Research

The Milky Way & Massive Star Formation - Dr. Trey Wenger

Dr. Wenger uses some of the largest radio telescopes in the world to study the birthplaces of massive stars and map the structure of our Galaxy, the Milky Way. Dr. Wenger’s research exists at the intersection of observational astronomy and data science. Students in Dr. Wenger’s research group can expect to learn and review fundamental physics and astronomy concepts while also picking up data science skills (such as AI/machine learning and statistical modeling) to support their future career objectives. Dr. Wenger designs his research experiences around the interests and goals of the student, with ample feedback, mentorship, and guidance to support their professional development. If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Wenger’s research, you can reach him at tvwenger@csuchico.edu.

Computational Stellar Astrophysics - Dr. Nicholas Nelson

Dr. Nicholas Nelson research focuses on using computers to create mathematical models of stars. From stellar structure and evolution models that can be run on your laptop to 3-D convective dynamo simulations that run on some of the world’s largest supercomputers, Dr. Nelson seeks to understand the physical processes that determine how stars behave. Recent projects include investigating dynamical chaos as a source of fundamental uncertainty in stellar evolution models of solar and using buoyant magnetic structures from global 3-D convective dynamo models.

Radio and Far Infrared Astronomy: Studies of Molecules in the Milky Way Galaxy - Dr. Kendall Hall

Dr. Kendall Hall studies the formation and destruction of molecules in the diffuse interstellar medium. Dr. Hall is known as a radio astronomer, meaning she studies the Universe using radio telescopes, often in conjunction with far infrared telescopes. Her research focuses on studying the diffuse molecular medium, detecting atoms, ions, and simple “molecules” such as OH and CH. This information informs us about how molecules and giant molecular clouds form. It can also inform us about the structure of the entire Milky Way Galaxy. Students who work with Dr. Hall broadly learn basics of astrophysics in all topics such as star and planet formation, Galactic structure, and the interstellar medium behavior. Students will learn basic data analysis techniques and learn how to code in several languages dedicated to data analysis. Students may also have the opportunity to not only use, but possibly operate giant single dish radio telescopes. Contact Dr. Hall if you want information about astrophysics research in general or to discuss graduate school or summer research opportunities at our and other universities. If you are interested in Dr. Hall’s work or astrophysics research more broadly, please contact her at kphall@csuchico.edu.

Ultrafast Optics and Spectroscopy – Dr. Paul Arpin

Ultrafast lasers generate bursts of light lasting only a few femtoseconds—a millionth of a billionth of a second. These pulses let us watch molecules move and interact on their natural timescales, revealing processes that are far too fast for conventional electronics to detect.

One area of my research uses these lasers to study how energy flows between light-absorbing molecules, such as those found in photosynthetic systems. When one molecule absorbs a photon, the excitation can hop to its neighbors in a matter of a couple hundred femtoseconds. By developing and applying new spectroscopic methods, my group aims to understand how these molecular networks capture and transfer energy so efficiently. The current emphasis is modeling spectroscopic measurements to support the interpretation of experimental results.

I also work on creating and characterizing new ultrafast light sources. In one ongoing project, students measure subtle distortions in the shape of laser pulses as they propagate. This effect can influence the design of efficient variable wavelength ultrafast light sources.

Students in my lab can participate in hands-on optics experiments or pursue computational modeling projects that simulate and predict the results of advanced spectroscopy techniques. Opportunities are available for a range of experience levels and interests. If you are interested, please email parpin@csuchico.edu.

Optics & Lasers Lab - Dr. Anna Petrova-Mayor

I welcome students who are excited to explore optics and lasers, whether through hands-on experiments or computational modeling. My work has covered a wide range of topics in modern optics, and I enjoy guiding students as they investigate how light behaves in real systems—especially when subtle effects, like changes in polarization, become important. Earlier in my career, I designed and built an eye-safe solid-state laser for lidar applications. I also carried out experimental research on light polarization and thin-film coatings. This work included examining how mirror scanners introduce polarization effects that impact precision measurements. More recently, I have developed dynamic simulations to model phenomena such as polarization changes, thermal lensing in laser crystals, and laser beam propagation. These simulation tools help students visualize complex concepts and connect theory to practice. Together, these areas reflect my broader interest in understanding and teaching how light interacts with materials and optical systems.

Physics Education Research - Dr. David Brookes

My research follows two strands: 1. In a broad sense, I study semiotics from the perspective of cognitive linguistics and embodied cognition; embedded in the context of learning physics. I study how physics students use semiotic resources of physics (particularly language and equations) to reason about physical systems. I examine mechanisms that underpin the use of signs and symbols for sense-making in physics classrooms. 2. I study factors that contribute to the design of learning environments so that physics students become more self-sufficient, acquire scientific abilities/scientific habits of mind, and develop positive attitudes towards physics.

My research is undergirded by a holistic approach to learning physics called the “Investigative Science Learning Environment” (ISLE) approach, articulated in this paper: Implementing an epistemologically authentic approach to student-centered inquiry learning. My interests in education research are broad and there are many opportunities for students interested in this field to work with me on a research project.

Implementing an epistemologically authentic approach to student-centered inquiry learning

Educational Instrumentation - Dr. Eric Ayars

3D Printers, laser cutters, high-powered microcontrollers and PSoC chips... There are so many great new tools available for experimenters now! Dr. Ayars focuses on bringing these tools into the physics lab and using them to enable experiments that could not otherwise be possible. These new experiments then allow students to learn physics in new ways, using precision measurements and techniques that ---up until a few years ago--- were far too expensive to be available to the typical undergraduate program.

Example projects include such things as making hundreds of synchronized precision temperature measurements, designing and building coincidence counters for quantum optics research, building an automated stability platform for spectroscopic measurements of an eclipse from a ship off the coast of Antarctica or from a NASA research plane at 60,000 feet, and measuring chaotic oscillators. He works very closely with students on these award-winning projects ---three of his students have won national recognition (and cash) so far--- and he is always on the lookout for other interesting ideas and interested students to work with.

PSRI

What is PSRI?

The Physics Summer Research Institute provides students with the opportunity to spend 10 weeks working on a mentored research project in physics or a related field. PSRI students are paid for their work and get the chance to present their research at weekly meetings of the Physics and Chemistry Summer Research Institutes, as well at national and international physics conferences. PSRI provides students with excellent research experience, preparing them for further research through off-campus summer programs, graduate school, or in industrial settings.

PSRI Alumni

PSRI Recent Students - Mentors

• Eddie Cruz - Paul Arpin
• John Schad - Paul Arpin
• Cynthia Perez - Nicholas Nelson
• Forrest Bullard - Nicholas Nelson
• Catherine Chricton - Hyewon Pechkis
• Lauren Gorman - Hyewon Pechkis
• Tom Garcia - Hyewon Pechkis
• John Stone - Hyewon Pechkis
• Daniel Wells - Hyewon Pechkis
• Kyle Peterson - Eric Ayars
• Ty Coleman - Eric Ayars

Physics Student Research Space (PSRS)

The Physics Student Research Space (PSRS) located in SCI 222 is designed as a collaborative hub area where physics students can launch innovative research projects with confidence and support. Equipped with workstations, whiteboards, and meeting space, the PSRS space gives students the technological foundation they need to explore complex problems and develop sophisticated models. Just steps away are faculty offices and informal meeting areas, making professors readily accessible for brainstorming sessions, feedback, and mentorship. Whether students are beginning their first independent investigation or contributing to ongoing departmental research, this space fosters creativity, teamwork, and a sense of belonging within the physics research community.