Professor’s Pioneering Work Explores New Frontiers in Quantum Science

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Dr. Tianxi Zhang, a distinguished professor in the Department of Physics at Alabama A&M University, a $299,292 Research Initiation Award for his groundbreaking project titled “From Fundamental Elements and Interactions of Nature to a New Quantum World of Quarks.” This three-year grant will propel Zhang’s research into new, challenging realms of quantum science.

The awarded project aims to uncover the mysteries of the quantum world, focusing on quarks, one of the fundamental building blocks of matter. Zhang’s research is rooted in his innovative four-element theory and leverages insights from the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center’s Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) initiatives. Central to his theory is the concept that the weak force represents an interaction between electric and color charges, and that quarks possess only two flavors but exist in multiple excitation states.

“This research has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, offering improved explanations for existing observations and paving the way for predictions of new particles,” Zhang explained. “It also holds promise for advancing the development of future quantum computing technologies. Additionally, this project will support the education and training of one graduate student and two undergraduates, contributing to the growth of the next generation of scientists.”

Zhang earned his Ph.D. at Nagoya University in Japan in 1995 and has been a part of Alabama A&M University since 2005. Over the course of his career, he has authored 79 scientific papers in prominent journals and presented 90 abstracts and presentations at conferences and workshops worldwide. His research spans a wide array of topics, including his development of several groundbreaking concepts, models, and theories, such as the black hole model of the universe, a 5D fully covariant gravitational theory, and a dynamic space-time theory.

Zhang has also secured and managed several other significant research grants and awards, and is currently mentoring two Ph.D. students and three undergraduates. He has successfully graduated two Ph.D. students, along with some master's students. Additionally, he has organized and led special oral sessions at conferences for the American Astronomical Society and the American Geophysical Union.

“This NSF award will elevate my research to new heights in a highly challenging field,” Zhang added. “It will also broaden the scope of quantum science and particle physics education at Alabama A&M University.”