ÂÌñÉçÇø

We investigate the properties of fundamental particles, which are the building blocks of the universe, to see how they are produced in high energy accelerators and find out more about their various decay modes.  We also try to look for indications of unknown forces of nature which may reveal themselves only at very high energies.

We use x-ray fluorescence techniques to study the concentration of heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, in the human body. Another recent focus has involved the detection of zinc in human tissue. This has important environmental and medical applications.

Our group conducts hadron structure experiments at international laboratories such as the Institute for Nuclear Physics in Mainz, Germany, The Jefferson Laboratory in Newport News, Virginia and the High Intensity Gamma Source at Duke University in North Carolina to probe the nature and interactions of the particles that make up the atomic nucleus. In addition, we are part of the Electron-Ion Collider Canada collaboration helping design the ePIC detector for the major new EIC facility to be built in Long Island New York.

We study the evolution of massive stars, particularly taking into account the effects of rotation.  In particular, we use asterosiesmology to probe the interior structure of stars many times more massive than the Sun.  These stars are large enough to die as supernovae, and make an important contribution to the structure and evolution of galaxies.

We use x-ray scattering techniques and theoretical models to carry out research on structure changes in glasses and other industrially important glasses.  This allows us to study fundamental questions such as how the atoms are arranged. Precise thermal measurements complement the x-ray scattering results.

Award purposes

• To honour and recognize the recipient for achievement in academics, and for their enthusiastic and active participation in the promotion of physics in general.
• To provide the student, through a number of teaching and leadership opportunities, the chance to be mentored and develop teaching skills.
• To provide a service to the Physics department through leadership of physics-related events.

Award recognition

The selected student shall:

• Receive $1,800 during the year of the award (given in two $900 instalments)
• Have their name placed on a plaque prominently displayed in the Sir James Dunn building and receive certification at graduation time.

The department head shall decide, from time to time, what other leadership roles/responsibilities/positions the student shall hold.

Expectations of the student

The student receiving the award will be expected to:

• Provide academic leadership to fellow physics students.
• Gain some teaching-related experience.
• Help organize activities related to the promotion/celebration of physics/physicists.

Academic leadership-related activities

It is expected that the student will display academic leadership not only within the various courses that they are taking, but also by participating in some of the following:

• Help to organize SURF (Student University Research Fair) at ÂÌñÉçÇø.
• Organize physics promotional trips to and from local schools.
• Organize student/faculty research talks, seminars and workshops. This could be done in conjunction with the Physics department, other departments, external faculty, the Canadian Association of Physicists, or other organizations.
• Organize and run a Physics Help Centre.
• Find and implement creative ways of teaching a topic or aspect of physics.
• Implement other innovative ideas/projects under their own initiative.

Teaching activities

• Help to develop an experiment or course module for one course.
• Do some teaching (one or two brief presentations in each term) in courses selected with the approval of the head of the Physics department.

Reporting

The award recipient will be required to submit a brief report at the end of each term, outlining the completion of the accomplishments that the student had planned. 

Following the receipt of a satisfactory report, the University shall make the award money available to the student.

Application

Students should submit the online application form.

Students may also be nominated by faculty or fellow students. Applications are due on March 11th, 2024

Announcement of the winner of the award

The Physics department expects to select the recipient of the award before Convocation every year, and usually announces the award at the annual banquet.