Two University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences physicists were awarded 2025 American Physical Society Fellowships. Professors Eric Corwin and Ben McMorran received the APS fellowship.
Corwin received the Division of Soft Matter Fellowship for his outstanding contributions to the physics of the glass and jamming transitions using simulations and experiments.
“It feels both gratifying and empowering to know that my peers find the research that I've been doing with my students, postdocs, and collaborators to be valuable,” Corwin said. “It speaks to the success of the scientific ideas that have come out of my lab regarding the understanding of the glass and jamming transitions as well as other elements of statistical physics. It is an honor to be on the receiving end of this kind of care, which makes the human endeavor of science function.”
McMorran was recognized for his contributions to electron matter wave physics, including the development of diffraction holograms for electrons, the demonstration of electron vortex beams, and quantum measurement using electron interferometry.
“Modern research often requires us to focus on details — in my case, things as small as individual electrons — and one risk is that if we forget to zoom out to the big picture, we might get lost on inconsequential discoveries that only interest ourselves,” McMorran said. “I feel really fortunate to be able to research whatever interests me, but there is also a responsibility to contribute that effort to something bigger: a discovery, an application, or a new area of study. Recognition and honors from my colleagues such as this can serve as a useful perspective to let us know we are doing something that others find interesting, and it encourages us to move forward.”
The award recognizes members for their efforts to advance physics through original research and publication, contributions to physics in science and technology, advancements in teaching physics, or service and participation for the organization.
Corwin and McMorran join a long list of CAS physicists who have been recognized as APS fellows. Since 1945, there have been 32 CAS physicists who have been awarded the prestigious fellowship.
—By Henry Houston, College of Arts and Sciences