UCLA physicists overcome challenges to make new materials with optimized properties Ni Ni’s lab discovers the first ferromagnetic topological insulator Ni Ni, a UCLA associate professor of physics, is one of the world’s most influential and highly cited researchers. Among her many major publications are two very recent discoveries. She and her research team reported in Nature…
Gift to support endowed chair in oceanography, key to the future of the planet UCLA’s Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences has received a $4.1 million gift commitment – the largest in the department’s history – from adjunct professor Lawrence W. Harding, Jr. (“Larry”) to establish the Lawrence Harding Endowed Chair, which will support a…
Everyone revels in the full moon, but there is far more going on there than meets the eye. Even at night, solar wind from the sun’s atmosphere throughout the solar system, streaming energetic particles like protons and electrons in all directions. Earth’s moon has no atmosphere or magnetic field of its own to stop high-energy…
Dear Physical Sciences Colleagues: While the knowledge we are conveying to our students about the workings of the universe is essential, neither Math nor the laws of physics and chemistry will change this quarter. Our students will have time and opportunities to refine and update knowledge that we have been forced to impart in a…
UCLA physicists develop world’s best quantum bits New techniques make easier quantum computers for design of new materials, drugs A team of researchers at UCLA has set a new record for preparing and measuring the quantum bits, or qubits, inside of a quantum computer without error. The techniques they have developed make it easier to…
Miguel García-Garibay, dean of the Division of Physical Sciences and distinguished professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciencesfor his work in the field of chemistry.
Dear Physical Sciences students, During this time of so much uncertainty, I’m writing to make sure that you know that each and every one of you is our top priority. While your professors and TAs can’t be with you face-to-face, all of us are alongside you on this new path of remote learning. Together, we are…
For almost as long as people have been drinking wine, they’ve been wondering about a curious phenomenon: the tears of wine. Andrea Bertozzi, UCLA professor of mathematics, and her research team have found a new way to explain why and how this happens. After wine is poured into a glass and swirled, a thin film…
An inaugural celebration of world-class research, leadership, mentorship, and teaching in UCLA’s Division of Physical Sciences. Award categories and recipients Excellence in Education Award Our students are the academic leaders of the future. This award recognizes a faculty member making a broad impact on classroom inclusivity and demonstrated learning excellence. Through their instruction, this faculty…
William Newman appointed to lead group on climate in the American Physical Society Dr. William Newman has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the American Physical Society’s (APS) Topical Group on the Physics of Climate (TGPC). A professor of earth, planetary, & space sciences, physics & astronomy, and mathematics, Newman will be promoted to Chair…