Apply physical laws to the working of the cosmos, and work in the largest laboratory there is: the universe itself. Through the study of astrophysics, researchers learn about the origin, structure, evolution, and ecology of the universe and its constituents. By combining astrophysics and elementary particle physics, Michigan Tech researchers can also study high-energy radiation—such as gamma rays, neutrinos, and cosmic rays—and cosmic constituents like active galactic nuclei and super-massive black holes.
With so many mysteries of the universe left unsolved, astrophysics and particle astrophysics aims to make sense of phenomena ranging from the smallest atomic particles to the universe’s largest galaxies.
Researchers
| Faculty | Areas of Interest |
Labs
Amjoch Observatory
Atlantic Mine
Researcher: Chris Middlebrook
HAWC Lab
Fisher B005
Researchers: Petra Huentemeyer
Auger Lab (global project)
DOW
Researchers: Brian Fick
Positions Available
Undergraduate
All faculty members accept undergraduate student researchers into their labs. For more information, please contact physics@mtu.edu. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs) are open to all Tech undergraduates who have at least one semester remaining after the summer.
Graduate
The Department of Physics seeks qualified applicants in all areas of physics for GRA and GTA positions. For more information, please contact the graduate program directors.