Senior Thesis (PHYS 499W / PHYS 489W–490W)
The senior thesis is the capstone research experience for physics majors at ±¬ÁϹÏ. Students work under the supervision of a faculty advisor on an experimental, theoretical, or computational research project. The thesis provides the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in coursework to real research in physics.
Students may fulfill the senior thesis requirement in one of two ways:
- PHYS 499W (3 credits) — completed in a single semester
- PHYS 489W (1 credit) + PHYS 490W (2 credits) — completed over two consecutive semesters
(PHYS 489W + 490W is equivalent to PHYS 499W and fulfills the upper-level writing requirement.)
Getting Started
Students planning to complete a senior thesis should contact the Senior Thesis Coordinator during the semester before they intend to begin. Students will:
- Discuss potential research topics with faculty
- Select a thesis advisor
- Obtain the appropriate CRN for course registration
Research, Writing, and Presentation
The senior thesis includes:
- Independent research under faculty supervision
- A written thesis following professional standards
- A public oral presentation (Physics Seniors’ Day)
A thesis committee of at least three faculty members evaluates the thesis and presentation.
Detailed Requirements and Forms
Complete instructions, forms, evaluation criteria, and document templates are provided in the following guide: Senior Thesis — General Instructions to Students and Faculty.
Senior Thesis Coordinator
Dr. Colm Whelan
Email: cwhelan@odu.edu
Students may write their thesis in either LaTeX or Microsoft Word. Templates are provided to ensure consistent formatting:
- Senior Thesis LaTeX Template (ZIP)
(includes example structure, formatting, and figure guidance)
- Senior Thesis Template (PDF)
(fully formatted title page, section headings, and reference style)
Students may choose whichever format they are more comfortable with.
Your thesis advisor can provide additional guidance on formatting and style.
| Presenter | Title |
| Theodore Skelton | QUANTUM COMPUTING WITH QUBITS AND QUMODES |
| Maria Rekus | DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN APPARATUS TO PERFORM SCHLIEREN IMAGING |
| Brandon Velasco | SUNYAEV-ZEL’DOVICH EFFECT |
| Gabriel John L. Barrios | QUANTUM-CLASSICAL SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE LATTICE SCHWINGER MODEL |
| Ryan Shahan | SIMULATING UNDULATOR EMISSIONS |
| Presenter | Title |
|---|---|
| Christian Lafayette Koon | Black hole information paradox |
| Matthew Wyatt | Efficacy of introductory physics courses during the Covid-19 pandemic |
| Ruben Galicia-Avila | Development of a commercial oceanographic lidar system |
| Presenter | Title |
| Bryan-Daniel, Barker III | Determination of the Energy Barrier of A Molecular Switch |
| Urban, Kobal | Simulating ION Trapping and the Stability of the Trap |
| Samuel C. Minier | Characterization of a Radical Time Projection Chamber |
| Markus, Zirnheld | Molecular Identification and Force Determination |
| Chad, Stubenrauch | Cosmic Rays for Calibration of a Time Project Chamber |
| Presenter | Title |
| Francis A. Estacion | Cosmic-Ray Muon Ionization in A Radical Time Projection Chamber |
| Daniel Ulysses Akers | A Mathematical Model of Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration |
| Dylan Winebarger | The Optimization of a High Frequency Radio Wave Antenna for Communication Using the Ionosphere |
| Kevin Zytowski | Orbital Shifting |
| Penn Rogers | Simulating Satellite Explosions in Low Earth Orbit |
| Vanessa Alvarado | Simulating Sunlight Penetration in Awater with Commercially available Optic Filters |
Senior Thesis Faculty
