Kennesaw State transfer student takes advantage of opportunities in physics

KENNESAW, GA | October 25, 2024

Word spread about Kennesaw State University’s physics department, and Matthew Garwacke heard it loud and clear.

The junior physics major transferred to KSU last year because he had the opportunity to conduct research with renowned physics researcher Marco Guzzi, and was subsequently presented with a prestigious research opportunity over the summer – the final step in his journey.

“I happened to come across Dr. Guzzi’s website and saw all the cool research he was doing,” Garwacke said. “KSU has a theory group for theoretical particle physics, and no one else in the state does particle theory the way they do here. It is one of a kind.”

Originally drawn to the broad discipline of physics through dreams of space exploration, Garwacke’s interests have turned to the mathematical side of physics. He is a perfect fit for the Guzzi research group, which focuses on both the theoretical and computational aspects of particle physics, and has achieved great success over the past year.

“I was always fascinated by the mathematical side because of the way mathematics explains the world so thoroughly,” he said. “Mathematics describes physics as the language of the universe. That is my bread and butter, day in and day out.”

In fact, he spent the summer at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, Virginia, one of a handful of students doing calculations to investigate the structure of the proton through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates. Garwacke worked on several projects in particle physics before joining J-LAB, which helped him strengthen his preparation.

Guzzi said Garwacke could serve as a standard setter for what KSU physics majors can achieve. Students like him bring their enthusiasm and talent to their research groups and laboratories, quickly acquiring skills and knowledge.

“He had the opportunity to interact with senior physicists working on nuclear theory and hadron phenomenology and at the same time be close to the experiments,” Guzzi said. “This is great for students like Matthew, who need to familiarize themselves with the theory concepts and then see how they apply to the experimental measurements.”

Garwacke is already thinking about next summer’s project, although his work with Guzzi will keep him busy next summer. After transferring in 2023, Garwacke said he appreciates the more personal approach that is part of what put KSU’s physics department on the map.

“The professors have a lot more opportunities to work closely with the students, and that’s one of the most important aspects of the department – how close and personal it is,” he said. “The professors at KSU, especially in the physics department, really care about your success. Without the guidance of Dr. Guzzi, I would never have had this experience in the Jefferson Lab, and I think that’s what makes the department here so good.”

– By Dave Shelles

Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

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