Department of Physics & Astronomy
Alumni testimonials
Physics & Astronomy alumni hold positions as teachers, engineers, data analysts, project managers, researchers, health care workers, science writers, policy makers and lawyers, and many more. We interviewed some of our graduates about their professional paths and the role their physics or astronomy degree from our department played in shaping their current career.
Degree Programs
Undergraduate Program
An undergraduate education in physics provides a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning in a variety of disciplines, including science, engineering, math, finance, education, law, and medicine. Find out more
Optics Program
Established in 1983, the Optics Program at the University of New Mexico is one of the oldest and most successful science and engineering interdisciplinary programs with a strong international reputation in education and research.
OSE graduate students conduct research at facilities in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and at UNM’s Center for High-Technology Materials.
There are numerous collaborations with the three National Laboratories in New Mexico - Sandia, Los Alamos, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, and with members of the optics industry cluster (New Mexico Optics Industry Association – NMOIA).
Upcoming Events
Finals Week -- No Colloquium
Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
May. 15, 3:30 PM
- May. 15, 4:30 PM
PAIS 1100
Department Convocation
Kathrin Spendier, PhD
Special Talk
May. 16, 12:00 PM
- May. 16, 2:00 PM
PAIS 1100 and Lobby
Recent News
Jean-Claude Diels named 2026 UNM Rainforest Innovator Fellow
April 28, 2026Svende Braun Shares Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics
April 27, 2026UNM astronomers reveal always-changing multi-planet system
April 15, 2026Graduate student Amilcar Jeronimo Perez awarded a DOE SCGSR Fellowship
April 9, 2026Saheed Oyeniran elected as Student Member of the APS Four Corners Executive Committee
March 16, 2026
