Vincent G.J. Rodgers, PhD
Title/Position
Professor
Prof. Rodgers' current research is at the intersection of string theory and field theory with a focus on developing a gravitational theory (Thomas-Whitehead Gravity) that incorporates the symmetries of string theories in four-dimensional gravity and chiral interactions with fermionic matter. He directs the Diffeomorphisms and Geometry group, which has several undergraduate and graduate students. Vincent is a strong advocate of outreach and public engagement and can often be seen at Hawk-Eyes on Science and Hawk-Eyes in Space venues with colleague Dale Stille.
Graduate Students
Zachary Andersen
Title/Position
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Nicholas Harshman
Title/Position
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Salvatore Quaid
Physics graduate student working in theoretical physics. Specializing in the quantization of gravitational theories and string theory. Focusing on the intersection of projective geometry, general relativity, and anomalous contributions from string theory.
Undergraduate Students
Landen Freeman
Landen is a student at the University of Iowa pursuing bachelor's degrees in physics and math. Following his undergraduate studies, he plans to pursue graduate school for a PhD in physics, seeking a career in academia. I'm interested in theoretical/phenomenological physics, particularly in general relativity, quantum gravitation theories, particle physics, and quantum field theory. His dream is to be a harbinger of the era in which the unification of quantum mechanics and gravity is possible.
Former Group Members
- Michael Connolly, PhD (2025), Teaching Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse
- Tyler Grover, PhD (2024), Visiting Assistant Professor, Grinnell College
- Kenneth Heitritter, PhD (2021), private sector
- Calvin Stefano Mera, PhD (2020), private sector
- Samuel Brensinger, PhD (2020), Faculty, University of Dayton
- Delalcan Kilic, PhD (2018), private sector
- Catherine Whiting, PhD (2015) Assistant Prof., Colorado Mesa University
- Tuna Yildirim, PhD (2014) Faculty Associate, Arizona State University
- Brad Button, PhD (2014), Assistant Prof. University of Houston - Victoria
- Xiaolong Liu, PhD (2012), private sector
- Leo Rodriguez, Ph.D (2011), Assistant Professor Grinnell College, MA
- Kory Stiffler, Ph.D (2010), Faculty, University of Iowa
- Takeshi Yasuda, Ph.D (2006), Instructor at University of Northern Iowa
- Ralph Lano, Ph.D (1996), prof Technische Hochschule Nürnberg
- Joseph Modrick, Ph.D (MS from D&G) (1994), Prof UI radiology
- Bob Bacus MS (1998), private sector