About Us

Photo credit: © Nobel Prize Outreach. Photo: Nanaka Adachi 

The Department of Physics at the Ohio State University is one of the university's largest and most diverse departments.  As a department in the division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences in the College of the Arts and Sciences, the Department of Physics occupies the recently built Physics Research Building as well as instructional and advising space in Smith Laboratory, the former home of the department.  The department currently has 54 faculty and approximately 60 postdoctoral researchers and research scientists, 190 graduate students, and 500 undergraduate majors.  

Research

Our faculty, postdocs, research scientists and students conduct world-class research in the following
areas:

  • Astrophysics
  • Atomic, Molecular & Optical Experiment and Theory
  • Biophysics
  • Condensed Matter Experiment and Theory
  • High Energy Experiment and Theory
  • Nuclear Experiment and Theory
  • Physics Education

World Class Faculty

Our faculty members are fellows of elite organizations and winners of prestigious awards both at the university level and at the national and international level.  Be sure to look at our complete list of awards.

Awards List for Current Faculty

2023 Nobel Prizewinner

Pierre Agostini, professor emeritus of physics at The Ohio State University, has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics with two of his colleagues.

The Ohio State University Distinguished Faculty Awardees

Distinguished University Professor

The Distinguished University Professor title is awarded permanently to no more than three exceptional faculty per year. The title recognizes accomplishments in research, scholarly or creative work, teaching, and service that are both distinguished and distinctive.

Awards
  • 2015 - Ulrich Heinz
  • Emeriti recipients:
    • 2003 - Eric Herbst
    • 2000 - Frank DeLucia
    • 1997 - Arthur Epstein (deceased)
    • 1989 - Bunny Clark (deceased)
    • 1988 - David Edwards 

Distinguished Scholar

Senior professors are honored for their exceptional scholarly accomplishments and younger faculty members for their demonstrated scholarly potential.

  • 2023 - Mohit Randeria
  • 2022 - John Beacom
  • 2021 - Christopher Hirata
  • 2020 - Michael Lisa
  • 2019 - Nandini Trivedi
  • 2017 - Len Brillson
  • 2014 - Samir Mathur
  • 2012 - Lou DiMauro
  • 2011 - Junko Shigemitsu (emerita)
  • 2007 - Ulrich Heinz
  • 2003 - Eric Braaten
  • 2002 - Tin-Lun (Jason) Ho
  • 1999 - Frank De Lucia (emeritus)
  • 1998 - Eric Herbst (emeritus)
  • 1996 - David Stroud (emeritus)
  • 1992 - Gary Steigman (emeritus - deceased)
  • 1991 - Arthur Epstein (emeritus)
  • 1985 - C. Jayaprakash
  • 1984 - David Edwards (emeritus)

Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching

Honored for their superior teaching, faculty members are nominated by present and former students and colleagues and selected by a committee of alumni, students and faculty.

  • 2020 - C. Jayaprakash
  • 2018 - Andrew Heckler
  • 2013 - Douglass Schumacher
  • 2009 - John F. Beacom
  • 2008 - Robert J. Perry (emeritus)
  • 2007 - Brian L. Winer
  • 2005 - Richard Hughes
  • 2005 - Bruce Mainland (emeritus)
  • 2004 - Klaus Honscheid
  • 2003 - Samir Mathur
  • 2001 - Greg Kilcup
  • 2000 - Linn D. Van Woerkom
  • 1999 - Robert Scherrer
  • 1997 - Richard Furnstahl

President and Provost's Award for Distinguished Faculty Service

Faculty members are recognized for their contributions to the development and implementation of university policies and programs through non-administrative roles, while continuing to teach and pursue scholarship.

  • 2008 - Gordon Aubrecht (emeritus - deceased)
  • 2001 - Robert J. Perry
  • 2000 - Bunny C. Clark (emerita - deceased)

Culture

The faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Physics take part in several activities aimed at engaging the public and cultivating an interest in science among young people.

The OSU Women in Physics Blog aspires to give young people, especially females, a sense of what it is like to live a life in physics, whether it be studying, researching, or teaching.

Breakfast of Science Champions - This annual program invites middle school children from the Columbus Public Schools to breakfast and then provides a program of a short lecture followed by hands-on fun experiments in physics.  The Center for Emergent Materials has organized this effort in physics an includes physics faculty, staff and students.

Wellness

In 2013 the Department of Physics in collaboration with the Society of Women in Physics designed, constructed and furnished a Wellness Suite. This is a room designed for use primarily by breastfeeding mothers, but also for any other individuals who require a private, clean space during the day for physical or mental health needs. The room is on the third floor, lab side - Room #3100, and is equipped with a sink, refrigerator and microwave, comfortable chair, and phone. Use of the room will be governed by a reservation system. Contact Kris Dunlap or Shelley Palmer for Room code and schedule.

Inclusive

Gender neutral restrooms are available on the office side in the hallway outside of 4138 PRB.

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