Physics Faculty & Research

Learn from Faculty Who Believe in the Fundamentals

Build a deep understanding of the physical world while working with faculty who connect foundational theory with research, discovery, and exploration.

A Strong Foundation in Physics

SUNY Poly’s physics faculty believe that understanding the fundamental theories of the physical world is one of the most powerful foundations for scientific discovery, problem-solving, and technological innovation.

As a physics student, you’ll learn from faculty committed to helping you build a deep understanding of the principles at the core of the discipline, from the mathematics of motion and mechanics to quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics. These are more than foundational theories; they provide the scientific framework behind countless discoveries and technologies.

But learning physics goes beyond mastering theory.

Our faculty believe that students should have opportunities to use what they know to explore questions more deeply. That’s why projects have long been an important part of the SUNY Poly physics experience. Through course-based projects and opportunities for faculty-guided research, students can investigate topics that interest them, take on increasingly complex problems, and develop greater independence as scientists and problem-solvers.

A Close-Knit Learning Environment

With SUNY Poly’s close-knit learning environment, you’ll have opportunities to:

Learn the fundamentals deeply while understanding how they connect to advanced science and technology.
Work closely with faculty who can become teachers, mentors, and research collaborators.
Take your interests further through independent and course-based projects.
Explore research and gain experience investigating questions without predetermined answers.
Build confidence and independence as you progress from learning established principles to applying them in new ways.

It’s an approach that combines rigorous fundamentals with exploration, giving you the foundation to understand what we already know and the skills to investigate what we don’t.

Our Faculty & Their Research

SUNY Poly physics faculty pursue research across a range of areas, from condensed matter and quantum systems to high energy physics, astrophysics, black holes, and gravitation. Explore their faculty profiles and individual research areas below.