Professor Maria-Teresa Herd Receives $117,000 National Science Foundation Grant to Further Knowledge in Atomic Physics

Associate Professor of Physics Dr. Maria-Teresa Herd has been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for $117,923 to lead research measuring the ionization energy of Lithium, an alkali metal. Through this grant, six Assumption students will also receive funding for summer research relating to this work. The research will be done at Assumption and at Smith College, in their atomic physics lab, which has specialized equipment needed to conduct the research.

Herd’s research focuses on furthering knowledge in atomic physics. Specifically, Herd will work to provide experimental verification of the correct measurement of the ionization energy of the lithium-7 isotope after discrepancies in previous measurements taken. In addition, the research seeks to measure the ionization energy of another isotope of lithium, lithium-6. The clarification of the measurements will help scientists have a greater understanding of lithium atoms.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to train Assumption students in top level research by performing high precision spectroscopy on the Lithium atom. We will be testing the fundamental theories underlying atomic physics,” said Herd. 

Along with the scientific research, Herd will also be offering workshops for physics faculty in collaboration with social scientists. These workshops will aim to help physicists with critical conversations when difficult topics arise or disparaging comments are made in classroom or research settings. These workshops will help physicists to make STEM courses, research, and opportunities more inclusive and accessible for all students.