Kansas State University Department of Physics

Graduate student Nabila Majeed and alumnus Adil Hussain (PhD '25) brought the heat to Neutrino Day at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota, earlier this month! 🏔️✨

One of the major highlights was their interactive model, which gave attendees of all ages a hands-on look into particle physics—making the exciting science happening 4,850 feet underground accessible, visual, and fun.

They also designed a DUNE-themed cartoon that kids could paint onto T-shirts, blending creativity with science. The activity was a massive hit—every single shirt was claimed, and many families even bought extra shirts just to participate! 🎨👕

The outreach was such a success that the interactive DUNE model was donated to SURF's education and outreach program, where it will continue inspiring future visitors.

A huge thank you to Nabila and Adil for sharing their passion for physics, inspiring the next generation of scientists, and representing our department so well!

📸 Check out the photo album to see them and their model in action!

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Better late than never—or maybe our timeline was just experiencing a little time dilation!

Throwing it back to the end of the spring semester when our undergrads hosted an epic Quantum Mafia game night! Between wave function collapses, heated accusations over free pizza, and quantum entanglement twists, we hear it was an incredible night .

We’re finally getting around to sharing these photos, but the memories (and the physics humor) are still fresh. See who collapsed their state, who survived, and who got caught in a quantum loop!

Why is the universe expanding—and speeding up?

In a late spring episode of the Inspire Us podcast, cosmologist Dr. Bharat Ratra broke down dark energy, general relativity, and cosmology.

Mind-bending science made accessible. 🎧

https://youtu.be/8ra-79OCAk0?si=kzhl0UJUDHzWtzsI

Why the Universe Is Expanding: Dark Energy, Cosmology & General Relativity | Bharat Ratra Inspire Us Bharat Ratra is a distinguished Physicist and Professor of Physics ...

Small particles can lead to massive breakthroughs. 🔬✨

Before Codi Gharagouzloo (BS Physics and Mechanical Engineering ’09) co-founded Imaginostics —a medtech company revolutionizing MRI technology to catch brain cancer and Alzheimer’s earlier—he was a K-State undergrad getting experience in a physics research lab.

Working alongside Emeritus Professor Bruce Law on experimental surface physics and Professor Tim Bolton on experimental particle physics, Codi gained hands-on experience that helped lay the groundwork for him to later invent safer, higher-resolution MRI techniques that are transforming patient care today.

That hands-on experience laid the groundwork for him to later invent safer, higher-resolution MRI techniques that are transforming patient care today.

"Nothing beats the hands-on aspects."
— Codi Gharagouzloo ’09

Codi’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when students are given early opportunities to explore, experiment, and solve big problems.

💡 Know a student or alum with a passion for discovery? Share this story to inspire the next generation of researchers!

https://www.k-state.com/news/codi-gharagouzloo-imaginostics.php

Imagining the future: How a K-Stater’s new medical tech could improve disease detection and outcomes | K-State Alumni Association Codi Gharagouzloo ’09 has big dreams for the future of his medical technology company — big dreams that were, ironically, inspired by very tiny particles. Through his dual major at K-State in mechanical engineering and physics, he began studying the tiny bits of matter that make up our universe:...

It was a pleasure to welcome back Professor Manjula Sharma from the University of Sydney to K-State this week! During her visit, in addition to meeting with current group members, she and Professor Emeritus Dean Zollman enjoyed reminiscing as they explored boxes of archival files from the late Professor Leonard (Len) Jossem and Dean’s own collection, reflecting on the history and evolution of physics education research..

The visit brought together Physics Education Group alumna Jackie Spears and former physics education research group administrator Kim Coy, who now serves as the department program coordinator. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the lasting connections, collaborations, and friendships that continue across the miles and generations of our community.

We wish Professor Sharma safe travels as she heads to Pasadena for the AAPT Summer meeting!

Where are they now? 🗺️✨

We love keeping up with our recent grads! In our latest newsletter, we caught up with physics alum Travis Severt (PhD ’21) to talk about his transition from K-State to the professional world, his favorite memories of the department and Cardwell Hall, and how his physics degree serves him today.

🔗 Read his spotlight here: https://www.phys.ksu.edu/newsletter/2026/graduate-spotlight.html

Alumni, we want to hear from you, too! 📬 Have a new job, a big life update, or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at [email protected].

(Psst... If you'd like to help us clear the path for the next wave of physics students, you can also support our Physics Excellence scholarship fund here: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/17443/donations/new

We had a blast at our REU BBQ last night! The thermodynamics were great - ideal weather, a high energy crowd, and zero resistance to having a good time.

It was wonderful to see our REU students, grads, and mentors colliding in the best way possible. Shoutout to program director and grillmaster Bret Flanders.

If you check the photos, you’ll see the students in a giant circle playing an epic game of “Signs.” For a group of researchers, their ability to pass signals across the circle with minimal noise was textbook. Talk about wave propagation!

Thanks to everyone who came out and brought the positive charge!

🍔 You're invited to join us for the annual REU BBQ! 🌭

We're inviting all REU students, mentors, physics faculty and staff, graduate and undergraduate students, and their families to join us for a fun evening of food, games, and community!

📅 When: Sunday, July 12
⏰ Time: Lawn games ~5:00 PM | Dinner will be served ~6:00 PM
📍 Where: Frank Anneberg Park, Manhattan, KS

🍽️ What's on the Menu?
We'll be serving hamburgers, all-beef hot dogs, veggie burgers, veggie hot dogs, chips, cookies, and beverages. If you'd like, feel free to bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share!

☀️ What to Bring:
Your family, your favorite lawn games, and your appetite!

Come celebrate our REU students, enjoy some good food, and spend time with friends and colleagues. We can't wait to see you there! 💜

🌟 Scholarships in Action: Meet Caitlin Solis

The journey to a physics degree is rarely a straight line. For '26 K-State alumna Caitlin Solis, it was a masterclass in perseverance. While navigating significant health and mobility challenges, Caitlin served as a two-time Physics Club president, taught undergraduate labs, and conducted vital research. Central to her success was the donor-backed Physics Excellence Scholarship, which does more than provide financial relief—it empowers brilliant, hardworking students to focus on their education and leadership instead of the hurdles in front of them.

Now that she has graduated and successfully completed an epic cross-country move to Washington this week to join her spouse, Caitlin is officially channeling her passion for science into launching her own independent tutoring business. It is the perfect next step as she prepares for her ultimate goal of graduate school.

Caitlin’s inspiring journey is a prime example of how your support changes lives. When you invest in K-State Physics scholarships, you directly invest in the future of our leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. 💜

👉 Read Caitlin's full profile and catch up on all department news in our latest newsletter: https://www.phys.ksu.edu/newsletter/2026/solis.html