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The Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics group recognizes that physics' core mission is to uncover the principles behind fundamental interactions that dictate matter's behavior, while seeking new physical laws when current understanding cannot explain the universe's unsolved mysteries. Modern particle physics theories rest upon an elegant symmetry principle: the consistency of physical laws across all space-time points under symmetry transformations. These symmetric frameworks are called Yang-Mills or Gauge Theories, with the Standard Model of Strong, Electromagnetic, and Weak interactions standing as their most triumphant example—encompassing all known matter interactions except gravity.
The Electroweak sector of the Standard Model has undergone rigorous experimental verification, while Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), describing quark interactions, faces intensive examination through both perturbative and nonperturbative methods. Nevertheless, the Standard Model remains incomplete, leaving critical questions like CP violation and mass generation unanswered—likely requiring solutions beyond its current framework. Ph.D. candidates receive financial support through teaching/research assistantships or fellowships. Dissertation research may be conducted not only within the Physics Department but also at external institutions through special arrangements. Recent doctoral work has taken place at international facilities including NIST's Neutron Research Center, Jefferson Lab, Fermilab, CERN, and the Paul Scherrer Institute.