Pioneering Physics Research at Howard University

Howard University's physics department is at the forefront of scientific discovery, offering a rich environment for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage in cutting-edge research. As the nation's first Historically Black University, Howard is uniquely positioned to foster opportunities for women and under-represented minorities to excel in research careers. The department's diverse research portfolio spans from quantum materials science to atmospheric physics, providing a comprehensive training ground for the next generation of physicists.

Quantum Magnetism: Unveiling New States of Matter

One of the most exciting areas of research at Howard University is in the field of quantum magnetism. This field explores exotic physics, where strong electron correlations and entanglement lead to topological magnets and emergent magnetic excitations. These phenomena can potentially unlock new states of matter, including the highly sought-after spin liquid.

The Howard University physics department is tackling the challenges in this field by combining innovative experimental capabilities with comprehensive theoretical modeling. By utilizing the unique capabilities at the DOE’s Linac Coherent Light Source II, researchers can obtain novel experimental data of low-energy modes that are otherwise inaccessible. This experimental data, coupled with powerful computational approaches such as exact diagonalization, advanced density functional theory, and the density matrix renormalization group, provides a robust framework for advancing our understanding of materials at a fundamental level.

The coupling of experimental work with theory and computation, alongside rapid advances in high-performance computing and multimodal experimental workflows, gives Howard University an unmatched potential to make important breakthroughs in real-time, machine-assisted quantum magnetism.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program

Howard University is committed to fostering the next generation of scientists through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site in Physics. This program provides six undergraduate students each summer with the opportunity to participate in research across various fields of physics. The REU program focuses on institutions with limited STEM research programs.

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

In addition to hands-on research experience with experienced faculty mentors, REU students participate in weekly activities designed to ensure their research stays on track and that they have an engaging, collegial, and scholarly experience. By the end of the 10-week program, each student prepares a poster, delivers an oral presentation of their research, and writes a final report.

The Howard Physics REU has introduced participants to exciting research tools and methods, allowing students to acquire skills in specific methodologies while developing a keen awareness of the applications of nanoscale physics to a broad range of science careers.

REU Program Outcomes and Impact

The REU Site in Physics at Howard University provided a 10-week summer research experience in the areas of computational, theoretical, and experimental nanoscale condensed matter physics, optics and laser spectroscopy to a diverse undergraduate student population. The REU students also collaborated with all members of the respective research groups, including postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.

From 2017 to 2022, the REU Physics Program at Howard University benefited a total of 26 participants, including 12 females, 8 African Americans, and 7 other minority students (5 Hispanic and 2 Asian). This demonstrates the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The REU site in Physics at Howard University has served as a catalyst for talented students who may be undecided about pursuing a career in physics, providing them with skills needed to explore a range of STEM fields with broad real-world applications. With an emphasis on recruiting students underrepresented in the STEM disciplines, the Howard Physics REU program has expanded the cadre of promising scientists who will ultimately make significant contributions to society. The program anticipates a measurable increase in the number of students applying to graduate school and acquiring specialty training in physics and related STEM fields. The support provided by the REU stipends has directly benefitted students who are severely underrepresented in the STEM disciplines and in dire need of financial aid.

The REU program also includes collaborations and exchange visits with institutions such as the Naval Observatory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Georgetown University's REU Site in Materials Physics, and the University of Maryland's TREND REU Program.

Intellectual Merit of the REU Program

All REU student projects are linked to individual research programs of faculty mentors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Howard University. Hence, REU participants joined active researchers in state-of-the art projects in computational, theoretical, and experimental nanoscale physics.

With a well-established track record of mentoring in both academic year and summer research projects, the faculty members helped stimulate and guide the student participants in cutting-edge physics research investigations. In particular, the REU students engaged in research that was published in peer-reviewed journals and gained first-hand research experience in contemporary physics research fields covering nanoscale condensed matter physics and laser spectroscopy of nanomaterials.

Doctoral Program in Physics

Howard University's Ph.D. program in Physics offers students a solid foundation in pure and applied physics, as well as the opportunity to pursue in-depth investigations in dynamic areas of physics. These areas include quantum materials science, condensed matter and materials physics, elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, renewable energy, astrophysics, cosmology, biophysics, string theory, nanoscience, and optical spectroscopy. The program prepares graduates for physics-related careers in academia, industry, data science, research, or government.

As a doctoral student, you'll gain a firm grounding in contemporary theoretical, experimental, and computational analysis approaches to physics. You'll also have access to innovative research laboratory capabilities that allow you to carry out independent, original research tailored to your individualized program of study. A graduate seminar series provides our students with more specialized exposure to the latest research in the field and provides a venue for students to present their early-stage research and translate their research results effectively to various audiences. The Physics faculty are dedicated to advancing research in the field and are committed to the professional development of their students.

Program Details and Application Information

The Ph.D. program requires 72 credit hours and is a full-time, on-campus program. A dual degree option, M.D./Ph.D., is also available.

Application deadlines are as follows:

Spring 2026 entry: November 15 (final deadline)
Fall 2026 entry:
- November 15 (early deadline)
- February 15 (priority deadline)
- April 15 (final deadline)

Eligible Ph.D. applicants who wish to be considered for the Graduate School's Competitive Assistantships must meet the early deadline for Fall 2026 entry (Nov. 15). Applicants must submit a separate application for this funding opportunity along with their application for graduate admissions by the early deadline of November 15, 2025 (the 2025 early deadline for Fall 2026 entry).

Required application materials include:

Online GradCAS application
Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
GRE scores not required
Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
3 letters of recommendation
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

Research Groups and Labs

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Howard University houses several active research groups and laboratories, each focusing on a specific area of physics.

Climate and Radiation Group (CARG)

The Climate and Radiation Group (CARG) is being developed as a core research component in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Howard University Program in Atmospheric Sciences (HUPAS). CARG was a key participant in the NASA-funded Center for the Study of Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Atmospheres (CSTEA) and is currently involved in the NOAA-Howard University Cooperative Center for Atmospheric Sciences (NCAS) and the NASA URC Beltsville Center for Climate System Observation (BCCSO). CARG’s overall research goal is to investigate unresolved questions in climate change and its impact on society. CARG is particularly interested in engaging in research that contributes to an improved understanding of the role of clouds and the H2O cycle in climate through the development and application of climate models and innovative techniques in remote sensing, and to understanding the impact of climate on public health.

Computational Physics Laboratory

The Computational Physics Laboratory, led by Professor James Lindesay, has a strong history of producing graduates at all levels, including the doctorate. Computational physics projects have included relativistic scattering, black hole formation, atmospheric waves and oscillations, DNA sequencing, cellular electroporation, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetic scattering from rough surfaces.

Computational Simulations in Condensed Matter Group

The Computational Simulations in Condensed Matter Group, led by Dr. Silvina Gatica, focuses on applying molecular simulation techniques, such as Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics, along with Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics, to study physical adsorption in nano-porous materials.

Laser Spectroscopy Research Group

The focus of the Laser Spectroscopy research group is on the study of chemical intermediates that are of relevance to combustion and plasma phenomena. Research activities include general assumptions about the physical spacetime in superstring models, Conifolds, supersymmetry, and the measurement conundrum. Some of collaborations include: (1) “Supersymmetry”, with C. Doran (U.Washington; Mathematics), M. Faux (SUNY; Physics), S. J. Gates, Jr. (UMD; Physics), K. Iga (Pepperdine U.; Mathematics), G.

Broad Impacts and Future Directions

The research conducted at Howard University's physics department has significant broader impacts. The REU site in Physics at Howard University has served as a catalyst for talented students who may be undecided about pursuing a career in physics, providing them with skills needed to explore a range of STEM fields with broad real-world applications. With an emphasis on recruiting students underrepresented in the STEM disciplines, the Howard Physics REU program has expanded the cadre of promising scientists who will ultimately make significant contributions to society. Furthermore, the Howard Physics REU has contributed to diversifying this STEM-qualified base by targeting students from underrepresented minority groups (both gender and ethnicity) and with limited physics research resources. Finally, the support provided by the REU stipends has directly benefitted students who are severely underrepresented in the STEM disciplines and in dire need of financial aid.

Advances in quantum science and physics will be instrumental for next-generation computing, new materials, and drug design. Howard University's physics department is playing a vital role in these advancements, preparing students to be leaders in the field and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive scientific community.

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