College of Science News
School of Physics and Astronomy
-
September 3, 2026
NASA’s Roman Space Telescope could find alien Earths—but not like you think
Scientific American interviewed Meridith Joyce, assistant professor of physics, about NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and its role in dating stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
-
August 25, 2026
RIT part of NSF-funded Quantum Leap Challenge Institute
RIT is building its eminence in quantum research as part of a $37.5 million National Science Foundation (NSF) award for large-scale interdisciplinary research projects known as Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes.
-
August 19, 2026
What are data centers? Here’s how they work and why they matter
Poynter speaks with Ke Xu, assistant professor of physics, about the growing computing demands of artificial intelligence and how AI is changing the scale and intensity of data center use.
-
July 16, 2026
RIT joins laser technology hub
PIC Magazine highlights RIT's role in the newly funded STELLAR initiative, emphasizing the university's expertise in photonic integrated circuits, semiconductor fabrication, optical manufacturing, and photonics education to advance next-generation laser technologies.
-
July 15, 2026
NSF picks region as national hub for laser research
Rochester Beacon highlights RIT's role as a key partner in STELLAR, a new National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine that will strengthen laser research, manufacturing, workforce development, and regional economic growth.
-
July 15, 2026
National Science Foundation selects URochester to lead new laser tech program
Rochester Business Journal reports that RIT is helping launch STELLAR, a University of Rochester-led initiative backed by the National Science Foundation to expand the nation's laser research and innovation ecosystem.
-
July 15, 2026
University of Rochester lands $15M for laser research expansion
WROC-TV highlights a regional coalition selected by the National Science Foundation to establish STELLAR, a national hub for laser innovation and workforce development. RIT is a key partner in the coalition.
-
July 15, 2026
Here's what the UR-led tech hub could mean for Rochester, Finger Lakes
WXXI News spotlights RIT's participation in the NSF-funded STELLAR initiative, a collaborative effort to position the Rochester region as a national leader in laser technologies and advanced manufacturing.
-
July 14, 2026
RIT key partner in $15 million award to establish a national laser technology hub
The National Science Foundation will award $15 million over the next two years to the Rochester/Finger Lakes region of New York to establish a national hub for laser science and development. RIT is a key partner in the initiative.
-
June 17, 2026
What came before the Big Bang?
The Conversation features Michael Lam, assistant research professor of physics and astronomy, on their Curious Kids podcast, exploring theories about the origins of the universe.
-
June 16, 2026
How SpaceX could upend power stocks
Barron's examines Elon Musk’s vision for space-based AI data centers and includes insight from Seth Hubbard, professor and head of the School of Physics and Astronomy, who studies space solar power. (This content will require a subscription to view.)
-
May 29, 2026
Science without borders
RIT researchers value citizen science, where making data available to everyone not only accelerates research but also fosters education, trust in science, and worldwide collaboration.