Program Overview

PhD in Physics

The PhD in Physics program at WPI covers the full spectrum of research in the field with particular emphasis on Biophysics and Nanoscience. Students will be well-positioned to lead transformative research in state-of-the-art labs.

Value Proposition Description

Working collaboratively with world-renowned faculty and in small research groups, students are part of the research fabric of the university. As a candidate pursuing a PhD in physics, students may choose to participate in outstanding faculty research projects such as light scattering, nanomechanics, liquid crystals, fiber optics, biophysics, order-disorder phenomena, and quantum computers.

Curriculum

Candidates pursuing a PhD in physics have the flexibility to work collaboratively on innovative faculty research endeavors and with colleagues from mathematics, computer science, or in the life sciences, but they can also develop their own tailored research approach in an area they are passionate about.

• Requirements include approved courses like:
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Advanced Electromagnetic Theory
• Dissertation research, completion, and defense of the PhD thesis
• PhD candidates will complete a one-year residency on campus

Research for PhD in Physics

Students will find significant opportunities for applied learning as their research immerses them in a stimulating collaborative community of fellow researchers and engaged faculty focused on real-world problems in medicine and health, the environment, and national defense.

• Recent faculty and student research projects:
  • The mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale
  • Experimental studies of liquid crystal and protein interactions
  • Geometric proofs of the Kochen-Specker theorem
  • A nonlinear elliptical problem for solid oxide fuel cell electrodes
• State-of-the-art facilities across the campus include:
  • The WPI Life Sciences & Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park
  • Labs such as the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM Laboratory) and the Center for Computational Nanoscience with Computer Clusters
• With specific strengths in the areas of biophysics and nanoscience, WPI's physics program offers research opportunities that address areas from healthcare to lasers for missile avoidance systems

Faculty Profiles

• Kun-Ta Wu: Associate Professor, Physics, with a focus on soft matter and biophysics
• Padmanabhan Aravind: Professor, Physics, with 25+ years of experience in teaching and research
• Nancy Burnham: Professor, Physics, with a background in surface analysis of photovoltaic materials
• David Medich: Professor, Physics, with research in applied nuclear physics and medical health physics
• Izabela Stroe: Associate Professor of Teaching, Physics, with a passion for passing the thrill of discovery to students
• Lyubov Titova: Professor, Physics, with research efforts focused on ultrafast THz and optical spectroscopy
• Qi Wen: Associate Professor, Physics, with an interest in applying physical methods to understand biological phenomena

Career Opportunities

Physics presents opportunities for inspiring careers in areas including the environment, medicine, health, and national defense. WPI physics graduates have obtained jobs at companies like Google, Raytheon Company, and BAE Systems.

Other Programs

• PhD in Applied Physics: for students interested in a multidisciplinary approach to physics
• Master's in Physics: combining theoretical knowledge of physics principles with cutting-edge research
• Master's in Applied Physics: for students who want to create new breakthroughs and make real impact on the world
• Physics Bachelor's Degree: applying physics principles with engineering problems for hands-on experience
• Minor in Physics: providing a good foundation in physics for students with designated majors in other fields
• Minor in Nanoscience: studying how devices, materials, molecules, and living matter behave on the most minute level
• Minor in Astrophysics: studying the physics behind celestial properties from space travel to the structures of space itself
• Certificate in Nuclear Science & Engineering: preparing students for jobs that touch on nuclear science
• Physics for Educators master's degree (MPED): for physics educators looking to earn an advanced degree and reenergize their teaching plans

Research Traineeship Programs

WPI is proud to be the recipient of two National Science Foundation Research Traineeship programs, providing exceptionally talented graduate students with specialized training and funding assistance to join careers at the forefront of technology and innovation.

BioPoint Program for Graduate Students

The BioPoint Program has been designed to complement traditional training in bioscience, digital, and engineering fields, with a curriculum that is individual, interactive, project-focused, and diverse.