KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 25, 2024

The word is out about Kennesaw State University’s Department of Physics, and Matthew Garwacke heard it loud and clear.

The junior physics major transferred to KSU last year for the opportunity to conduct research with renowned physics researcher Marco Guzzi, and then took on a prestigious research opportunity over the summer – the latest step in his journey.

“I just happened upon Dr. Guzzi's website, and I saw all the cool research he was doing,” Garwacke said. “KSU has a theoretical particle physics theory group, and nobody else in the state does particle theory the way they do here. It’s one-of-a-kind.”

Originally attracted to the broad discipline of physics via dreams of space exploration, Garwacke’s interests have gravitated toward the mathematical side of physics. He’s a perfect fit for the Guzzi undergraduate research group, which focuses on both the theoretical and computational aspects of particle physics, and he has thrived over the past year.

“I was always fascinated by the mathematical side because of the way math so thoroughly explains the world,” he said. “Math describes physics as the language of the universe. That’s my bread and butter, day in and day out.”

In fact, he spent the summer at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Va., one of a handful of college students making calculations to explore the structure of the proton through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates. Garwacke worked on several projects in particle physics before going to the J-LAB, which helped him strengthen his preparation.

Guzzi said Garwacke could serve as a standard-setter for what KSU’s physics majors can achieve. Students like him bring their enthusiasm and talent to their research groups and laboratories, and rapidly acquire skills and knowledge.

“He had the opportunity to interact with more senior physicists who work on nuclear theory and hadron phenomenology and are close to the experiments at the same time,” Guzzi said. “This is great for students like Matthew who must familiarize themselves with the theory concepts and then see how these apply to the experimental measurements.”

Garwacke is already considering next summer’s project, though his work with Guzzi will keep him busy for the immediate future. After transferring in 2023, Garwacke said he appreciates the more personal touch, which is part of what has put KSU’s physics department on the map.

“The professors have a lot more ability to work closely with the students, and that's one of the most important aspects of the department – how close knit and personal it is,” he said. “The professors at KSU, particularly in the physics department, really care about your success. Without Dr. Guzzi's guidance, I would never have gotten this experience at the Jefferson Lab, and I think that's what makes the department here so good.”

– By Dave Shelles

Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 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.