Department of Physics & Astronomy

Support SF State Physics & Astronomy!

The fields of physics & astronomy use the scientific method to investigate the fundamental laws that govern the cosmos and all its contents, from subatomic particles to the cosmic web of galaxies on the largest observable scales in the universe and beyond. The pursuit of science is a human endeavor, and our department welcomes the full spectrum of humanity to contribute their perspectives, passions, and skills to scientific exploration.

Science is a verb! At SF State, students participate in cutting-edge research in

• Quantum optics & photonics - in our laser laboratories, faculty & students investigate how to manipulate the propagation of light - imagine computers that use light instead of electrons or biophysical imaging that can observe living cells in action!
• Theoretical particle physics and quantum field theory - faculty & students try to unravel the mysteries of why fundamental particles have the properties they do!
• Exoplanetary science - SF State is a leader in the "100 Earths Project" to search for the closest terrestrial planets that might have atmospheres that could support life!
• Galactic archaeology - SF State students and faculty study the oldest stars in the Milky Way Galaxy to figure out how our home galaxy formed and how it will evolve!
• Brown dwarfs and low-mass stars - brown dwarfs are in between stars like the Sun and giant planets like Jupiter; students and faculty study these strange objects, including their clouds and weather!
• Cosmic rays & neutrinos - SF State is a participating institution in GRAND - Giant Radio Array for Neutrino Detection; our faculty & students will trace back neutrinos to colliding neutron stars and supermassive black holes at the centers of giant galaxies!
• Astronomy & Physics Education - SF State faculty & students investigate how students learn complex ideas in physics & astronomy in order to make pedagogy more effective & inclusive so that all students are able to develop the tools to become scientists!

Your gift to the Department of Physics & Astronomy will support

• our weekly colloquium series in which we invite physicists and astronomers from around the Bay Area, country, and world to visit SF State and share their cutting-edge research with our students; funds will support honoraria for visiting scholars as well as pizza lunch for students to chat with visiting scholars.
• travel funds for students to attend national and international workshops and conferences.
• poster-printing so that students can create visually engaging scientific posters so that they can share their research achievements.
• field trips for our students, including our annual autumn trip to Ferguson Observatory.
• department graduation celebration to honor our undergraduate and graduate students who are graduating and moving on to start their careers.

Thanks to the challenges and matches taking place on #GatorsGiveDay, every gift matters even more.