matter Physics.” Applications for the 2026 school will open in mid-fall and interested students should apply by January 1, 2026.

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Mihaly Horanyi and Xu Wang win prestigious NASA prize for dust mitigation instrument

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:06:05 +0000

Mihaly Horanyi and Xu Wang win prestigious NASA prize for dust mitigation instrument Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 07/29/2025 - 10:06

Space Dust Research & Technologies LLC, co-founded by LASP researchers Xu Wang and Mihaly Horanyi, has been awarded one of ten NASA TechLeap Prizes in the Space Technology Payload Challenge for their Electron Beam Dust Mitigation (EBDM) system.

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Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for Quantum Scholars

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for Quantum Scholars Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 07/28/2025 - 09:00

Kirsten Apodaca

Ryan Carpenter speaks at a Quantum Scholars meeting.

The Quantum Scholars Program at the 91ɫ�� has gained new support through a partnership with the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP). Approximately 25 Quantum Scholars will receive SCSP quantum scholarships over the next two years, allowing the program to support the growing student demand. The gift also includes travel funding for several Quantum Scholars to attend SCSP’s AI+ Expo planned for May 2026 in Washington, DC.

Quantum Scholars provides scholarships and opportunities for undergraduates at 91ɫ�� to learn about the quantum field through professional development, co-curricular activities and industrial engagement. Scholarship support and engagement with partner organizations, industry and alumni is critical to the program’s success.

“We are grateful for this new partnership with SCSP — it’s a win-win-win,” said Noah Finkelstein, professor of physics and co-director of Quantum Scholars. “SCSP is providing essential funding for Quantum Scholars along with great speakers and perspectives for our monthly seminar series; SCSP is connecting to leading scholars of the next generation; and the students are exposed to applications of AI, quantum sciences, and a rich network of industry, national labs, and government sector leaders.”

What is SCSP?

The Special Competitive Studies Project is a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Ylli Bajraktari. The organization was inspired by the Rockefeller Special Studies Project of the 1950s and builds upon the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, incorporating guidance for technologies beyond artificial intelligence.

SCSP provides recommendations to bolster America’s competitiveness in key technologies that are playing a role in national security, the economy and society at large. They bring together industry leaders, policy makers, venture capitalists and academia to forge connections and drive innovation.

SCSP visit inspires the Quantum Scholars

At their March meeting, Quantum Scholars heard from Ryan Carpenter, special advisor at SCSP, and Olivia Armstrong, associate director for future technology platforms. They shared insights about SCSP’s mission and work in six main areas including foreign policy, intelligence, defense, economy, society and future tech platforms.

SCSP’s visit gave the scholars a new perspective on why quantum technology is critical as one of the main platforms of future technology. Along with SCSP’s Vice President of Strategy, P.J. Maykish, Carpenter and Armstrong also held a workshop for the scholars on the landscape of entrepreneurship and engagement in critical technologies for advancing society.

"Our visit with CU's Quantum Scholars program was truly inspiring,” said Carpenter. “I am always encouraged about our future when I meet students and seeing these emerging leaders' passion and innovative approaches to tackling hard problems gives me great optimism."

Quantum Scholars attend national conference

Building on SCSP’s visit, three Quantum Scholars represented 91ɫ�� at the 2025 AI+ Expo hosted by SCSP in Washington, D.C. The group included Mason Hergert, Nate Moretsky and Joey Pontiff. Quantum Scholars co-director Noah Finkelstein also joined the group at the Expo.

In its second year, the national-level conference brought together leaders from all sectors to explore breakthrough technologies, focusing on the United States and its allies’ competitiveness in these areas. According to SCSP, the AI+ Expo hosted over 15,000 attendees, more than 500 speakers, and over 350 sessions.

The sheer scale of the conference was remarkable according to the Quantum Scholars. The conference put on display just how many innovations and emerging technologies are under development, and how all sectors play a role in the global tech race.

“The expo exposed me to perspectives on technological advancement in ways I never would have had the opportunity to see otherwise,” said Hergert.

The scholars heard impactful talks from CEOs and CTOs of tech companies, governmental leaders and venture capitalists – and how they are all working together to chart the best path forward in this period of rapid technological development.

“The biggest takeaway was that in the time and place we’re in right now, we as Quantum Scholars have the ability to shape the future,” said Pontiff.

Looking ahead

Calling the AI+ Expo one of the “most inspirational events” he’s ever attended, Hergert hopes to encourage more Quantum Scholars to attend next year’s expo.

Partnerships with industry and organizations like SCSP are critical as Quantum Scholars continues to grow.

“We are very optimistic about the future of this partnership and look forward to growing opportunities with SCSP and our remarkable Quantum Scholars,” said Finkelstein.

New funding from the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) will support growing demand for the Quantum Scholars program, providing approximately 25 new scholarships for the innovative program.

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