Graduate Programs - USA
CLARK UNIVERSITY
Clark University offers graduate study leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in nuclear chemistry and physics. Our small, yet vital, research program in nuclear studies has provided opportunities for advanced research experiences for more than forty years. Clark graduates currently hold important leadership positions in major research universities and national laboratories.

Our approach to education is what we at Clark like to call "elbow teaching," namely working together with other students, faculty and research associates in a synergistic research environment. Since there are no major nuclear research facilities at Clark University, we do our work at national and international laboratories. Currently, Brookhaven National Laboratory, located on Long Island, New York, is the major focus of our activities. Graduate students are expected to spend significant amounts of time working at Brookhaven and occasionally at other locations where they can benefit from the stimulating atmosphere of these multifaceted laboratories.

Our research program is focussed on studies of the structure of individual nuclei and on the global systematic properties of nuclear matter. We participate as part of a tema effort at Brookhaven in the study of properties of nuclei far-from-stability (very unstable atoms with half lives ranging from minutes to fractions of a second) that are produced by nuclear fission of 235U. In order to study such atoms we use physical means. A device called an on-line mass separator (TRISTAN), which is really a fancy type of mass spectrometer, is used to separate radioactive atoms of the appropriate mass number and transport them to detector stations where their decay can be observed. Several specialized instruments are attached to TRISTAN to facilitate these measurements including a superconducting solenoid perturbed angular correlation spectrometer recently developed by our group.

Specialized studies of properties of nuclei closer to stability are also performed. These are done using a neutron capture g-ray spectrometer (tailored beam facility) located at the High Flux Beam Reactor at BNL.

Results of our research are used to test predictions of nuclear models and mass formulae. In some instances the experimental data have direct impact on astrophysical models of stellar nucleogenesis, or in layman's terms, how the elements we find in the solar system and on Earth were created.

Research and teaching assistantships are available. In addition, Clark University has received a substantial grant from the U.S. Department of Education GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) program. These grants have been provided to a small number of carefully selected programs that display evidence of quality as well as potential for development. Students who meet program qualifications are eligible for full tuition remission and enhanced stipends as GAANN Fellows.

For additional information please contact:
Professor Daeg S. Brenner
Clark University
Carlson School of Chemistry
Worcester, MA 01610
PHONE: (508) 793-7114
FAX: (508) 793-7780
Email: DBRENNER@VAX.CLARKU.EDU
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