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Seiken · 04-14-2008, 04:56 PM

Regarding theoretical research in physics here, there are notably two professors on campus. The first is John Townsend, who actually wrote the textbooks you will be using (they are awesome too) who does theoretical particle physics. The other is Vatche Sahakian, Mudd's string theorist specializing in general relativity aspects.

Townsend has, of recent, not been doing much research, but rather focussing on his soon to be mass-released introductory quantum text book and running the physics department. He might be jumping back into the field in the future, especially with the wonders CERN might shoot out, but no promises.

Sahakian does work with students. In fact, I almost did summer research with him this summer, but ended up taking an experimental REU at Rice over the summer. He is an awesome guy and you will have him for a good deal of courses as a physics major. Everybody loves him, and you could even ask some of the prefrosh to critique their impressions of him based on the talk on string theory he did at Prefrosh weekend.

Note - In order to properly do theoretical work in physics, you will need to take a large variety of classes that most Mudders wont touch until their junior year. This includes Theoretical mechanics, fields and waves, general relativity and a multitude of quantum courses. Also, before doing work with Sahakian he will try and push you away unless you can maintain a 3.8GPA or higher (major), which is pretty difficult regardless of talent. There are just a lot of easy ways to get A-'s that will bring you down.

Although I do not know much about them, there are also a lot of opportunities on campus to do work in Astrophysics, though Im not sure on the theoretical or astronomy side. These opportunities can be done either here, or at Pomona which also has a solid physics department.

If you want a run down of experimental options/topics, post some Qs or just go to the Mudd website. Chances are you will want to do this for the first few years at Mudd until you build up the knowledge and skills for theory.

04-14-2008, 04:56 PM	#8
Seiken Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Harvey Mudd Posts: 932	Regarding theoretical research in physics here, there are notably two professors on campus. The first is John Townsend, who actually wrote the textbooks you will be using (they are awesome too) who does theoretical particle physics. The other is Vatche Sahakian, Mudd's string theorist specializing in general relativity aspects. Townsend has, of recent, not been doing much research, but rather focussing on his soon to be mass-released introductory quantum text book and running the physics department. He might be jumping back into the field in the future, especially with the wonders CERN might shoot out, but no promises. Sahakian does work with students. In fact, I almost did summer research with him this summer, but ended up taking an experimental REU at Rice over the summer. He is an awesome guy and you will have him for a good deal of courses as a physics major. Everybody loves him, and you could even ask some of the prefrosh to critique their impressions of him based on the talk on string theory he did at Prefrosh weekend. Note - In order to properly do theoretical work in physics, you will need to take a large variety of classes that most Mudders wont touch until their junior year. This includes Theoretical mechanics, fields and waves, general relativity and a multitude of quantum courses. Also, before doing work with Sahakian he will try and push you away unless you can maintain a 3.8GPA or higher (major), which is pretty difficult regardless of talent. There are just a lot of easy ways to get A-'s that will bring you down. Although I do not know much about them, there are also a lot of opportunities on campus to do work in Astrophysics, though Im not sure on the theoretical or astronomy side. These opportunities can be done either here, or at Pomona which also has a solid physics department. If you want a run down of experimental options/topics, post some Qs or just go to the Mudd website. Chances are you will want to do this for the first few years at Mudd until you build up the knowledge and skills for theory.