Clark Atlanta University Center for Theoretical Studies of Physical Systems

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This Minority Research Center of Excellence (MRCE) project at Clark Atlanta University represents the establishment of a Center for Theoretical Studies of Physical Systems (CTSPS). The Center will consolidate and expand existing research capabilities in physics through the development of interdisciplinary research clusters in: (1) atomic and molecular theory; (2) quantum few/many body problems; and (3) mathematical physics and applied mathematics. The clusters will strengthen ties with several national and international scientific institutions. This MRCE is located within an area that has the largest consortium of private minority institutions in this nation. The CTSPS will play a major role in increasing the participation of underrepresented minorities in science and engineering. The Center will mount a comprehensive mentoring and tutoring program to encourage more precollege and undergraduate students to pursue doctoral degrees in the physical sciences. Researchers at the Center will: (1) conduct a science academy in mathematics; (2) involve capable high school students in research; and (3) work with precollege physics teachers through workshops, seminars, and visually appealing scientific demonstrations. The CTSPS faculty members are well respected in the scientific community because of their publications in refereed journals and their participation in national and international professional conferences. Because of this record, the Center will conduct a feasibility study for a Ph.D. program in physics during the fourth year of existence. Collaborations will be strengthened with the physics departments of MIT, Georgia Tech, Stanford, and the University of Wisconsin. In addition, ties will be maintained with the Center for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy.