KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 12, 2024

The beat goes on for Kennesaw State University researchers Nikolaos Kidonakis and Marco Guzzi.

The two have received their second joint grant in three years from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance the study of the Higgs boson —also known as the “God particle,” the top quark, and the proton, which are relevant to the physics program of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Switzerland. This grant is a further boost for the study of theoretical particle physics at KSU. For Kidonakis, it’s his seventh such grant since arriving at the College of Science and Mathematics in 2004.

“Receiving this grant is a confirmation that the synergy works between Nik and me, and we have been able to sustain a very competitive and strong research group here at KSU,” Guzzi said. “That’s the other thing—this research is unique at KSU.” In addition, their papers and studies have been among the most cited in the world among other researchers.

Their synergy comes from each researcher’s expertise. Kidonakis performs theoretical calculations involving the top quark, which is the heaviest known elementary particle, and the Higgs boson, which is involved in the mechanism for mass generation. Guzzi does calculations to improve our understanding of the structure of the proton and the dynamics of its internal constituents.

Their research group also focuses on undergraduates, though some of the grant funds go toward hiring postdoctoral researchers, and Kidonakis has had graduate students from other disciplines conduct research in physics. KSU’s focus on undergraduate research paired with the international renown of theoretical particle physics make this research group a destination for aspiring physicists.

“KSU promotes undergraduate research and I've been quite successful at it,” Kidonakis said. “I've had many students that worked with me, wrote papers with me, and gave talks and presentations at conferences and so on.”

In addition to the success of the research group and its individual members, Guzzi said the research truly advances the overall study of physics, putting KSU on the map in an extremely high-level niche. That means students are getting exposed to research at an international level.

“When you do this kind of research, you involve students, then students go to graduate school and they develop and acquire a lot of experience and they become knowledgeable about certain areas in both theoretical and computational physics,” Guzzi said. “At the same time, major facilities such as the LHC at CERN, require the expertise of many people—engineers, physicists, technicians. Therefore, this research is a true advancement for training young people in STEM disciplines.”

The grant’s three-year period ends in 2027, but the research group’s track record of continuing their work, engaging undergraduates, publishing papers (well over a hundred under the various NSF grants so far), and getting results—along with the constantly evolving nature of science—means the two professors will have plenty of work to do as the years go by. Each said he truly enjoys what he does and acknowledges the dynamic nature of physics, meaning the true finish line is always a few yards ahead.

“Science never ends, so of course it always keeps moving,” Kidonakis said. “There can be an end point for something specific like a calculation, but there are always other things you can do or improve.”

– Story by Dave Shelles

Photo illustrations by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.