CU Boulder Physics

09/12/2026

In the late 1990s, NIST researcher Jan Hall and his colleagues created a high-tech “ruler” for measuring light, known as a frequency comb.

You may have never heard of a frequency comb, but it’s revolutionized atomic clocks and many other areas of precise measurement. In 2005, Hall shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for the achievement.

Thanks to its compact size, the frequency comb is now used for precise measurements, medical diagnostics and more. It’s one of many examples of NIST’s research making a big impact by moving our science out of labs and into the world.

Learn more in our latest Taking Measure blog post: https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/nist-inventions-are-powering-our-world

09/09/2026

⚙️ Build it. 🔥 Weld it. 🛠️ Make it.

Register for an upcoming class in the CU Boulder Physics Trades Teaching Lab and learn how to weld, machine custom parts, and bring your ideas to life.

Classes are open to CU Boulder students, faculty, staff, researchers, and community members!

Sign up for a class ➡️ https://www.colorado.edu/physics/research/fabrication-facilities/trades-teaching-lab

University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences | CU Boulder Engineering | CU Boulder Graduate School

09/09/2026

⚛️ Time to put that physics degree to work!

Join us at the Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair on Oct. 20 from 12–3 p.m. in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom. Connect with employers, explore opportunities, and discover the what’s next after graduation.

Learn more & register on Handshake: https://www.colorado.edu/physics/careerfair

University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences | CU Boulder Graduate School

09/09/2026

What a great start to the semester 😎

Over the past few weeks we welcomed undergrads at College Day and Fall Welcome, and brought together grad students, postdocs, faculty and staff at our annual Welcome Back BBQ! 🖤💛

Welcome to all our new students, and welcome back to everyone returning. We’re so glad you’re here!

University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences | CU Boulder Engineering | CU Boulder Graduate School

08/27/2026

Big news for NSF Q-SEnSE led by JILA/NIST fellow and physics prof. Jun Ye! 👏

CU Boulder is at the forefront of quantum innovation.

A scientific quest to build more accurate clocks, faster computers and new sensors to detect the faintest signs of disease and disaster is getting a $37.5 million financial boost.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes, is investing in the next phase of CU Boulder and its partners’ work to advance quantum science research and engineering.

Read more ↓
https://bit.ly/4qBWrkt

08/19/2026

Congratulations to the CU Boulder physics faculty who are leading or contributing to new projects awarded more than $1.6 million in U.S. Department of Energy Genesis Mission grants!

⚛️ AI for analyzing particle collisions at the Large Hadron Collider – led by Keith Ulmer

⚛️ Using quantum computing technologies and AI to simulate plasma for fusion pilot plants – led by Yuan Shi with collaborators Xun Gao and Scott Parker

⚛️ AI for understanding quark-gluon plasma – Dennis Perepelitsa and Jamie Nagle are co-principal investigators

⚛️ AI for enhancing the foundation model for nuclear and particle physics – Dennis Perepelitsa is a co-principal investigator

Read more: https://www.colorado.edu/physics/2026/08/18/physics-faculty-awarded-department-energys-genesis-mission-funding-ai-based-projects

University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Professor Meredith Betterton on receiving a Sloan Matter-to-Life grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation! 🎉

The two-year, $594,487 grant will support Betterton’s ongoing research on microtubules, the small, long tubes inside cells that serve several functions and that Betterton’s research suggests may be less fixed and static than previously thought.

The findings could deepen our understanding of cellular communication and may eventually inform advances in areas ranging from cancer treatment to the design of new materials.

Read more in the A&S Magazine: https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2026/08/05/meredith-betterton-awarded-sloan-matter-life-grant

CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences | University of Colorado Boulder

08/07/2026

⛰️➡️🏛️ from Boulder to D.C.

Recent CU Boulder graduate Joseph Pontiff (Phys’26) is applying his physics and political science background to help inform national quantum policy in Washington, D.C., working with the Commission on Quantum Primacy!

“It’s exciting to see how industry, academia and government all have to work together,” says Pontiff. “For quantum to succeed, you need all three.”

We’re excited to see where this opportunity takes him and proud to see another CU Boulder Quantum Scholars and physics alum on the national stage. 💛🖤

Read more: https://www.colorado.edu/physics/2026/08/05/recent-grad-heads-washington-help-shape-quantum-policy

CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences | University of Colorado Boulder

08/04/2026

We’re proud to share that the Department of Physics has been named an inaugural recipient of the Carl E. Wieman Award for Excellence by the Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities! 🏆

The award recognizes a sustained commitment to teaching excellence and high-quality undergraduate education.

It carries special significance because the award is named for Carl E. Wieman, a 2001 Nobel laureate and one of the department’s most distinguished faculty members.

“Carl showed us that groundbreaking research and a deep commitment to teaching can, and should, go hand in hand. This recognition affirms our commitment to giving students the best education we can,” says Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics.

🔗 Read more in the Arts & Sciences Magazine: https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2026/08/03/national-honor-recognizes-physics-teaching-excellence

University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder College of Arts & Sciences

07/20/2026

Future buffs, we got you! 🦬

Starting physics at University of Colorado Boulder this fall? Here’s what we wish we knew 😅


CU Boulder Arts & Sciences CU Boulder Engineering 🦬 University of Colorado Boulder Undergraduate Admissions