An undergraduate student working in a physics lab
Lewis College of Science and Letters

Physics

Uncover the mysteries of the universe, from the forces that give structure to galaxies to the particles that make up matter through Illinois Tech’s physics department.

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Why Study Physics at a Technology-Focused University?

Studying physics at Illinois Tech uniquely prepares students to launch their careers. Our physics department provides students with opportunities to work alongside biologists, chemists, engineers, entrepreneurs, ethicists, educators, and policy experts so that they can apply their insights to project-based collaborations. With a degree in physics from Illinois Tech, students will be prepared to take on pressing scientific challenges in settings ranging from research labs to startup companies to power plants. 
 

News

A Breath of Fresh Air: Illinois Tech Professor Leads Discovery on Lung Function

A Breath of Fresh Air: Illinois Tech Professor Leads Discovery on Lung Function

Born without lung surfactant, premature infants’ lungs are at high risk of failure. Funded by a $2.4 million NIH grant, Associate Professor of Physics David Gidalevitz has discovered a potentially inexpensive solution.

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Healthier Hearts? Illinois Tech Research Advances Potential Treatment for Cardiac Conditions

Healthier Hearts? Illinois Tech Research Advances Potential Treatment for Cardiac Conditions

Making the case for a new understanding of muscle contraction, Illinois Tech Professor of Biology and Physics Thomas Irving and Research Assistant Professor Weikang Ma’s research is aiming to find new treatments for inherited cardiac conditions.

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Less Energy, More Results: Illinois Tech Research Aims to Show New Low-Energy Side of High-Energy Physics

Less Energy, More Results: Illinois Tech Research Aims to Show New Low-Energy Side of High-Energy Physics

In the world of particle physics, high-energy experiments tend to garner big headlines. Illinois Tech Associate Professor of Physics Bryce Littlejohn and his team are hoping to change that.

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A Community to Help: New Research Center to Tackle Health Care Disparities

A Community to Help: New Research Center to Tackle Health Care Disparities

In March 2024, an idea that existed in the minds of Distinguished Professor of Psychology Patrick Corrigan and Assistant Professor of Psychology Lindsay Sheehan for years was finally made into a reality.

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From Post-it Notes to Publication: Illinois Tech Professor’s New Book Teaches Therapy Skills

From Post-it Notes to Publication: Illinois Tech Professor’s New Book Teaches Therapy Skills

For Illinois Tech Associate Professor of Psychology and clinical psychologist Steff Du Bois, making therapy more affordable and accessible to the world started with one small step: Post-it notes. 

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Creating Support Systems with Psychology

Creating Support Systems with Psychology

In March 2024, an idea that existed in the minds of Distinguished Professor of Psychology Patrick Corrigan and Assistant Professor of Psychology Lindsay Sheehan for years was finally made into a reality.

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Featured Faculty

Department of Physics faculty at Illinois Tech are on the forefront of teaching and research in areas of modern physics, including nanoelectrofuel battery technology, neutrino oscillations, superconducting radio frequency cavities, and more. 

Bryce Littlejohn
Associate Professor of Physics
Rakshya Khatiwada
Assistant Professor of Physics Associate Scientist, Fermilab
Jeffery Wereszczynski
Professor of Physics and Biology Frank Gunsaulus Faculty Fellow in Physics and Biology Chair, University Faculty Council
Jeffrey Terry
Professor of Physics Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Yagmur Torun
Associate Professor of Physics
Carlo Segre
Duchossois Leadership Professor Professor of Physics Deputy Director, Materials Research Collaborative Access Team (MRCAT) Director, Center for Synchrotron Radiation Research and Instrumentation (CSRRI) Deputy Director, BioCAT Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Pavel Snopok
Chair, Department of Physics Professor
Daniel Kaplan
Emeritus Professor of Physics Director, IIT Center for Accelerator and Particle Physics
John Zasadzinski
Paul and Suzi Schutt Endowed Chair in Science Professor of Physics

“The research opportunities at Illinois Tech helped me understand how gratifying conducting original research is. As an undergraduate I already felt part of the scientific community as I was given the opportunity to work in a lab, attend conferences, and communicate with well-established scientists at other institutions. I credit Illinois Tech for inspiring my career path and continued success.”

—Emily Hommerding (PHYS ’13), Software Engineer, Microsoft

Hommerding (PHYS'11)

Contact Physics

Phone

312.567.3579

Fax

312.567.3494

Office Location

Department of Physics
Robert A. Pritzker Science Center
3101 South Dearborn Street, Room 182
Chicago, IL 60616