Saint Mary’s University (or “SMU”) is Atlantic Canada’s leading center for graduate studies and research in subatomic physics. The University belongs to the consortium of 21 Canadian universities that own and operate TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, in Vancouver.
SMU physics faculty perform research investigating a wide range of topics in subatomic physics, leading front-line research projects at various international user facilities. Students take part in this research, most of which involves visits or work terms at particle accelerator facilities either in Canada (TRIUMF in B.C.), or in other countries—such as FRIB and Argonne National Laboratory in the USA; GSI in Germany; or RIKEN in Japan.
SMU offers both MSc and PhD programs in subatomic physics, typically undertaken through the Applied Science graduate program. The graduate programs feature an interactive learning atmosphere, including the offering of distant courses through TRIUMF and other partnering universities. Graduate students in subatomic physics get immense international and national exposure working together with experts from across Canada and around the world.
Subatomic Physics Faculty
Physics faculty at Saint Mary’s perform research studying a wide range of topics in subatomic physics. A list of full-time and affiliate faculty members, along with their research interests, is given below. Contact information and links to individual faculty pages, where available, are also included.
Dr. Gregory Christian: Associate Professor
· Research topics include astrophysical nuclear reactions, the structure of nuclei away from stability, and advanced detector development. · Research page: https://www.ap.smu.ca/~gchristian/· Contact: Greg.Christian [at] smu.ca
Dr. Thanassis Psaltis: Assistant Professor
· Multidisciplinary Research: We use a “systems approach” to understand how stars explode and create the elements that make up our world, bridging the gap between nuclear physics, stellar modeling, and astronomy. · Research page: https://psaltisa.github.io/· Contact: Thanassis.Psaltis [at] smu.ca
Dr. Rituparna Kanungo: Professor; Physical sciences division head, TRIUMF
· Experiments with radioactive ion beams for nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics. · Research page: https://www.ap.smu.ca/~rkanungo/rkanungo.html· Contact: ritu [at] triumf.ca
Dr. Roby Austin: Associate Professor
· Research in gamma-ray spectroscopy and nuclear data visualization.· Contact: Roby.Austin [at] smu.ca
Dr. Friedhelm Ames: Adjunct Professor; Research Scientist, TRIUMF· Research projects on radioactive beam production and acceleration.· Contact: Ames [at] triumf.ca
Dr. Ruohong Li: Adjunct Professor; Research Scientist, TRIUMF· Research projects are on laser spectroscopy and polarized beams· Contact: ruohong [at] triumf.ca
Key Links
Please check out the links below for more information:SMU Subatomic Physics Graduate Program Banner
· SMU Department of Astronomy & Physics · SMU Graduate Program in Applied Science · SMU Faculty of Science · TRIUMF
Program ContactDr. Greg ChristianGreg.Christian [at] smu.ca
You are also welcome to reach out to individual faculty members at the email addresses given above. We hope to hear from you soon!