ACADEMICS

  • Sudha R. Swaminathan 

    Contact Information
    Office ST-410J
    508-929-8605
    sswaminathan@worcester.edu
     
    Education
    Ph.D., Physics, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
    M.S., Physics, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
    A.B., Physics, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA
    A.B., Mathematics, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA

    Thesis
    A Study of the sp(6) u(3) Algebra of the Fermion Dynamical Symmetry Model of Nuclei 

    Honors Thesis
    Studies in Blackbody Radiation
    Influence of Musical Training on the Perception of Similarity of Thematic Variations to Themes

  • Courses Taught
    • PY 105: Concepts in Physics I
    • PY 112: Physics in Art
    • PY 221/222: General Physics I / II
    • PY 241/242: Physics I / II
    • NS 400: Natural Science Seminar 
       
    Research
    Research Interests
    My background is in group theory applied to nuclear structure. I have worked briefly in particle physics phenomenology. For the past several years I have been studying positron and positronium collisions. In particular, I have calculated probabilities for the formation of specific spin states using angular-momentum coupling and density-matrix techniques. My recent publications are in this field. For the future, I am interested in pursuing research in nucleosynthesis and the physics of neutron stars.
     
    Independent Study Projects
    Projects which I have supervised at Worcester State University under the course number PY 410
    Spring 2009: An Exploration in Presentation Methodologies used in Science Exhibits
    Spring 2010: Positronium Collisions
    Fall 2010: Calculation of Quenching Fractions in Positronium Collisions
    Fall 2012: X-ray Fluorescence Study of 18th and 19th Century Silver Coins
    Publications
    “A Study of the sp(6) u(3) Algebra of the Fermion Dynamical Symmetry Model for Actinide Nuclei”
    Sudha R. Swaminathan and K.T. Hecht, Physical Review C 50, 1471 (1994).

    “Complete J=0 Calculation in the sp(6) u(3) Algebra of the Fermion Dynamical Symmetry Model for Actinide Nuclei”
    Sudha R. Swaminathan and K.T. Hecht, Physical Review C 51, 3517 (1995).

    “Rearrangement Collisions with Polarized Positron Beams and Molecular Oxygen Targets”
    Sudha R. Swaminathan and D.M. Schrader, Journal of Applied Surface Science 116, 151 (1997).

    “Parametrizations of Inclusive Cross Sections for Pion Production in Proton-Proton Collisions”
    Steve R. Blattnig, Sudha R. Swaminathan, Adam T. Kruger, Moussa Ngom, and John W. Norbury,
    Physical Review D 62, 094030 (2000).

    “Parameterized Cross Sections for Pion Production in Proton-Proton Collisions”
    Steve R. Blattnig, Sudha R. Swaminathan, Adam T. Kruger, Moussa Ngom, John W. Norbury, and
    R. K. Tripathi, NASA Technical Publication – 2000 – 210640.

    Calculation of Density Matrices in the Formation of Positronium
    Sudha R. Swaminathan, Physical Review A 81, 042502 (2010).

    “Physics at WAM: A Physics Tour of the Worcester Art Museum,” with Frank Lamelas. A museum tour distributed to students and faculty in Worcester and beyond. November, 2010.

    “Electron-Spin Amplitudes in the Exchange Quenching of Ortho Positronium”
    Sudha R. Swaminathan, W. G. Merrill, S. Glynn, J. G. Quattrucci, Physical Review A 86, 032504 (2012).
     
    Physics Outreach
    Activities which I have coordinated at Worcester State University in collaboration with other faculty
    2006: Studying Salol: A Science Workshop for High-School Girls
    2006-2007: Conjunto Experimental: Science Lectures for Grades 3-6
    2008: Portable Physics: Exaperiment Kits for the First Year of High School
    2009: Free Fall with a Flip (physics lab conducted by WSU students at a local high school)
    2009: Physics in Forensics: Material Characteristics, Density, and Flotation (workshop for high-school teachers)
    2010-present: Physics at WAM
    Frank Lamelas and I have developed a physics tour of the Worcester Art Museum, titled Physics at WAM. The tour guide is available here.
     
    Honors and Grants
    Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium
    Worcester State University is a member of the Massachusetts Space Grant Consortium, with local representatives Sudha Swaminathan and Frank Lamelas. WSU students who are U.S. citizens can submit proposals for stipends supporting research projects carried out with WSU faculty. The research projects should be connected in some way with NASA objectives. Interested students or faculty should contact Swaminathan or Lamelas.
     
    Women in Physics
    Every year from 2005-2011, I received travel grants from the American Physical Society Committee on the Status of Women in Physics to invite women to speak to my students on their research.