faculty member and students

Research Programs

The physics department at Western Illinois University is undergoing a major revitalization process that will lead to the creation of new programs and the focusing of the research efforts in a few modern areas. In the near future the department plans to grow in two main research directions: Atomic, Molecular and Optics (AMO) physics and Theoretical High Energy Physics/Astrophysics.

The aim of the revitalization process is to position WIU physics department as the program of choice for students interested in enjoying the advantage of a caring small department atmosphere with very committed professors, without having to give up the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects that will prepare them for challenging Ph D programs in top research universities or competitive jobs after graduation.

Experimental Physics

  • P. K. Babu, Experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
  • Saisudha B. Mallur , Experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
  • Pengqian Wang , Experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics 

Theoretical and computational Physics

  • Kishor T. Kapale, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (Quantum Optics and Quantum Information)

Astronomy and Astrophysics