Physics Research
Look below to see the countless research opportunities offered by Cal Poly Physics Professors. These research opportunities are updated quarterly so you can stay up to date on research opportunities.
Soft Condensed Matter - Experiment
Hilary Jacks
My research is centered on studying the tunability and mnemonic capacities of disordered systems. We explore our ability to manipulate and train disordered systems with tabletop experiments using knit fabrics, kirigami patterns, sea water, and more.
Participants Needed: 1-2 students
Quarter Needed:Â Winter 2023
Prerequisites: None
Class it would count for:Â PHYS 200 or 400
Theoretical Cosmology, General Relativity
Ben Shlaer
I study explanations for the big bang, and the initial conditions problem. I'm also interested in the theoretical study of black holes.
Participants Needed: 1-2 students
Quarter Needed: Spring 2023
Prerequisites: Ideally, classical mechanics and/or cosmology
Class it would count for:Â Senior project
Solid state and materials physics
Matt Beekman
I am interested in understanding structure-composition-property relationships in materials, in particular physics of electron and heat transport and materials of interest for thermoelectric applications.
Participants Needed: 2-3 students
Quarter Needed: Spring or Summer 2023
Prerequisites: Intro physics sequence, though PHYS 202 and 206 are helpful.
Class it would count for: PHYS 400
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Theoretical biophysics, statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics
Oleg Kogan
I do research in biological transport and collective behavior (also, bio-inspired).
Participants Needed: Possibly 1 student
Quarter Needed:Â Winter 2023
Prerequisites: flexible, preferably students in their Junior or Senior year.
Class it would count for: PHYS 400