News

Noah Finkelstein honored as CU Distinguished Professor

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:14:17 +0000

Noah Finkelstein honored as CU Distinguished Professor Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 04/13/2026 - 17:14

Kirsten Apodaca

Noah Finkelstein has been named a Distinguished Professor, CU’s highest honor for faculty across the four-campus system.

At the 91��Ҹ� Board of Regents meeting on Feb. 6, Finkelstein was recognized for the distinction along with five other faculty.

“I am so honored and grateful to be included among these remarkable folks who are transforming lives, disciplines, and building a better tomorrow through scholarship and action,” said Finkelstein during the regents meeting.

The award recognizes tenured faculty members who demonstrate exemplary performance in research or creative work; a record of excellence in promoting learning and student attainment of knowledge and skills; and outstanding service to the profession, the university and its affiliates. Since its inception in 1977, the honor has been awarded to 160 faculty system wide.

Finkelstein is the fourth professor from the Department of Physics to earn the rank, joining Andreas Becker, Margaret Murnane, and Carl Wieman.

"Noah's selection as a Distinguished Professor recognizes his excellence in teaching, his important research on improving physics education, and his dedicated service at CU and beyond,” says Tobin Munsat, chair and professor of physics. “Our department now celebrates four Distinguished Professors, which speaks to the quality and excellence of our faculty.”

Advancing physics education research and beyond

When Finkelstein joined the CU 91��Ҹ� faculty in 2003, physics education research was still emerging as a field. As CU 91��Ҹ�’s first full-time faculty member focused on physics education research, Finkelstein co-founded CU’s physics education research group alongside Professors Carl Wieman and Steven Pollock.

For more than two decades, Finkelstein has helped shape and advance the field by incorporating scholarly traditions from physics, educational psychology, and education. His research blends theory, experiments, and studies of student learning with curricular approaches to build more effective and inclusive environments. He leads research in how students learn, how courses are taught, and how these transformations can be scaled across institutions.

“His visionary work has transformed not just how we teach physics, but how we understand and improve STEM education worldwide,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz at the regents meeting.

At CU, Finkelstein helped develop the Learning Assistant program, which has now been implemented at over 120 colleges and universities worldwide.

A national leader in the field, Finkelstein’s scholarly impact includes more than 180 reviewed publications, 79 journal publications, 19 chapters, 88 conference proceedings, two books, and more than 15,000 citations.

Throughout his career, Finkelstein has received a multitude of teaching awards including the 91��Ҹ� Faculty Assembly Excellence in Teaching Award, the Gold Pin Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Sigma Pi Sigma Outstanding Physics Professor of the Year. In 2012, the 91��Ҹ� named Finkelstein a Presidential Teaching Scholar, and he was the inaugural Timmerhaus Teaching Ambassador, an honor designed to promote the value of education outside the university system.

Extending his impact beyond physics, Finkelstein contributes to national policy and educational reform by advising the Association of American Universities and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. He also serves on the National Academies Board on Science Education and is a trustee of the Higher Learning Commission.

91��Ҹ� Anschutz Chancellor Don Elliman, who has served on the board of Higher Learning Commission for the last 12 years alongside Finkelstein, highlighted his influence during the regents meeting. Elliman said Finkelstein’s input “has had a far-reaching effect, beyond the traditional teaching environment in the halls of the 91��Ҹ�.”

Collectively, Finkelstein’s research, teaching and national leadership reflect a career guided by impact on students, institutions, STEM education and policy. His recognition as a Distinguished Professor emphasizes both his lasting contributions to the 91��Ҹ� and his continued positive influence on education.

“I’m so grateful to work in an institution that not only allows for but fosters the vision of a better tomorrow,” Finkelstein added.

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CU 91��Ҹ� Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:07:33 +0000

CU 91��Ҹ� Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/08/2026 - 15:07

In the latest U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings, CU 91��Ҹ� Physics earned top marks, ranking No. 4 among public institutions and No. 13 overall among both public and private institutions. The department’s overall ranking rose four spots from No. 17 in the 2023 report, highlighting increasing national recognition of the physics graduate program.

“We’re proud to be recognized as one of the top physics graduate programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report,” says Tobin Munsat, professor and chair of physics. “This ranking reflects the exceptional work of our students, faculty and staff, and speaks to the excellence and breadth of research and education in our department.”

U.S. News and World Report calculates its graduate program rankings using multiple measures, including peer assessments. Several other CU 91��Ҹ� graduate programs also ranked highly in this year’s report and are featured in CU 91��Ҹ� Today.

Physics by the numbers

4 Nobel Prizes in Physics since 2001

312 PhD students

No. 1 best public university in atomic, molecular and optical physics (2023 US News and World Report)

59 full-time faculty

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Graduate student Anya Grafov selected as global recipient of 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:17:04 +0000

Graduate student Anya Grafov selected as global recipient of 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 04/06/2026 - 12:17

Anya Grafov, a graduate student in the Kapteyn Murnane Group at JILA, has been selected as one of the global recipients of the 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award, an international honor that recognizes exceptional early career women for their achievements and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Grafov was nominated through the Zonta Foothills Club of 91��Ҹ� County and is one of 16 awardees selected worldwide.

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Distinguished alumnus John Richardson (Phys'42) passes away at 104

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:08:31 +0000

Distinguished alumnus John Richardson (Phys'42) passes away at 104 Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 04/06/2026 - 11:08

Kirsten Apodaca

John M. Richardson (Phys’42), distinguished alumnus from the 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ�, passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 104.

Richardson was a 2002 recipient of the George Norlin Award, the highest honor conferred by the university’s alumni association, in recognition of his distinguished career in telecommunications, information technology and related fields. The George Norlin Award recognizes outstanding alumni who have demonstrated a long-lasting commitment to excellence in their professional career and a devotion to the betterment of society and their communities.

Richardson earned his bachelor of arts degree in physics at CU 91��Ҹ� in 1942. Following his undergraduate studies, he enrolled in the physics PhD program at Harvard University. While at Harvard, he interrupted his studies to serve in the Navy during World War II, then returned to complete his PhD in physics in 1951.

He began his professional career back in 91��Ҹ�, as the deputy director for radio standards at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) where he supervised the development of the first atomic clock and the transition to the international atomic time standard. In 1964, he was awarded a gold medal for service from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Richardson later held a series of leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., contributing to high-profile efforts including national security telecommunications, international audio broadcasting, supercomputer performance and electronic email.

In 1991, Richardson joined the faculty of the University of Maryland, University College, where he taught courses in telecommunication policy and the foundations of information technology. In 1996, he became Chair of the Department of Information and Telecommunications Studies. In 2002, Richardson won the President’s award for distinguished service at the University of Maryland.

In recognition of his professional and scientific contributions, Richardson was elected a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the American Physical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

"John had a keen intellect, loved science and engineering, and highly valued his education at CU,” said John Cumalat, professor of physics and former chair of the physics department.

In 2002, Richardson retired and moved back to 91��Ҹ�, but he was very active during retirement. Cumalat recalled having lunch with him at Chatauqua several years ago. Richardson was 100 at the time and had driven himself to the restaurant.

“He kept up with department events, attended George Gamow dinners and public lectures, and was a long-time loyal donor to the university and department,” added Cumalat. “He was a remarkable individual.”

View Richardson's Obituary

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Professor and JILA Fellow Adam Kaufman to lead Google AI's neutral atom quantum hardware team

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:52:27 +0000

Professor and JILA Fellow Adam Kaufman to lead Google AI's neutral atom quantum hardware team Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 03/25/2026 - 08:52

Today, Google Quantum AI announced a major expansion of its quantum computing research program, naming Professor and JILA Fellow Adam Kaufman to lead a newly formed neutral atom quantum hardware team. The initiative marks Google’s first large-scale investment in neutral atom quantum computing, a rapidly advancing platform that complements its long‑standing work in superconducting qubits.

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CU 91��Ҹ� physics ranks highly in QS World University subject rankings

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:48:45 +0000

CU 91��Ҹ� physics ranks highly in QS World University subject rankings Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 03/25/2026 - 08:48

In the latest edition of the World University Rankings by Subject from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), CU 91��Ҹ� physics and astronomy ranked No. 21 in the nation – and No. 10 among public institutions in the U.S. The rankings are based on surveys of reputation in the subject area among academics and recruiters of graduates, and on citations to research articles.

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Project led by Prof. Ivy Tan harnesses next-generation satellites to preserve Arctic sea ice

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:52:51 +0000

Project led by Prof. Ivy Tan harnesses next-generation satellites to preserve Arctic sea ice Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 03/18/2026 - 09:52

Ivy Tan, a 91��Ҹ� 91��Ҹ� assistant professor of physics, recently was awarded funding from Ocean Visions for a project she leads that is assessing whether mixed-phase cloud thinning is a viable method for cooling the Arctic and restoring sea ice.

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New 'vacuum ultraviolet' laser may improve nanotechnology, power nuclear clocks

Kirsten Apodaca — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:10:34 +0000

New 'vacuum ultraviolet' laser may improve nanotechnology, power nuclear clocks Kirsten Apodaca Fri, 03/13/2026 - 09:10

A new kind of laser developed by Margaret Murnane and Henry Kapteyn's research group could pave the way for practical nuclear clocks—devices that measure time with incredible precision by measuring the "ticking" of thorium atoms.

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2026 CU PREP 91��Ҹ� Faculty Receive Outstanding 91��Ҹ� and Service Awards

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:07:38 +0000

2026 CU PREP 91��Ҹ� Faculty Receive Outstanding 91��Ҹ� and Service Awards Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 03/03/2026 - 10:07

Nine CU PREP research faculty have been honored with Department of Physics Awards for Outstanding 91��Ҹ� and Service, recognizing their exceptional scientific achievements and their meaningful service to our community.

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Prof. Dana Anderson Celebrates Landmark Milestone as Infleqtion Goes Public on the New York Stock Exchange

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:08:54 +0000

Prof. Dana Anderson Celebrates Landmark Milestone as Infleqtion Goes Public on the New York Stock Exchange Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 02/24/2026 - 11:08

Infleqtion, the quantum technology company founded by Physics Professor and JILA Fellow Dana Anderson, has officially gone public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Infleqtion began trading under the ticker symbol INFQ on February 17, 2026, marking a historic moment for both the company and the broader quantum technology community.

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News

Noah Finkelstein honored as CU Distinguished Professor

Advancing physics education research and beyond

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CU 91���Ҹ� Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News

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Graduate student Anya Grafov selected as global recipient of 2026 Zonta International Women in STEM Award

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Distinguished alumnus John Richardson (Phys'42) passes away at 104

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Professor and JILA Fellow Adam Kaufman to lead Google AI's neutral atom quantum hardware team

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CU 91���Ҹ� physics ranks highly in QS World University subject rankings

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Project led by Prof. Ivy Tan harnesses next-generation satellites to preserve Arctic sea ice

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New 'vacuum ultraviolet' laser may improve nanotechnology, power nuclear clocks

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2026 CU PREP 91���Ҹ� Faculty Receive Outstanding 91���Ҹ� and Service Awards

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Prof. Dana Anderson Celebrates Landmark Milestone as Infleqtion Goes Public on the New York Stock Exchange

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CU 91��Ҹ� Physics ranks No. 4 among public universities by US News

CU 91��Ҹ� physics ranks highly in QS World University subject rankings

2026 CU PREP 91��Ҹ� Faculty Receive Outstanding 91��Ҹ� and Service Awards