Chair’s Letter
Dear Alumni and Friends of UF Physics,
The 2022-2023 academic year is off to a great start for our department, with three new faculty joining us this fall: Philip Chang (High Energy Physics), Chunjing Jia (Quantum Theory Project and Condensed Matter Theory) and Jeff Andrews (Astrophysics Theory). Astrophysics theorist Laura Blecha has been promoted to associate professor, and we have multiple new faculty searches in progress.
Our fall newsletter contains highlights of the many accomplishments of our undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and alumni. Their creativity and initiative are on display in many ways, from science outreach and new research directions to major grants, fellowships, and scholarships received.
I would like to bring attention to the news item about the in-memoriam degree recently awarded to the family of Wayne R. Bomstad II, in recognition of the deep impression that Wayne left on our department. Wayne was an outstanding physics teacher and department colleague. His legacy continues on through a coveted award given annually to our top graduate teaching assistants. The strong support of our alumni and friends, including Wayne’s family, enables us to recognize and foster excellence in our graduate and undergraduate programs — and help our students get the most out of their UF experience. Thank you for your support!
Best regards,
Steve Hagen
Professor & Chair