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Exploring Future Possibilities

"Our department is diverse and welcoming, and our stellar faculty leads different areas of physics that include astrophysics, gravity and cosmology, condensed matter, particle physics, biological physics, and atomic, molecular and optical physics. We strive to make the department the best working place for our faculty, staff, students and postdocs; a place promoting values that include creativity, inclusion, passion, innovation, teamwork, transparency, perseverance, honesty, and humility, and where everyone is valued, supported, included, and trusted."
—Mauricio Terrones, Department Head

Physics Undergrad student conducting an experiment on a 2DCC machine
Physics undergraduate program

Develop a broad, deep, and rigorous knowledge of the quantitative problems that govern the natural world.

Physics graduate researching looking at an experiment

Intellectually challenging and exciting graduate research alongside leading physics faculty full of talent, enthusiasm, and imagination.

Physics graduate program

Physics Spotlight

Researchers demonstrate how to electronically alter the direction of electron flow in promising materials for quantum computers.

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Electrical control of quantum phenomenon could improve future electronic devices

The professorship honors Samarth’s research contributions, teaching, and serviece to the department and college.

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Nitin Samarth named Verne M. Willaman Professor of Physics

Discussing Penn State alumnus David Bohm’s connection to J. Robert Oppenheimer and the David Bohm Award for undergraduate physics majors

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Q&A: Richard Robinett on David Bohm and Penn State’s connection to Oppenheimer