Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, has selected for publication research that was conducted by Indiana Wesleyan University’s Dr. Warren Rogers, Blanchard chair and professor of Physics, and two of his undergraduate students, Andrew Wantz ’20 and James Boone ‘19.
The research, conducted primarily at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University (MSU), focused on improving understanding of how neutrons—sub-atomic particles making up roughly half of an atomic nucleus—scatter, enabling the team to better measure the properties of exotic nuclei.
According to Rogers, their observations can be used to improve computer simulations that predict how this scattering occurs, an important tool in preparation for more advanced nuclear physics experiments in the future.
“I believe science is a gift from God, giving us new ways of seeing and understanding the physical world in exquisite detail,” said Rogers, who has been conducting research at MSU for 20 years. “When students engage in cutting-edge research, they participate as scientists in discovering and reporting new knowledge, previously unknown.”
After working side-by-side with Rogers throughout the research process, Wantz and Boone were both selected to present their findings at the Annual Fall Meeting of the Division of Nuclear Physics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
“It is a true joy working with undergraduate students in physics research,” said Rogers. “Here at IWU, I am so grateful to be able to offer students the kinds of life-changing experiences that are found in fundamental research.”
The research—which was funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant awarded to IWU— is published electronically and can be viewed here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168900219310010?via%3Dihub. The hardcopy version will be published on Nov. 1.
For more information on IWU’s Physics program visit here.
