Physics
Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase
The 2025 Undergraduate Research Project Showcase was a celebration of research, design, and creative theses—a requirement of every graduating senior through the Major Qualifying Project (MQP)—takes place each spring on campus. Student teams representing all academic departments present their work to their faculty advisors, external sponsors, and the community-at-large, and the public is invited. The chemistry and biochemistry department had extraordinary projects with thorough research from each participating student, as well as two exemplary MQP students who were awarded the Major Qualifying Project Awards. You can see all award winners in the exciting spotlight section below!
Professor David Medich, Named Recipient of the 2025 Health Physics Society Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award
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Physics Professor and Physics Ph D Student Collaborative Paper accepted in APS - “Physical Review A"
“A STRIKING GEOMETRICAL MANIFESTATION OF QUANTUM MECHNICS: MIMICKING THE AHARONOV - BOHM EFFECT WITHOUT A MAGNETIC FIELD"
This important discovery resulted from a collaboration between physicists: Professor Jean-Pierre Gazeau (Paris,Białystok), Professor Tomoi Koide (Rio de Janeiro), Professor Romain Murenzi, and his PhD student Aidan Zlotak (Worcester, Massachusetts).”
The Aharonov-Bohm (AB) effect is a cornerstone of modern physics, revealing a deep connection between topology and quantum mechanics. In its standard description, an infinitely long solenoid, impenetrable to electrons, is topologically equivalent to a "hole" in a plane. This work presents a striking reinterpretation: what if the magnetic field and its vector potential are not necessary at all? It is shown that topology alone, the simple act of removing a point from the plane, is sufficient to reproduce the key features of the AB effect. The result is a quantum dynamics that mimics this famous effect, suggesting the phenomenon can be purely geometrical in origin. This was achieved using an affine-covariant integral quantization method that naturally regularizes the singularity and reveals the underlying geometry of the space. The discovery sheds new light on the deep interplay between geometry, topology, and quantum phase, with potential implications for quantum systems constrained by defects or boundaries.
Advance with the BS/MS Dual Degree Program
Fast-track your education and career with the BS/MS program by earning a dual degree―an accelerated academic pathway to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Saving both time and money while building advanced knowledge and skills could help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Discover more about the BS/MS program and your options to earn a BS/MS dual degree at the links below.
From the University Magazine
Black Hole Son
Dominic Chang ’18 applies theory to reality with black hole research
Untapped Energy
WPI researchers use novel ideas to tackle the urgent need for clean energy.
A Dry Heat
Jamal Yagoobi’s dual areas of expertise have him in demand everywhere from outer space to the manufacturing floor.
WPI's Collaborative Environment Inspires Innovation
WPI faculty and students work side-by-side in our labs and classrooms. Whether they are working on research that advances the field or exploring a new approach to matter and energy, we encourage experimentation that often leads to innovation.
The 18TH Annual Goddard Cup - Water Rocket Competition A SUCCESS!
WE HAD A GREAT TIME!
OUR 2025 WATER ROCKET COMPETITION WAS A BLAST! WE HOPE YOUR TEAM CAN JOIN US NEXT YEAR!
We look forward to your joining us in striving for the Cup! This event is open to teams of middle to high school students of the Worcester County area. Check back with us in February/March 2026 for our next scheduled competition.
Enriching Summer Programs
Now is the time to start planning for enriching pre-collegiate summer STEM programs hosted by the Department of Physics. Registration for our various programs opens in February. Students of many ages are invited to find out why STEM fields are so exciting and how they can turn their interests into a career.
IGNITE is for rising 7th and 8th graders.
LAUNCH is for rising 9th and 10th graders.
Frontiers is an on-campus residential program for rising 11th and 12th graders.
The Department of Physics also hosts summer programs for Girls Inc. Eureka!® -- a year-round STEM-focused cohort program for girls in 8th through 12th grades.
