WashU Physics

05/26/2026

Diego Lopez Gutierrez has been selected for the U.S. DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research program! He'll spend 4 months at Fermilab investigating tau neutrinos. His selection recognizes both the significance of his research and the promise of his contributions to our understanding of one of the most elusive particles in nature! Congrats, Diego! Read more at physics.washu.edu/news ✨

05/22/2026

Shakil Kashem, a PhD candidate, has been selected as a Student Ambassador for the American Physical Society! As an ambassador, Shakil will help connect students with APS opportunities such as conferences, professional development programs, travel awards, mentorship resources, and scientific networking initiatives. Read more at physics.washu.edu/news ✨

05/21/2026

We’re looking for two people to join our growing community at Washington University in St. Louis!

We currently have two job opportunities:
🔹 Faculty Assistant
🔹 Postdoctoral Researcher

If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative community advancing research and education in physics, we’d love to hear from you.

Details and applications are available here: https://physics.washu.edu/job-opportunities

05/20/2026

Every discovery begins with a community of people asking big questions together 📸✨

This year, we’re sharing our 2026 department photo alongside one taken 50 years ago. While much has changed over the decades, our shared spirit of curiosity and discovery continues to bring people together.

Fifty years from now, another generation of physicists may look back at this photo, reflect on the people who shaped our department, and maybe have a few thoughts about our outfits and hair choices.

Here’s to the students, faculty, staff, and researchers who make WashU Physics such a special place. ❤️🐻💫

05/19/2026

Presenting the Physics Class of 2026! 🎓👏❤️

To our graduating seniors, thank you for the curiosity, determination, and enthusiasm you brought to WashU Physics. Whether you’re headed to graduate school, industry, teaching, or somewhere entirely unexpected, we know you’ll do amazing things.

Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished. Once a WashU physicist, always part of the WashU Physics family. 🫶🐻

Senior Prize: Yue Yu and Ryan Chen
Sigma Pi Sigma: Ryan Chen, Bruce Shen, Queenie Wang, Yue Yu, and Sydney Zhu
Shull Prize: Jeree Murray and Robert Heyck

Highest Distinction: Yue Yu and Queenie Wang
High Distinction: Charlie Fioriglio and Sam Powers
Distinction: Ryan Chen, Sophie Fendler, Bruce Shen, Yunshi Qi, and Sydney Zhu

05/15/2026

Introducing the newest Doctors of Philosophy in Physics! 🎓✨

Over the years, you've asked big questions, pushed the boundaries of what's known, and made lasting contributions to our department. We're grateful for the energy, creativity, and dedication you brought to WashU Physics.

Though your time here has come to an end, your journey of discovery is just beginning. Congratulations, Drs. - can't wait to see where physics takes you next! 🚀💫❤️

05/13/2026

✨Postdoc spotlight✨
At the heart of our galaxy, where stars crowd together in staggering density, Zifan Lin is searching for planets orbiting the remnants of dead stars. His simulations are helping lay the groundwork for what could be a transformative era in exoplanet discovery. Read more about Zifan and his research on our website!

05/12/2026

How are WashU researchers using AI to transform discovery?

Assistant Professor Trevor GrandPre and his team use physics-informed models to perform large-scale simulations of condensate formation! Most existing models are based on simplified, test-tube conditions and do not fully capture the complexity of condensates inside living cells. By combining machine learning with high-throughput experimental data, Trevor refines these models to identify the precise biophysical interactions that govern how condensates form, dissolve, and reform.

This combination of experimentally grounded modeling and artificial intelligence enables insights that would not have been possible in previous decades. Very exciting work!

How WashU researchers are using AI to transform discovery 4.27.26 Share WashU scientists in biology, chemistry, and physics are using new tools to study evolution, design materials, and model cellular behavior. Some questions in science are too complex for any single human mind to solve alone. At Wa...

05/04/2026

Brian Rauch, research associate professor of physics, is helping lead TIGERISS, a mission slated for launch to ISS (the International Space Station), while continuing work on the PUEO mission.

Recent meetings took him first to the University of Chicago and later to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, highlighting both scientific collaboration and operational readiness.

Can't wait to see where he, and our department, go next! 🚀🌘✨

05/01/2026

In a major advance applying insights from quantum physics to the inner workings of biology, a team of WashU researchers from the Center of Quantum Leaps has successfully implanted quantum sensors in living cells to measure shifts in magnetism and temperature!

🔬 Read more on our website at physics.washu.edu/news