May 30 - June 5: Mark Pitt

The Office of the Vice President for Research recognizes Physics Associate Professor Mark Pitt, who is an experimental nuclear physicist studying the structure of the proton and the validity of the "Standard Model" of particle physics.

He and his group primarily do their research using the high energy electron accelerator at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. In the G0 experiment, they study the role that "strange" quarks play in the magnetism of the proton. Another experiment (Qweak) will study the fundamental "weak neutral current" interaction between the electron and the quarks that make up the proton. This will be a sensitive test of possible "new physics" that is not currently described by the "Standard Model" of particle physics.

Glossary Standard Model: The current theory that describes the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces, as well as the fundamental particles that make up all matter. Proton: One of the fundamental particles -- a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom Quark: Subatomic particles found in protons and neutrons. To date, six quarks are known: up, down, strange, charm, bottom, and top.

Profile

Virginia Tech's Qweak Group

Go experiment

Ultra Cold Neutrons

Articles:

Pitt receives Career award

NSF Fellows study with Pitt