As part of his work in high-energy particle physics, Prof. Yasar Onel has invented a scintillator that would be used in an ultra-fast radiation treatment for cancer. Onel and his High Energy Physics group in the Department of Physics and Astronomy are working on developing a fast dose monitoring system using their recently patented radiation hard scintillator, and Large Hadron Collider technology. They are working with the University of Iowa Department of Radiation Oncology in the Carver College of Medicine on the “Midwest FLASH Lab: Developing Next-Generation Radiotherapy Delivery and Expertise at the UI” project.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy hosted the Space Physics and Astronomy Research Kamp (SPARK) May 20 at  Van Allen Hall. Twelve Iowa City-area high school students attended SPARK, which focused on astronomy, astrophysics, space physics, and promoted the STEM field toward typically underrepresented groups.

Associate Professor David Miles will receive the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean's Scholar Award, which recognizes faculty candidates for promotion who excel in both teaching and scholarship or creative work.

Congratulations to our students who were candidates for degrees at the University of Iowa Spring Commencement Ceremonies on May 12 and 13, 2023! 

Andrea Shaevitz, a senior financial analyst in Physics and Astronomy, will receive the Mary Louise Kelley Staff Excellence Award at the 2023 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Staff Recognition Reception on June 15. This award recognizes staff members in CLAS who have performed exceptional service to their department or the College.

For an outreach event, Prof. Wayne Polyzou presented at STEAM Day, April 21, 2023, at Prairie Ridge Elementary School in Cedar Rapids.

The Iowa Science Academy (ISA) has awarded Physics and Astronomy Graduate Student Jacob Payne a Community Engagement Graduate Assistantship for 2023-2024.