Message from the Chair
Dear Friends,
Happy Spring wishes to you all! As we navigate towards the end of this academic year, I think we can all agree that it has been a challenging one. Yet, despite the headwinds we face, we can be proud of the accomplishments of our department over this past year and feel confident that this excellence will continue into the future through our faculty, students and staff.
Overall external grant funding numbers remain strong and not very different from those at the same time last year. Department members received several awards this year, including a Sloan Fellowship, Early Career Award, Breakthrough Prize, APS Feshbach prize, Moore EPI prize, and more. The department hosted several events including two recent Nobel Laureates in our public lecture series – 2024 Chemistry Laureate David Baker in Fall 25 and 2025 Physics Laureate John Martinis in Spring 26.
Earlier this year Professors Henry Lubatti and Peter Shaffer announced their retirements. We celebrate their respective research careers in experimental particle physics and physics education, and their numerous contributions to our department. We also mourn the passing, earlier this year, of Emeritus Professor and distinguished particle theorist Marshall Baker. As we get ready for graduation in June, we wish all those about to receive UW Physics degrees all the best for the future. We also look forward to welcoming 21 new PhD students into the program this coming Fall.
In this issue of the Physics Observer, we spotlight the work of an undergraduate student, four graduate students, and celebrate the promotions of three faculty members.
Thanks to all faculty, students, and staff, for everything you do for the department. Thanks also to all our donors for your support. I wish everyone a happy finish to the academic year and a relaxing and productive summer ahead!
Best,
Deep Gupta
Physics Chair
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