Stuart Brown: A UCLA Professor Pushing the Boundaries of Physics and Astronomy
Stuart Brown stands as a distinguished figure in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His work primarily focuses on the intriguing phases and properties of correlated electron systems, with a strong emphasis on the mysteries of unconventional superconductivity. This article delves into Brown's academic journey, research contributions, and impact on the scientific community.
Academic Journey and Career
Brown's connection with UCLA runs deep, having earned his Ph.D. from the institution in 1988. After his doctoral studies, he broadened his experience as a Director’s Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He further solidified his academic credentials as an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Florida. In 1992, Brown returned to UCLA, where he has since been a faculty member, shaping the minds of future scientists and pushing the boundaries of physics research.
Research Focus: Unconventional Superconductivity
Professor Brown is a condensed matter experimentalist whose research focus is mostly on the phases and properties of correlated electron systems, with particular focus on problems in unconventional superconductivity. The phenomenon of superconductivity is one of the most fascinating properties of electrons in solids. At low temperatures, electrons cooperate so strongly that they are able to move around without dissipating energy - behavior which is a clear manifestation of the laws of quantum physics.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Sr2RuO4 Superconductivity
Among known superconductors, the material Sr2RuO4 is one of the most important. Its superconductivity is remarkably fragile to imperfections in the crystal lattice, so it is the cleanest superconductor yet discovered.
However, the problem of Sr2RuO4 superconductivity has proven to be tougher to solve than physicists had hoped and expected. A central difficulty has been inconsistency of experimental information. For more than 20 years, physicists have believed that the magnetic response of the electron spins remained unchanged by the formation of the superconductivity in Sr2RuO4. This observation placed very strong restrictions on the kind of exotic superconductivity that it must host.
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Now, research published Sept. 23 in the journal Nature has solved one of these puzzles. The new experiments show that, in fact, the magnetic response changes considerably as the superconductivity develops. These new experimental results throw the field of Sr2RuO4 superconductivity wide open. Ideas that had seemed to be ruled out need to be re-examined, he said, and a wide range of new possibilities exist.
UCLA's Commitment to Academic Excellence
UCLA consistently strives to maintain its position as a leading academic institution. The UCLA General Catalog, published annually, provides a comprehensive overview of the university's offerings, while acknowledging that changes may occur. Other information about UCLA may be found in materials produced by the schools of Arts and Architecture; Dentistry; Education and Information Studies; Engineering and Applied Science; Law; Management; Medicine; Music; Nursing; Public Affairs; Public Health; and Theater, Film, and Television.
Recognizing Faculty Contributions
UCLA recognizes faculty members making a broad impact on classroom inclusivity and demonstrated learning excellence. Through their instruction, this faculty member inspires their students to collaborate and contribute to an inclusive community and prepares them to become the intellectual leaders of their generation. The university also acknowledges members of the Physical Sciences Division who have made extraordinary contributions through their service to UCLA, or to the academic communities at the national and/or international levels, with special recognition for impact in the promotion of gender equity and diversity. An award will recognize a faculty member who has demonstrated a commitment to and success in mentoring research students from diverse backgrounds.
Notable Alumni and Faculty
UCLA boasts a distinguished roster of alumni and faculty who have made significant contributions in various fields:
- Mahtash Esfandiari: Professor, Director of the Statistical Consulting Center, and the Assistant Director of Center for the Teaching of Statistics, at UCLA Department of Statistics.
- Will Conley: Professor at UCLA Department of Mathematics.
- Robin L. Garrell: The current president of the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, and former Vice Provost for Graduate Education and dean of UCLA’s Graduate Division.
- Angelopoulos: A professor of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, and is part of the Instiute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at UCLA.
- Tommaso Treu: A professor in the department of Physics & Astronomy, member of the Hubble Telescope observing team.
- Leopold Andreoli: Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science.
- Amy Braverman: Principal Statistician at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- Kirk Dunn: The COO of Cloudera.
- Myung Ki “Mike” Hong: Earned a B.S. degree in chemistry from UCLA in 1959.
- Nathan Myrhvold: Holds a doctorate in theoretical and mathematical physics, as well as a master’s degree in mathematical economics, from Princeton University.
- Howard Preston: President of Preston Cinema Systems.
- Benedict Schwegler: Retired senior vice president and chief scientist, Walt Disney Imagineering R&D.
- Mani L. Bhaumik: A physicist, author, lecturer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Initiatives
UCLA fosters collaboration across disciplines to address complex challenges. The Climate, Energy, and Water Solutions (CLEWS) Group of UCI is a set of faculty, staff, and students across the Schools of Engineering and Physical Sciences that focus on interdisciplinary research needed to sustainably manage the Earth system.
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