Department of Physics & Astronomy
Alumni testimonials
Physics & Astronomy alumni hold positions as teachers, engineers, data analysts, project managers, researchers, health care workers, science writers, policy makers and lawyers, and many more. We interviewed some of our graduates about their professional paths and the role their physics or astronomy degree from our department played in shaping their current career.
Degree Programs
Undergraduate Program
An undergraduate education in physics provides a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning in a variety of disciplines, including science, engineering, math, finance, education, law, and medicine. Find out more
Optics Program
Established in 1983, the Optics Program at the University of New Mexico is one of the oldest and most successful science and engineering interdisciplinary programs with a strong international reputation in education and research.
OSE graduate students conduct research at facilities in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and at UNM’s Center for High-Technology Materials.
There are numerous collaborations with the three National Laboratories in New Mexico - Sandia, Los Alamos, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, and with members of the optics industry cluster (New Mexico Optics Industry Association – NMOIA).
Upcoming Events
Probing biological dynamics and the brain with light
Dr. David Wong Campos (Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Research Campus)
Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
Aug. 28, 3:30 PM
- Aug. 28, 4:30 PM
PAIS 1100
Lobo Bridge
Robert Ledoux
Special Talk
Aug. 31, 5:00 PM
- Aug. 31, 6:00 PM
UNM SUB Fiesta A&B
Refractory Plasmonic Nanomaterials for Applications Ranging from Recycling of Polymer to Catalysis
Prof. Sanchari Chowdhury (New Mexico Tech)
Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
Sep. 4, 3:30 PM
- Sep. 4, 4:30 PM
PAIS 1100
Cosmic Explosions and Cosmic Accelerators: The Dawn of the Multimessenger Age
Regina Caputo
Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
Sep. 11, 3:30 PM
- Sep. 11, 4:30 PM
PAIS 1100
TBA
Ramya Bhaskar (Sandia)
Nuclear, Particle, Astroparticle and Cosmology (NUPAC) Seminars
Special Talk
Sep. 15, 2:00 PM
PAIS 3205
Recent News
Tim Dolch Joins National Effort to Listen for Ripples in Spacetime
August 21, 2026Five UNM PA faculty selected for Genesis Mission
July 27, 2026P&A Welcomes Michael Martinez, P&A's new Fiscal and Administrative Tech
July 22, 2026P&A Welcomes New Faculty Member Tim Dolch
July 15, 2026P&A Welcomes New Accountant III Aaron Sais
July 13, 2026
