Letter from the Chair

Dear UF Physics Alumni & Friends,  

I am pleased to share our spring 2026 UF Physics Department newsletter.     

In this edition, Professor BingKan Xue describes his innovative project that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to understand pattern variation and mimicry in butterflies, in collaboration with the Florida Museum of Natural History.  This is just one of the many ways that UF Physics researchers are integrating AI into their work. Just last month, Physics faculty submitted 14 proposals to the US Department of Energy’s Genesis program, which is applying AI to accelerate discovery and scientific leadership.  UF Physics faculty proposed new AI-driven projects in diverse areas from particle collider physics to quantum matter, materials discovery, computing, high energy theory and cosmology.  Most of these proposals were led by newer faculty in the department.  

One article that will be of interest to our “recent” Ph.D. graduates is Bariana Bowman’s heartfelt farewell to Pam Marlin. Pam retired in April after 20 years’ service as academic assistant to our graduate program. Having shepherded multiple generations of graduate students through the Ph.D. program, from application and admission to the final defense, Pam was known and appreciated by faculty, students and staff.  

Finally, we very recently learned that Professor Pierre Sikivie has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Professor Sikivie, who has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including the APS Sakurai Prize and the Galileo Galilei Medal, came to UF Physics in 1981 as Assistant Professor. He retired in 2023 as Distinguished Professor Emeritus.  Congratulations to Pierre!  

On behalf of everyone in UF Physics, thanks to all of our alumni and friends for your engagement and support.  

Best regards,  

Steve Hagen  
Professor & Chair