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, among many others. 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
From Transits to Trends: the Next Decade of Long-Period Exoplanets
No Affiliation
Aug. 5, 12:00 AM
- Aug. 8, 12:00 AM
PAIS, UNM, Albuquerque, New Mexico
TBD
Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
Aug. 22, 3:00 PM
- Aug. 22, 4:30 PM
PAIS 1100
TBD
Alexey Gorshkov
Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
Aug. 29, 3:00 PM
- Aug. 29, 4:30 PM
PAIS 1100
TBD
Stephen Kane
Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
Sep. 5, 3:00 PM
- Sep. 5, 4:30 PM
PAIS 1100
TBD
Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
Sep. 12, 3:00 PM
- Sep. 12, 4:30 PM
PAIS 1100
Recent News
Interview with Emeritus Professor John Panitz
July 17, 2025Faculty Promotions
July 14, 2025Svende Braun given leadership role with ATLAS
July 14, 2025Robert Ledoux named UNM QNM-I director
July 9, 2025UNM astronomers confirm new gas giant exoplanet with help from citizen scientists worldwide
June 26, 2025