CISA physicist studies the universe’s strongest magnetic fields with a National Science Foundation grant
At Arizona State University’s College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, physics Professor Igor Shovkovy in the School of Applied Sciences and Arts is exploring what happens to matter when it’s pushed to its limits.
Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, his work examines how conditions such as those found inside extremely dense stars alter the state and intrinsic properties of matter.
“Using theoretical tools, I study how matter behaves under extreme conditions — crushing densities in neutron stars and ultra-high temperatures in the tiny quark–gluon plasma droplets created in high-energy nuclear collisions,” Shovkovy said. “I focus on how ultra-strong magnetic fields — common in these environments — reshape matter’s fundamental properties and help explain nature’s laws at extremes.”
From theory to technology
Modeling the dense cores of stars and high-energy particle collisions enables researchers like Shovkovy to recreate early universe conditions. While the research is theoretical, its impact reaches far beyond astrophysics and cosmology.
“Over the past decade, there has been remarkable progress in discovering and engineering materials that, under ordinary conditions, mimic relativistic systems typically found only in extreme environments. Two classes of such materials are Dirac and Weyl semimetals,” said Shovkovy, who in 2021 co-authored a research paper on the electronic properties of these semimetals, connecting deep theory with materials science applications.
He says these materials may pave the way for breakthroughs in electronics, quantum systems and next-generation sensors.
Opportunities for students in applied physics
Shovkovy mentors undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them through projects that combine mathematics, computing and physics to solve complex problems. Students gain experience in theoretical modeling and learn how abstract physics connects to real-world innovation.
Opportunities like these are available through CISA’s Bachelor of Science in applied physics, based at ASU’s Polytechnic campus, where Shovkovy also serves as faculty head of science and mathematics faculty.
The applied physics degree blends a rigorous foundation in physics with hands-on experience in experimental methods, engineering, computing and materials science, preparing graduates to tackle modern challenges in energy, technology and research.
Students learn through research projects, computer simulations and collaborations with high-tech companies in the Phoenix area, building a foundation for careers in quantum science, photonics, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, or for graduate study in physics and related disciplines.
Mentorship with lasting career impacts
Throughout his career, Shovkovy has guided physics doctoral students, all of whom successfully defended their dissertations and went on to leadership roles in academia and industry around the world. His postdoctoral scholars continue that legacy, contributing to advanced research in theoretical physics.
By pairing rigorous theory with a focus on discovery, Shovkovy and his team of research-active physics faculty, including Associate Professor Michael Dugger, Associate Professor David Meltzer, Professor Xihong Peng and Professor Maxim Sukharev — are training the next generation of scientists to explore the frontiers of matter, energy and technology — from the cores of stars to the materials that power everyday life.
If you are interested in joining Shovkovy’s research group, contact him at [email protected].