Peter Morse, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Physics at Seton Hall University’s College of Arts and Sciences, has been awarded a prestigious fellowship from the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP), located at the University of California, Santa Barbara. This honor aligns with his commitment to enhancing research opportunities for students.
KITP Fellowship: Bridging Research and Education
The KITP fellowship is specifically tailored for faculty members from primarily undergraduate institutions. It aims to foster collaboration between these institutions and major research centers worldwide. Morse expressed that this program facilitates the integration of faculty into the broader research community, echoing the goals of Seton Hall’s educational philosophy.
Institutional Support and Mentorship
Morse credits the support he has received at Seton Hall for making this fellowship possible. He mentions the guidance of several colleagues, including:
- Jose Lopez, Ph.D. – Professor of Physics and director of the Office of Grants and Research Services.
- Mehmet Alper Sahiner, Ph.D. – Department chair and professor of Physics.
- Jonathan Farina, Ph.D. – Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
This collaborative environment has played a crucial role in refining Morse’s research strategy and application for the fellowship.
Fostering Student Opportunities
Morse’s goals extend beyond his research, focusing on student involvement. Two undergraduate students, Maxwell Flores and Collin Doyle, are set to present their research at the upcoming 2026 APS Global Summit, building on the network established by Morse at previous events.
“I want my students to view these conferences as gateways to further opportunities,” Morse remarked, highlighting the potential benefits of networking in academia.
Collaboration with Global Researchers
Morse plans to leverage his KITP fellowship to create projects that involve student collaboration with international researchers. His first presentation will feature Flores’s research on the jamming transition, in partnership with researchers from Duke University and Sapienza University of Rome.
Looking ahead, Morse aims to strengthen ties with Francesco Zamponi, Ph.D., from Sapienza University, to develop a research pipeline that enables Seton Hall students to engage in international projects.
Significance of the KITP Fellowship
The KITP is renowned as one of the world’s foremost institutions for theoretical physics. Morse’s fellowship underscores the commitment of Seton Hall to fostering a robust research culture while prioritizing student success.
“This fellowship transforms access into meaningful impact, illustrating to our students how far their research can take them,” he concluded.
In summary, Morse’s achievement not only enhances his academic journey but also significantly contributes to creating global research opportunities for students at Seton Hall University.
