Litvinova Awarded NSF Grant

Western Michigan University assistant professor of physics, Dr. Elena Litvinova was awarded a three year $284,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for research in the field of theoretical nuclear physics. Litvinova, along with graduate associate, Irina Egorova and research associate, Caroline Robin hope to advance theoretical and computational methods to give reliable predictions for nuclear processes at the limits of the existence of atomic nuclei. According to Litvinova, this project will help to answer three fundamental questions:

1. What is the origin of chemical elements around us?
2. Where are the limits of nuclear stability?
3. What is the mass of neutrino?

Having the answers to these three fundamental questions will advance nuclear theory and provide intensive training for graduate students preparing for careers in industry and academia.

While Litvinova's focus will be on theoretical physics, her work will include collaboration with experimental physicists. Physicists know that in atomic nuclei, protons and neutrons interact with forces, but there is not a consistent mathematical theory for this interaction. Having precise calculations will not only help theoretical physicists, it will help astrophysicists get reaction rates in stars. In making this theory as fundamental as possible, precise predictions can be tested and developed using experimental physics.

Litvinova's grant is exciting news for WMU. In addition to attracting the talents of graduate associate, Egorova from Russia and scientist Robin from France to WMU, this project will provide a groundbreaking framework to train graduate students. There are also plans to develop software based on the mathematical methods, which will remain at WMU. Litvinova hopes to answer her three fundamental questions by developing the new mathematical and computational methods and have it tested at world-renowned physics facilities all over the world, including the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University and RIKEN, Japan's largest comprehensive research institution. In additional to discovering a successful theory, Litvinova, Egorova and Robin plan to publish their research, present at international conferences and provide post-doctorate training at WMU while advancing and getting a clearer understanding of nuclear theory and nuclear physics.