Research
We have one of the most diverse faculties of any Physics and Astronomy department in the country. We have 30 core faculty conducting front-line research who supervise graduate students, in addition to several cross-appointed or adjunct faculty from other departments or institutions who can also supervise grad students .
In Physics, our faculty work on a broad range of experimental, theoretical and computational problems in condensed matter and materials physics, nanotechnology, biological physics, medical physics, atmospheric physics, theoretical physics, and planetary science.
In Astronomy, we carry out observational, theoretical, and computational research on exoplanets and planet formation, the solar system, star formation, stellar astronomy, the interstellar medium, extragalactic astronomy, and astronomical instrumentation.
Potential Thesis Projects
There are a variety of potential Master's and Doctoral thesis projects available to choose from.
To view the project abstracts please select a research area:
Astronomy Topics
Physics Topics
Please note: These lists are not intended to be exhaustive; they are just to give you an idea of the kind of science we do here at Western. Many other projects are possible! Please feel free to contact any of our faculty if you have an interest in any of the listed projects, or in their research area in general.
