Projects

2026 Faculty/Projects

Final Poster Session, 2025

For more details on any of the faculty members and their research, see the faculty pages listed in our department directory: https://physics.byu.edu/department/directory.

Adam Bennion

Studying a Professional Development Course for Teachers

For this project we will be studying data from a technology professional development course for teachers. This will include qualitative analysis of interviews, workshop materials, lesson plans, and other related documents. We will also work to revise the workshop based on the prior analysis and then run the weeklong workshop with a new group of teachers. The study focus includes topics central to student sensemaking, teacher beliefs, and the role of technology in science classrooms. 

Background Needed

  • Participants should have an interest in science education and what methods and skills undergraduates would need to prepare to become resourceful and effective teachers.

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • The participants will gain skills in qualitative research: grounded theory, case construction, interview analysis, interrater reliability coding, etc.

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Karine Chesnel

Nanomagnetism

Our group studies magnetic properties of nanosystems such as nanoparticles and magnetic ultra-thin films. These materials exhibit magnetic structures at the nanometer scale. We use various tools to investigate the properties of these magnetic structures, including magnetic imaging (MFM), magnetometry (VSM), and synchrotron X-ray scattering techniques. By combining these different experiments we learn about how magnetic domains form, propagate and disappear as we apply an external magnetic field to the material. In the case of magnetic thin films, we also study the ability for the magnetic domain pattern to remember its configuration throughout field cycling. In case of magnetic nanoparticles, we also study magnetic ordering between nanoparticles and dynamics of magnetic fluctuations. This research is mostly experimental. A REU student would typically be involved in collecting magnetic images or magnetometry data on these magnetic structures after proper training on instrumentation, and in analyzing the data.

Background Needed

  • Interest in material sciences
  • Basic Electricity and Magnetism
  • Introductory Modern Physics
  • Interest in learning experimental techniques

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Expertise in Magnetic Force Imaging (MFM)
  • Expertise in Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM)
  • Expertise in X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
  • Advanced knowledge in nanomagnetism
  • Analytical skills in interpreting magnetometry data and analyzing magnetic images
  • Computational skills in processing X-ray scattering images

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John Colton

Light Meets 2D Semiconductors

We are studying the physics of light-matter interactions in 2d metal halide perovskite  (MHP) semiconductors, for applications in solar cells, optical detectors, solid-state lighting, semiconductor lasers, and more. These MHPs are at the forefront of semiconductor research due to their cheap fabrication, high efficiencies, defect tolerance, and applicability for multiple applications. They are comprised of sheets of 2d layers of inorganic metal and halide (group VII) atoms, which are separated from each other by organic molecules. The electrons in the MHPs interact extremely strongly with light, requiring coatings of only a few hundred nanometers of material, and properties such as which wavelengths can be absorbed and emitted and how strongly the electrons and holes bind to each other, can be tuned over a wide range by changing their composition and structure.

We partner with chemists who create interesting variations of these materials for us to study. In our lab we measure the optical properties of the materials such as absorption and emission spectra, and how they are impacted by changing the temperature (down to 4 K), applied electric and magnetic fields, and the polarization of the light. We also do computational modeling of the semiconductor physics in order to understand why they are behaving the ways they are, and how to better predict properties of new materials in the future. This research gives us insight into topics such as what is limiting the photovoltaic and photoluminescence efficiencies and why, thus helping the overall drive towards more renewable and energy-efficient technologies.

Background Needed

  • introductory modern physics
  • a large interest in materials physics and optical spectroscopy
  • some knowledge of computer programming can be helpful in analyzing the data, controlling the experiments with computers, and modeling the materials
  • other skills such as optics, chemistry, and basic electronics can be helpful although much can be learned on the job

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • experience with lasers and optical spectroscopy techniques
  • materials synthesis and characterization
  • fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics and semiconductor physics
  • working in a collaborative environment with several other students at BYU, and multiple research collaborators across the country

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Ben Frandsen

Local Structure of Quantum Materials

“Quantum materials” possess fascinating properties such as superconductivity, unconventional magnetism, topological phases, and more. These properties cannot be explained by classical physics, but instead originate from the principles of quantum mechanics playing out in a system with a large number of interacting particles—in this case, the electrons in a solid. In addition to revealing the fundamental workings of quantum mechanics in solids, many of these materials may also have potential for technological application. We use advanced experimental techniques using beams of x-rays, neutrons, and muons to study the atomic and magnetic structure of quantum materials and gain insight into their exotic properties. Students will perform sophisticated data analysis and visualization in the Python programming language and may also help synthesize these materials in the laboratory.

Background Needed

  • Introductory physics courses
  • Interest in superconductivity, magnetism, and other topics in condensed matter physics
  • Some experience with computer programming is helpful; a willingness to learn is necessary.

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Understanding of atomic structure and symmetry
  • Understanding of exotic and useful material properties
  • Knowledge of x-ray/neutron diffraction and muon spin relaxation techniques
  • Data analysis and visualization in Python

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Eric Hintz

Short Period Pulsating Variable Stars and Astronomical Observations

Pulsating variable stars are an amazing tool for the study of the Universe. Their period of pulsation is related to their intrinsic brightness. Therefore, they are distance indicators. They have been used as the second wrung of the distance ladder to scale the entire Universe. However, there is now a concern about small characteristics that might lead to mistakes in the overall scale. This is related to the Hubble Tension. If we work from nearby to the whole Universe, we get one value of the Hubble Constant. If we work outside in, we get a different value. We are using telescopes from 6" to 3.5-m, and NASA TESS data, to examine short period pulsating stars to improve our understanding about the nature of their pulsations that can impact the Period-Luminosity relation. Students working on these projects will use the campus robotic telescopes to take time-series observations of a range of targets appropriate to each telescope. This will be a fully hands-on experience. They will also be able to participate in remote Infrared spectroscopic observations using the 3.5-m telescope. Students might also help acquire data for transiting planet observations.

Background Needed

  • a little astronomical background helps, but isn't entirely necessary

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • CCD/CMOS astronomical observing techniques
  • Programming robotic sequences on telescopes of 6", 8", 12", and 16".
  • Live observing skills with a 24" telescope
  • Exposure to spectroscopic variable star data from 1.2-m, 1.8-m, and 3.5-m telescopes
  • Work with NASA TESS Data
  • Hands-on telescope operations
  • Data reductions with a variety of astronomical software
  • Modelling of data using a variety of methods
  • Preparation of data for publication and presentation at astronomical meetings.

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Jeannette Lawler

Physics and Astronomy Education Research

Our education research group is working to improve teaching by better understanding the experience of both the teachers and learners. We used mixed methods research, collecting and coding qualitative data from observations and interviews and using quantitative measurements from assessments like exams and surveys. Our group has several active projects that touch on different aspects of teaching and learning.

Astronomy Education Research - Effective use of a planetarium: Currently we are working to describe current practice using the planetarium to teach introductory astronomy, and we are measuring the impact of current methods on student learning and engagement. A student participating in this project would conduct student interviews and analyze data relating to the impact of current use of the planetarium.

Physics Education Research - Developing hands-on/laboratory activities to target students scientific modeling ability. Currently we are working to develop curricula in our introductory physics laboratory courses that improves students' modeling and reasoning skills. A student participating in this project would observe student and TA behaviors in classroom settings, collect, code, and analyze data dealing with both practice and outcomes.

Aleksandr Mosenkov

Project 1 - Exploring the Structure of Polar-Ring Galaxies Using Observations and Cosmological Hydrodynamical Simulations

This research project focuses on the study of polar-ring galaxies, a unique class of galaxies with extended structures of gas and stars orbiting perpendicularly to the plane of their main galactic disk. These rare systems provide important insights into galaxy formation and evolution, particularly in the context of galaxy interactions, accretion processes, and the role of external gas in shaping galaxies.

The primary goal of this project is to analyze the structure of polar-ring galaxies using both real astronomical observations and data from cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. The student will perform photometric decomposition of galaxies, separating each galaxy into its host and polar-ring components. This decomposition will allow for a detailed analysis of the galaxies' structural properties.

Key tasks include gathering statistical data on a sample of polar-ring galaxies and comparing their scaling relations (e.g., mass, size, and luminosity) to those of normal galaxies. This comparison will help assess how polar-ring galaxies fit into the broader context of galaxy formation and evolution. This project will provide hands-on experience in both data reduction and analysis, contributing to our understanding of how external structures like polar rings influence galaxy evolution.

Background Needed

  • Strong interest in galaxy formation and structure
  • Familiarity with photometric techniques and astronomical imaging is helpful but not required
  • Basic knowledge of Python for data analysis

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Photometric decomposition of galaxies into multiple components
  • Statistical analysis of galaxy properties
  • Comparative study of galaxy scaling relations
  • Experience with observational data and cosmological simulations

Project 2 - Classification of Edge-On Galaxies from the EGIPS Catalog

This research project focuses on the classification of edge-on galaxies using data from the EGIPS (Edge-on Galaxies in the Pan-STARRS1 Survey) catalog. Edge-on galaxies, viewed from the side, provide a unique perspective for studying the vertical structure of galactic disks, bulges, and halos. These galaxies are key to understanding the distribution of stars, gas, and dust, as well as the processes that govern galaxy morphology and evolution.

The primary goal of this project is to classify edge-on galaxies from the EGIPS catalog based on their tidal features, such as the presence of stellar streams, tidal tails, arc, shells, and other faint structures produced by galaxy inetractions. The student will analyze optical images of these galaxies, focusing on their morphological characteristics and developing a systematic classification scheme. This classification will provide insights into the diversity of galaxy structures and help refine our understanding of how common tidal features are in the Local Universe and how they correlate with galaxy morphology.

Key tasks include creating a database of classified galaxies, analyzing the trends in morphological features, and comparing these results with existing classifications from the literature. This will contribute to a more comprehensive view of how galaxies evolve under the influence of external factors. This project offers a hands-on opportunity to work with cutting-edge astronomical data and contribute to a better understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.

Background Needed

  • Interest in galaxy morphology and classification
  • Familiarity with basic astronomical imaging and classification techniques is helpful but not required
  • Basic skills in Python for data handling and analysis

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Experience with galaxy classification techniques
  • Analysis of optical data from large astronomical surveys
  • Understanding of the structural components of galaxies
  • Database creation and statistical analysis of galaxy properties

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David Neilsen and Eric Hirschmann

Numerical Relativity

The merger of compact objects, such as black holes and neutron stars, create gravitational waves that can be detected on Earth.  Numerical relativity is the computational study of these mergers using the full, nonlinear equations of general relativity using simulations on supercomputers.  These simulations are critical for interpreting observations from gravitational wave detectors like LIGO and Virgo.

This project focuses on developing and testing new computational methods to model binary compact object systems and the gravitational waves they emit during the inspiral, merger, and ringdown phases of the merger. Students will contribute to improving algorithms used in relativistic simulations, such high-order numerical schemes, developing GPU algorithms for numerical relativity, and developing analysis tools for gravitational radiation. Depending on interest, the project may also explore extensions to relativistic fluid dynamics in neutron star mergers or investigate alternative theories of gravity to test their observable signatures.

Background Needed

  • Strong mathematical skills
  • Experience with numerical methods, particularly for solving differential equations
  • Programming experience. Object oriented programming in python or C++ is very helpful

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Introduction to general relativity and numerical relativity
  • Computational physics
  • Numerical methods for partial differential equations
  • Methods for high-performance computing
  • Gravitational wave physics

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Nathan Powers

Enhancing Learning and Innovation in the Beyond First Year Labs

Our research group is focused on improving both the learning experience and the experimental capabilities of the physics laboratories beyond the first year. This work combines both educational innovation and hands-on experimental research to create a more engaging, inquiry-driven environment for students. Participants in this RET/REU program will contribute to one of two projects: developing improved instructional materials and techniques for the advanced lab, or exploring new methods for thin film fabrication used in optics experiments.

Project 1: Developing Videos and Interactive Learning Materials for Circuit Theory and Statistics for the Lab

The goal of this project is to design and create new ways to introduce students to complex lab topics before they begin hands-on work. Topics include circuit analysis (both DC and AC) and statistical analysis. Participants will help identify challenging concepts in the existing lab curriculum and develop supporting materials to address them.

This will include:

  • Creating short, engaging introductory videos that present background information and experimental context.

  • Embedding interactive elements within the videos to help students actively engage with the material rather than passively watch.

  • Designing short pre-lab exercises that allow students to apply key ideas and prepare for in-class activities.

  • Collaborating with instructors to improve in-lab follow-up activities that build on the pre-lab preparation and reinforce conceptual understanding. They may also include some hands-on activities.

By the end of the project, participants will have developed and tested prototype materials that can be integrated into future iterations of the lab course and evaluated for effectiveness.

Project 2: Exploring New Techniques for Thin Film Fabrication

The advanced physics lab includes a unit in which students fabricate thin films using photolithography and then characterize the films using several optical imaging techniques (e.g. -interferometry, dark field imaging, phase contrast imaging). This project seeks to investigate the possibility of new fabrication methods and new geometries and to assess how these variations influence film performance and optical behavior in the lab.

Participants will:

  • Investigate alternative thin film fabrication techniques beyond traditional photolithography to simplify the process and make it more feasible for other advanced labs.

  • Design and test different film geometries and materials to create thin films that accentuate the strengths of the various imaging techniques.

  • Use the optics imaging setup in the lab to evaluate the quality and characteristics of the films produced.

  • Compare the advantages and limitations of each method with respect to reproducibility, resolution, and ease of use in an instructional setting.

This work will inform improvements to the thin film and optics component of the advanced lab and provide opportunities for students to engage in authentic experimentation.

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

Both projects aim to advance the pedagogical and experimental quality of our advanced lab courses. Participants will gain experience in educational design, experimental physics techniques, data analysis, and collaborative research. The outcomes of this work will directly enhance the learning experiences of future physics students while contributing to broader efforts to modernize and improve undergraduate laboratory instruction.

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A.J. Rasmusson

Experimental Quantum Information Science

Individual atomic ions have made high fidelity qubits for more than two decades. Our research uses next generation hardware approaches to investigate faster quantum computing runtime, new quantum information encodings, and new control techniques. Research will include designing, building, testing, and deploying hardware, electronics, and/or software. Students can work on a range of systems from optics, vacuum, and fast electronic control to simulating open quantum system dynamics and building open source software tools for improving trapped-ion quantum systems.

Background Needed

  • Interest in quantum information science and/or cold atom systems
  • Enjoys the challenges of research
  • Basic experience with python

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Operate a trapped-ion quantum computing experiment
  • Hardware experience with one or more of: lasers, optics, electronics, and vacuum systems
  • Open-source tools and workflow
  • Data processing and analysis

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Richard Sandberg

Computational X-ray Imaging of Materials in Extremes

We are developing coherent diffraction or lensless imaging to study materials in extremes at the nanometer scale. We use coherent light sources (optical, XUV, and x-ray), Fourier optics and computer algorithms to produce high resolution images of materials. We are currently imaging fusion energy materials as part of the IFE-STAR RISE Fusion Hub and studying neutron and nuclear detection.

Background Needed

  • desire to learn and try new things
  • some exposure to optics is helpful but not necessary – some exposure to computer programming helpful but not necessary
  • we have sub-teams working in optics labs and on programming algorithms, but the two teams work closely together

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • basic understanding of diffraction and light scattering
  • understanding of iterative computer algorithms and modeling of light propagation – understanding how light interacts with materials – understanding how materials behave at the nanometer scale

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Micah Shepherd

Acoustics and Vibration

Vibrating objects interact with the surrounding media to create acoustic radiation. Experimental or numerical techniques will be used to study this phenomenon and its dependence on geometry and frequency.  Applications may include musical instruments or noise source characterization.

Background Needed

  • Interest in sound, vibration or other wave physics
  • Calculus and differential equations
  • Basic coding (matlab or python)

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Basic mathematical description of sound radiation
  • Experience with acoustic data collection
  • Data interpretation

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Denise Stephens

Brown Dwarf Atmospheres; Transiting Exoplanets

Students working with Dr. Stephens will be analyzing James Webb Space Telescope data of brown dwarf atmospheres and applying theoretical models to the data to analyze the cloud structure, extent of vertical mixing, and the C to O ratio for a selection of L and T dwarfs. They will also take data with the 3.5 meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory and assist in running retrieval codes to analyze the data. Applicants with experience in python programming and using jupyter notebooks will be given preference in the selection, but all are encouraged to apply.

For students with a less extensive programming background, we also have an ongoing program to observe transiting planets with our campus telescopes. This project involves programing the campus telescopes each night to collect data, reducing the data with our jupyter notebook scripts, and then analyzing the data using astroimageJ. We are refining the periods and durations of known transiting planets that have large uncertainties in their periods. Students working on this project will learn how to combine data from several different observations to refine the period and duration of transit for these systems. No previous astronomy experience is necessary.

Background Needed

  • Introductory astronomy class useful, but not required
  • Basic programming skills in Python or C++
  • Some experience using Jupyter Notebooks useful, but not required
  • A fascination for IR spectra and Atmospheres

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Observing and reducing infrared data
  • Basic programming and coding
  • Working with archival JWST data
  • Understanding of how to analyze data with theoretical models

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Jean-Francois Van Huele

Quantum Information: Quantum Dynamics, Foundations, Games, and Pedagogy

We study the evolution and properties of quantum systems of interest for quantum information applications. We consider simple models from quantum computation, quantum optics, and quantum thermodynamics, all of which play a role in experimental implementations of quantum information schemes. We start with the physics of coherence, superposition, and entanglement to develop quantum advantage, quantum control, and quantum strategies. We also develop quantum games for K-12 pedagogy.

Background Needed

  • An interest in all things quantum
  • Exposure to symbolic manipulation programs (such as Mathematica)
  • Elementary linear algebra and elementary calculus
  • Willingness to calculate, interpret, learn, and program

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Analytical and computational skills
  • Linear algebra and quantum operator formalism
  • Quantum algorithms and quantum circuits
  • Algebras, differential equations, tensor products
  • Exposure to quantum coherence and decoherence, entanglement
  • Physics of open systems, couplings, measurement, and noise

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Richard Vanfleet

Electron Microscopy, Materials Physics, Thin Films

These projects involve the characterization of materials from the micron level down to atomic dimensions. The primary tools are electron microscopes (SEM and TEM). These unique instruments will not only allow students to image nanostructures and new materials but will allow them to probe structure, composition, and chemistry with high resolution.

Background Needed

  • Introductory physics
  • Some computer experience

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Materials handling and polishing
  • SEM and TEM sample preparation
  • SEM and TEM basic operation

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Chris Verhaaren

Theory and Phenomenology of extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics

The standard model (SM) of particle physics encapsulates neary all we understand about Nature's fundamental structure on the smallest scales. However, there are many aspects of the SM that are not well understood, like why the mass of the Higgs boson is not much larger than it is. Also, there are experimental observations that the SM cannot account for, like the nature of dark matter or why there is more matter than antimatter. Students will determine the physical consequences of possible extensions of the SM using analytical and numerical methods with the intent of discovering or excluding these extensions at existing and future experiments.

Background Needed

  • Strong mathematical background including linear algebra and differential equations.
  • Willingness to put in sustained effort on difficult problems.
  • Basic computational skills (use of Mathematica typical).
  • Some familiarity with field theories would be useful

  • Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

    • Familiarity with particles and interactions that make up the standard model.
    • Exposure to classical and quantum field theories.
    • Practice in synthesizing analytical and numerical efforts to understand complex systems.

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