Research in Theoretical Particle Physics at SMU

Welcome! Our research group at SMU works at the forefront of theoretical high-energy particle physics, asking fundamental questions about the nature of matter and its interactions. We focus on understanding the intricate structure of particles like the proton and predicting the outcomes of high-energy collisions at experiments like the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, using advanced mathematics and computational tools.

…Or, to put it more directly: we do precision calculations for particle colliders.

LHC slice

My philosophy is discovery through precision. Finding even a small deviation from our theoretical predictions can point the way to new physics, and confirming our predictions at higher energies is a discovery in itself. Our work is at the interface between theory and experiment, developing the sophisticated calculations and tools necessary to interpret data from the world’s leading physics experiments.

My Approach to Mentorship and Student Success

LHC slice

My primary goal as a mentor is to prepare you for a successful career after you leave my group. The field is competitive, and getting a good postdoc position or a job in industry requires a strong research record. This means we will work on challenging problems that are relevant to the field and aim to publish our results in a way that is useful to the broader physics community.

This approach requires a significant commitment from both of us. I expect you to take ownership of your project, and I will provide close mentorship to help you develop as an independent researcher. This environment is best suited for students who are driven by curiosity and are ready to work through complex problems. If you are ready to be challenged and want to contribute to research that will build a foundation for your future, I encourage you to get in touch.

The sections below outline the wealth of opportunities available to undergraduates and graduate/PhD students at SMU. Explore them to see the environment you could join and the resources we can leverage for your success.

Undergraduate Opportunities

An undergraduate physics degree at SMU is your chance to move from the textbook to the real work of a scientist. Participating in research is a valuable experience that prepares you for graduate school or a career in industry. As your mentor, I can help you find the right opportunities to build your skills and your CV.

Getting Involved in Research

I encourage students to get involved in research early. My group has projects available for undergraduates with a genuine curiosity for theoretical physics and an interest in developing their analytical and computational problem-solving skills. For example, you could contribute to the development of the computational tools we use for LHC predictions, learning concepts like Monte-Carlo integration and applying them to real-world physics problems.

To get academic credit for your work, you can enroll in PHYS 4399 - Undergraduate Research with my permission.

Paid Research Programs at SMU

Dedman College offers several programs that provide stipends for research, allowing you to focus on your project without financial pressure. I can help you apply for these programs:

Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholars Program: This program provides funding for you to work with me on a paid research project as part of my research team.
Mayer Undergraduate Research Fellows Program: This program supports interdisciplinary projects with two faculty mentors. Physics students have a strong record of success in this program.

Financial Support and Scholarships in the Department

SMU offers a number of scholarships based on your application for admission, and the Physics Department has its own awards for current students, including the Katherine Sams Wiley Physics Scholarship (with a focus on supporting women in science), the Robert S. Hyer Award for research excellence, and the Jeff Chalk Physics Award for passion in learning physics, among others. Find out more.

University-Wide Merit Scholarships

When you apply to SMU, you can considered for university-wide scholarships. Some of these scholarships require application. Our physics majors have a strong track record of winning these awards.

President’s Scholars Program: SMU’s top academic award, which provides full tuition and fees and support for study abroad.
Hunt Leadership Scholars Program: A large scholarship for students with strong leadership skills that also funds an international experience.
Founders’, Second Century, SMU Distinguished, and Provost Scholarships: A series of scholarships awarded for outstanding academic performance in high school.

National and International Research Opportunities

Reach out to the SMU Office of National Undergraduate Fellowships (ONUF): The ONUF staff provides personalized, one-on-one guidance throughout the entire application process for major awards, including the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Goldwater, and Churchill scholarships. The office runs information sessions and works intensively with you to craft competitive applications.

Gaining experience at research labs is an important part of your development as a physicist. I will help you prepare applications for these programs:

DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI): The SULI program is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience at one of the 17 U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories, such as Fermilab, Brookhaven National Laboratory or SLAC. It is a paid internship that places you inside a research group at the heart of American science.
International Summer Programs: For those interested in working abroad, I encourage applications to the summer student programs at CERN in Switzerland and DESY in Germany, which are the world’s leading particle physics laboratories.

Opportunities for Graduate Students

Joining the Ph.D. program at SMU means you’re ready to move from learning physics to creating it. Our department is a research-focused environment where you can contribute to cutting-edge projects in fundamental physics. My role is to guide your dissertation research and mentor you toward a successful career.

Ph.D. Program Funding

Every student admitted to the Physics Ph.D. program receives full financial support, provided they remain in good academic standing. This allows you to focus on your studies and research. The standard package includes:

A Competitive Annual Stipend: For the first two years, students are typically supported by a Teaching Assistantship (TA). After passing the qualifying exam, students transition to a Research Assistantship (RA) funded by their advisor’s research grants.
A Full Tuition and Fee Waiver.
University-Covered Health Insurance.

University Fellowships

Thanks to a major endowment, the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies offers an additional tier of competitive, multi-year fellowships for top applicants. We will nominate exceptional candidates for these awards.

Moody Graduate Fellowships: The university’s most prominent award for incoming Ph.D. students. It provides a stipend of $30,000 per year for up to five years, plus a full tuition waiver and health insurance.
University Ph.D. Fellowships: These fellowships provide funding in addition to the standard departmental stipend, making the overall financial package very competitive.
Mustang Fellowships: For U.S. citizens and permanent residents whose background and experience contribute to the diversity of their discipline, this fellowship provides a $30,000 annual stipend for up to five years.

Applying for National Fellowships

Winning a national fellowship is a significant achievement that provides financial independence and strengthens your career prospects. A central part of my mentoring is to help you prepare competitive applications for these awards.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP): This is one of the nation’s most respected graduate fellowships. It provides a $37,000 annual stipend directly to you, plus an allowance to the university. Winning this gives you significant freedom to pursue your own research interests. We will work on building a strong application from the start.
The DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program: This program funds a research stay of 3-12 months at a DOE National Laboratory. It’s an excellent way to access unique facilities and collaborate with lab scientists. I will help you develop a joint research proposal with a lab collaborator to make this part of your Ph.D. training.

Support for Research and Professional Growth

The Physics Department and the Moody School also provide funds to support your travel to present research at national and international conferences. In your final year, you can also apply for dissertation fellowships, which provide a stipend and protected time to focus on writing.