From the news story on the UC Merced Main page
From understanding how groups of atoms behave at ultra-low temperatures to modeling how flocks of birds organize, UC Merced's Physics group is helping solve many of the world's mysteries and using the knowledge to improve technology, ranging from computing to solar energy conversion.
“Physics uses logical thought and experiment to understand the mysteries of our universe. It also allows you to translate that understanding into real technological advances,” graduate group Chair Professor Ajay Gopinathan said.
UC Merced's physics group has 12 faculty members and 41 graduate students, making it the second-largest program within the School of Natural Sciences. The group is also extremely diverse with 43 percent of graduate students being women or underrepresented minorities. Five of the 12 professors are also women, making it one of the most diverse departments in the country.
This summer, the program received approval from the UC President as well as accreditation from the Western Association of Colleges and Schools.....more
