Physics Ph.D.

RIT’s physics Ph.D. program offers various research areas, allowing students to pursue their passion and delve into cutting-edge scientific investigations. As a physics doctoral student, you will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty members at the forefront of their respective fields. Our distinguished professors are dedicated to mentorship, ensuring each student receives personalized guidance and support throughout their academic journey.

A significant component of the physics doctorate involves conducting original research under the guidance of faculty advisors. You will work on research projects aligned with your interests, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge. This research culminates in completing a doctoral dissertation, which involves original findings and a written thesis. Some of the research areas available in our PhD program include:

Physics Research Areas:

• Atomic/molecular/optical (AMO) physics: Exploring the behavior of atoms, molecules, and optical phenomena.
• Faculty: Mishkat Bhattacharya, Edwin Hach III, Gregory Howland, Nicola Lanata, Stefan Preble
• Biological and soft matter physics: Investigate the behavior of biomolecules, cellular processes, and complex biological systems using physics-based approaches.
• Faculty: Jairo Diaz Amaya, Moumita Das, Scott Franklin, Michael Kotlarchyk, Lishibanya Mohapatra, Shima Parsa, Poornima Padmanabhan, George Thurston
• Condensed matter physics: Investigating the properties and behavior of solid materials and complex systems at the atomic and subatomic levels.
• Faculty: Michael Cromer, Pratik Dholabhai, Nicola Lanata, Casey Miller, Michael Pierce, Steven Weinstein, Ke Xu
• Multi-messenger astrophysics: Includes such areas as gravitational wave physics, special and general relativity, and cosmology.
• Faculty: Manuela Campanelli, Joshua Faber, Jeyhan Kartaltepe, Carlos Lousto, Richard O’Shaughnessy, John Whelan, Michael Zemcov, Yosef Zlochower
• Nanoscale materials and device physics: Study the unique characteristics of nanomaterials and their applications in electronic, magnetic, and optical devices.
• Faculty: Seth Hubbard, Santosh Kurinec, Parsian Mohseni, Michael Pierce, Patricia Taboada-Serrano, Ke Xu
• Photonics and the next quantum revolution: Focus on harnessing the properties of light and exploring the potential of quantum technologies to develop revolutionary technologies.
• Faculty: Donald Figer, Edwin Hach III, Gregory Howland, Seth Hubbard, Stefan Preble
• Physics education research: Study how to enhance the teaching and learning of physics to enhance student engagement, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving skills in physics education, ultimately shaping the future of science education.
• Faculty: Scott Franklin, Benjamin Zwickl
• Physics for sustainable/renewable energy: Addresses the challenges of sustainable energy production and storage. Investigate innovative materials, devices, and systems for renewable energy generation to develop efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to meet the growing global energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Faculty: Pratik Dholabhai, Seth Hubbard, Santosh Kurinec, Nishant Malik
• Spectroscopy and Microscopy: Focus on developing and applying advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to probe and manipulate matter at atomic and molecular scales. Use state-of-the-art instruments and methodologies to study materials’ structural, electronic, and optical properties, enabling insights into fundamental physics, materials science, and nanotechnology. Faculty: Charles Bachmann, Gregory Howland, Stefan Preble, Jie Qiao

You will have abundant access to innovative and exciting research. We know that involvement in original research helps prepare our students for their future careers. The physics Ph.D. program offers a diverse range of research areas, allowing students to explore and specialize in various fields of physics.

The physics Ph.D. program offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to provide you with a deep understanding of fundamental physics principles, advanced research skills, and specialized knowledge in your chosen areas of focus. The program combines core courses, electives, research work, and professional development activities.