Astronomy and Astrophysics
The astronomy group at UGA studies a wide range of astrophysical objects and phenomena using a wide range of observational and theoretical methods. We work on stars, star forming regions, and hot and cold gas clouds and supersonic shocks within our Galaxy. We take and analyze radio, optical, ultraviolet, and X-ray data using Arecibo, Chandra, FUSE, the GBT, Mt. Hopkins, ROSAT, XMM, and one the newest sites at Kitt Peak, the SARA telescope. In order to better understand the observations, we perform detailed computer simulations of fluid motions and spectral signitures and we compute some of the atomic/molecular parameters needed for spectral simulations.

Atomic, Molecular, Optical, and Chemical Physics
This group performs both experimental and theoretical research to investigate interactions among various combinations of light, electrons, atoms, and molecules with a particular emphasis on applications to astrophysics, biophysics, and Bose-Einstein Condensates. Experimental programs include laser spectroscopy, molecular beam scattering photodissociation, and laser cooling and trapping while ion, atom, and molecular scattering and molecular opacities are the main focus of theoretical efforts.

Experimental Biophysics
This group, led by Dr. Susanne Ullrich, uses modern time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopies to study the function and dynamics of photoexcited biomolecules. Experimental facilities include a high energy femtosecond laser system and photoelectron photoion coincidence spectrometer.

Computational Physics
A diverse group of scientists in the Department conduct research in computational physics. Research interests and expertise in this group span a broad range of traditional physics subdisciplines, including astrophysics, atmospheric physics, atomic, molecular, and chemical physics, condensed matter physics, and statistical mechanics. People in this group are actively involved in both the development of state- of-the-art computational techniques as well as their application to cutting-edge problems in physics.

Condensed Matter Physics and Statistical Mechanics
The condensed matter physics and statistical mechanics group works on a wide range of topics, with an emphasis on Biophysics and Bioinformatics, Computational and Simulational Methods, Electron and Phonon Dynamics in Nanostructures, Laser Spectroscopy Methods, Materials Synthesis, Optical Properties of Solids, Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena, Statistical Mechanics, Strongly Correlated Quantum Systems, Surface Physics, and Theoretical Materials Science.

Nuclear Physics and Elementary Particle Physics
The Nuclear Group performs theoretical research on the properties of nuclei, mechanisms of nuclear reactions, meson production, and quark modeling of the proton. 

RESEARCH CENTERS

Center for Simulational Physics
Research carried out at the Center for Simulational Physics spans a vast range of length and time scales, from the microscopic to the astronomical. This versatility is the hallmark of computer simulation. Computational methods used at the Center include Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo renormalization group, molecular dynamics, spin dynamics, and density funcitonal theory. Research focuses on both the application of computer simulation techniques to investigate the properties of physical systems and phenomena, as well as the development of advanced analytical techniques and computational algorithms designed to enhance the efficiency and predictive power of the simulations.

Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center
The University of Georgia Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NanoSEC) is a multidisciplinary center involving over 25 faculty from 8 departments and 4 colleges. The goal of NanoSEC is to advance the nanoscale science and engineering effort at the University of Georgia by: 

• bringing together researchers from all areas of science and engineering with interest and expertise in nanotechnology; 
• fostering new, multidisciplinary collaborative nanotechnology research and educational programs through regular joint seminars, colloquia and workshops; 
• serving as a credible platform for large-scale multidisciplinary external funding initiatives; 
• aiding in the acquisition and operation of major new nanotechnology infrastructure facilities and instrumentation and serving as a conduit for knowledge transfer, interactions and research collaborations with other nanotechnology-related centers/institutes as well as businesses and industry.