Matthew J. Wright | Faculty Profiles

Diplomas/Degrees

Ph.D. Physics, University of Connecticut (2006)

B.S. Physics, Westminster College (PA) (1999)

Professional Experience

ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Adelphi University, Dept. of Physics Assistant Chair of Physics 2018-Curr
Adelphi University, Dept. of Physics Assistant Professor 2012-Curr
Harvard University, Dept. of Physics Teaching Fellow 2011
Harvard University, Dept. of Physics Postdoctoral Fellow 2010-2012
Universität Innsbruck Postdoctoral Fellow 2006-2007
University of Connecticut Graduate research Fellow 2000-2006
University of Connecticut Graduate teaching Fellow 1999-2000

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Princeton Consultants Consultant 2010
Princeton Consultants Senior Associate 2007-2009

Recent Courses

Liberal Arts Seminar: Building Ideas & Solving Problems

College Physics I

College Physics I (lab)

Electromagnetic Theory

How Things Work

Modern Physics

Modern Physics ( Lab )

Phy Science Majors 1 Rec

Specialization/Interests

I’ve worked hard to create a caring, open, engaging, intense, active environment to learn that extends well beyond the classroom!

I am also developing project management skills in undergraduate physics students and I'm also developing podcast instruction and review material for undergraduate physics students.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching focus starts and ends with my love and care of my students. As their professor, I believe it’s my job to help them hone both academic and professional skillsets, and to provide support and encouragement along the way. I challenge them with difficult problem-solving activities, an interactive classroom environment, and career-focused education. In the research lab, my focus is on giving students hands-on experience in a theoretical and laboratory environment so that students are well prepared for careers in physics and engineering after Adelphi. In order to accomplish this goal, I provide technical training, small individualized projects that fit the students interests, and numerous fun engaging team building events. Finally, my “student first” philosophy is also represented in my service. Students are always welcome to stop in and speak to me about homework, career decisions, and course recommendations (although the continuous line at my door makes it difficult to get grading done!). Adelphi’s 3-2 engineering program requirements with Columbia are particularly tricky, so I’ve identified several best paths for success, and share these while counseling students – many students who are not my advisees stop in for advice. I enjoy being an integral part of the physics department, especially where recruitment and retention of students is concerned. Two years ago, I was thrilled to feel students’ mutual admiration when I was voted Adelphi Student Government’s professor of the year. I was also nominated for the untenured teaching excellence award in both 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years. Again last year, I was overwhelmed to be selected as the untenured teaching excellence award winner.

Research Interests

Laser cooling and trapping of atoms and molecules.

Develop a laboratory for generating arbitrarily-shaped frequency chirped laser pulses on a time scale faster than 1 ns.

Control and study atomic excitation on nanosecond and sub-nanosecond time scales.

Coherent control of ultracold collisions with frequency-chirped laser pulses.

Books

Small colleges are at risk of shutting their doors forever. These institutions face overwhelming costs, low enrollment, and increasing competition from online universities. Once a pillar of upward mobility and community, these institutions are losing their influence. This book suggests pivoting the mission and operations of these small colleges, which make up more than half of higher education, to weave deeper into communities in which they reside and make a significant and direct impact. Let’s do away with our single-minded focus on abstract research, change the role of the professor, and move to help our communities in a systematic way. This book focuses on how these institutions can take direct action to make a bigger impact on their areas of influence, draw more students, and breathe lifeblood into a withering middle America.

Articles

M . Wright. We Can’t Ignore the Pandemic Fallout in Our Physics Classes. Phys. Teach. 61, 326-327 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0133979

E. Ochoa-Madrid*, L. Chau*, and M.J. Wright. Empowering Journey Making an Interactive Video Vignette. Phys. Teach. 60, 561 (2022). DOI: 10.1119/5.0046043

B. Kaufman, T. Paltoo, T. Grogan, T. Pena, J. P. St. John, and M. J. Wright (2017). Pulsed, Controlled, Frequency-Chirped Laser Light at GHz Detunings for Atomic Physics Experiments. Appl. Phys. B 123, 58.

K. Teng, M. Disla, J. Dellatto, A. Limani, B. Kaufman, M. J. Wright (2015), Frequency Chirped Light at Large Detuning with an Injection-Locked Diode Laser. Review of Scientific Instruments, 86, 043114.

M. J. Wright (2015), Semi-Classical Calculations of Ultracold Collisions with Frequency Chirped Light: Dependence on Chirp Rate. Euro. Phys. J. D. , 69, 6.

M.J. Wright. Can STEM Professors Become Strong Writers?. Inside Higher Education. January 10, 2024.

M.J. Wright. Surviving in a Small Department. Inside Higher Education. July 20, 2023.

M.J. Wright. Building Back a Sense of Community and Togetherness with Faculty and Students. Faculty Focus. December 10, 2021

M.J. Wright. 5 Things We Must Do Better When This Thing Is Over. Inside Higher Education. May 19, 2021

M.J. Wright. Measuring Success in a Pandemic Year. Academic Leader. Feburary 2021.

M.J. Wright. A Simple Code For Collegians: Programming For All. Innovate Long Island. January 15, 2020.

M.J. Wright. Why you should not become an adjunct—yet, Some controversial and unpopular advice on ultimately succeeding in academia. University Business. November 1, 2019.

B. Conrad and M.Wright. Standing Out When Applying to a Graduate Program. The SPS Observer. Fall 2019.

M.J. Wright. How I Got a Grant I Never Thought I Could Get Inside Higher Education. May 20, 2019.

M.J. Wright. Join the Club: The Benefits of Getting Students Involved with Departmental Clubs. Faculty Focus. April 22, 2019.

M.J. Wright. Put Teaching First. Faculty Focus. October 1, 2018.

M.J. Wright. How to Fail: The Lesson We’re Forgetting to Teach Our Students. Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. April 26, 2018.

M.J. Wright. Teaching Physics With Love. Inside Higher Education. October 31, 2017

P. Pieri, A. Perali, G.C. Strinati, S. Riedl, M.J. Wright, A. Altmeyer, C. Kohstall, E.R. Sánchez Guajardo, J. Hecker Denschlag, and R. Grimm. (2011), Pairing-gap, pseudo-gap, and no-gap phases in rf spectra of a trapped unitary 6Li gas. Phys. Rev. A, 84, 011608.

H.-I Lu, J. Rasmussen, M.J. Wright, D. Patterson, J.M. Doyle. (2011), Cold and Slow Molecular Beam. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 13, 18986.

S. Riedl, E.R. Sanchez Guajardo, C. Kohstall, A. Altmeyer, M.J. Wright, J. Hecker Denschlag, R. Grimm, G. M. Bruun, and H. Smith. (2008), Collective Oscillations of a Fermi Gas in the Unitarity Limit: Temperature Effects and the Role of Pair Correlations. Phys. Rev. A, 78, 05369.

M.J. Wright, A. Pechkis, J.L. Carini, S. Kullish, R. Kosloff, P.L. Gould. (2007), Coherent Control of Ultracold Collisions with Chirped Light: Direction Matters. Phys. Rev. A, 75, 051401(R).

C.E. Rogers III, M.J. Wright, J.L. Carini, J.A. Pechkis, P.L. Gould. (2007), Generation of Arbitrary Frequency Chirps with a Fiber-Based Phase Modulator and Self-Injection-Locked Diode Laser. JOSA B, 24, 1249.

A. Altmeyer, S. Riedl, C. Kohstall, M.J. Wright, R. Geursen, M. Bartenstein, C. Chin, J. Hecker Denschlag, and R. Grimm. (2007), Precision Measurements of Collective Oscillations in the BEC-BCS Crossover. Phys. Rev. Lett., 98, 040401.

A. Altmeyer, S. Riedl, C. Kohstall, M.J. Wright, J. Hecker Denschlag, R. Grimm. (2007), Collective Oscillations of the Radial Quadrupole Mode in the BEC-BCS Crossover. Phys. Rev. A, 76, 033610.

M.J. Wright, S. Riedl, A. Altmeyer, C. Kohstall, E. Sanchez, J. Hecker Denschlag, R. Grimm (2007), Finite Temperature Studies of the Scissors Mode in the BEC-BCS Crossover. Phys. Rev. Lett., 99, 150403.

M.J. Wright, J.A. Pechkis, J.L. Carini, and P.L. Gould. (2006), Probing Ultracold Collisional Dynamics with Frequency-chirped Pulses. Phys. Rev. A, 74, 063402.

M.J. Wright, S.D. Gensemer, J. Vala, R. Kosloff, P.L. Gould. (2005), Control of Ultracold Collisions with Frequency-chirped Light. Phys. Rev. Lett., 95, 063001.

M.J. Wright, P.L. Gould, S.D. Gensemer (2004), Frequency-chirped Light from an Injection-locked Diode Laser. Rev. Sci. Instrum., 75, 4718.

Conference Presentations

Giuliano* and M.J. Wright. Developing a Community Outreach Program on the Physics of Smell. AAPT Winter Meeting. Orlando, FL. 2020. *NOTE Selected as an award winning poster. Vidad* and M.J. Wright. Development of a Simple Numerical Model to Test Braess’ Paradox and Traffic Flow. PhysCon. Providence, RI 2019. Lau*, J. St. John, and M.J. Wright. Building an Innovation Center from Scratch. PhysCon. Providence, RI 2019. Khalid*, P. Russell*, J. St. John, and M.J. Wright. Analysis and Generation of Frequency Sidebands in a Lithium Niobate Phase Modulator. PhysCon. Providence, RI 2019. Giuliano* and M.J. Wright. Developing a Community Outreach Program on the Physics of Smell. PhysCon. Providence, RI 2019.

Olivia Chierchio*, Charanpreet Singh*, James St. John, and Matthew Wright. Generation Optical Beating between Hyperfine levels in the Decay of Rb atoms Excited by Different Pulse Shapes. PhysCon. Providence, RI 2019.

Chierchio*, Z. Momin*, M Robbins*, A. Khalid*, and M.J. Wright. Undergraduate Research Project on Characterization of Quantum Interference in Spontaneous Emission in an Atomic Gas with a Single Pulsed Laser. Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Milwaukee, WI 2019. Chierchio*, Z. Momin*, M Robbins*, A. Khalid*, and M.J. Wright. Progress toward Coherent Control of Ultracold Collisions with Frequency-Chirped Laser Light. APS March Meeting. Boston, 2019. Giuliano* and M.J. Wright. Developing an Interactive Demonstration for the Science of Smell. APS March Meeting. Boston, 2019.

K. Oldja and M.J. Wright. Controlling Atomic Excitation with Frequency-Modulated Lasers. APS March Meeting. Los Angeles, 2018.

K. Tadesse and M.J. Wright. Control and Stabilization of Frequency and Intensity of an External Cavity Diode Laser. APS March Meeting. Los Angeles, 2018.

T. Grogan and M.J. Wright. Towards Control of Ultracold Collisions Using Frequency-Chirped Laser Light. APS March Meeting. New Orleans, LA 2017.

E. Ochoa-Madrid, L. Chau, and M. J. Wright. Creating an Interactive Video Vignette on the Topic of Torque. 2016 Quadrennial Physics Congress. San Francisco, CA 2016.

T. Pena, J. P. St. John, and M. J. Wright. Development of a Simple Optimization Algorithm for Use in Atomic Physics Experiments. 2016 Quadrennial Physics Congress. San Francisco, CA 2016.

T. Pena, J. P. St. John, and M. J. Wright. Development of a Simple Optimization Algorithm for Use in Atomic Physics Experiments. Frontiers in Optics: The 100^th OSA Annual Meeting and Exhibit/Laser Science XXXII. Rochester, NY 2016.

B. Kaufman, T. Paltoo, T. Grogan, and M. J. Wright. (2016). Pulse Controlled Frequency-Chirped Laser Light at Large Detuning for Use in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics Experiments. In Annual Meeting of the American Physical’s Societies Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics.. Providence, RI.

B. Kaufman , T. Grogan , T. Paltoo, and M. J. Wright. (2016). Rapid Adiabatic Passage in a Rb gas with intense Frequency Chirped Laser Light. In APS March Meeting.. Baltimore, MD.

T. Paltoo, T. Grogan , B. Kaufman, and M. J. Wright. (2016). Controlled, Pulsed Frequency Chirped Laser Light at Large Detuning. In APS March Meeting.. Baltimore, MD.

M. J. Wright and B. Grifford. (2015). Learner Driven Podcasts in an Upper Level Physics Course. In AAPT Summer Meeting.. College Park, MD.

B. Kaufman, A. Limani, K. Teng, M. Disla, J. Dellatto, and M. J. Wright. (2015). Pulsed and Frequency Chirped Laser Light at Large Detuning. In Annual Meeting of the American Physical’s Societies Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics.. Columbus, OH.

A. Limani, K. Teng, M. Disla, J. Dellatto, B. Kaufman, and M. J. Wright. (2015). Pulsing Frequency Chirped Light at Large Detuning with an Injection-Locked Diode Laser. In 29th Annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research.. Seattle, WA.

M. J. Wright. (2014). Controlling Thermal Collisions with Frequency-Chirped Light. In Annual Meeting of the American Physical’s Societies Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics.. Madison, WI.

M. Disla and M. J. Wright. (2014). Progress Towards a Dense Atomic Beam. In APS March Meeting.. Denver, CO.

J. Dellatto, M. Disla, B. Kaufman, K. Teng, A. Limani, and M. J. Wright. (2014). Progress Toward Injection Locking a 795 nm Diode laser to a Microwave Modulated Sideband. In APS March Meeting.. Denver, CO.

M. J. Wright. (2014). Controlling Thermal Collisions with Frequency-Chirped Light. In APS March Meeting.. Denver, CO.

Drayna G K, Wright M, Chae E, Hemmerling B, and Doyle J M (2012). Progress towards MOTs of Yb and CaF, loaded from a slow buffer-gas beam. In The 23rd International Conference on Atomic Physics ICAP 2012. Palaiseau, France.

M. Wright, H-I Lu, J. Rasmussen, D. Patterson, and J. Doyle. (2011). Towards Magnetic Trapping of CaH. Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics. Atlanta, Ga.

M.J. Wright, H.-I Lu, J. Rasmussen, D. Patterson, J.M. Doyle. (2011). Progress Toward Magnetically Trapping CaH. Tegernsee, Germany.

M.J. Wright, S. Riedl, A. Altmeyer, C. Kohstall, E. Sanchez, J. Hecker Denschlag, R. Grimm. (2007). Scissors Mode Oscillations for a Finite-Temperature Strongly-Interacting Ultracold Fermi Gas. In Annual Meeting of the American Physical’s Societies Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Calgary, Canada.

M.J. Wright, J. Pechkis, J. Carini, P.L. Gould. (2006). Control of Ultracold Collisions with Frequency-Chirped Light. In International Conference of Atomic Physics. Innsbruck, Austria.

M.J. Wright, J. Pechkis, S.D. Gensemer, J. Vala, R. Kosloff, P.L. Gould. (2006). Ultracold Collisions with Frequency-Chirped Light: the Influence of Chirp Direction. In Annual Meeting of the American Physical’s Societies Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Lincoln, NE.

M.J. Wright, P.L. Gould, S.D. Gensemer, J. Vala, R. Kosloff. (2004). Ultracold Collisions Induced by Frequency-Chirped Light. In International Conference of Atomic Physics. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

M.J. Wright, P.L. Gould, S.D. Gensemer, J. Vala, R. Kosloff. (2004). Ultracold Collisions Induced by Frequency-Chirped Light. In Annual Meeting of the American Physical’s Societies Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Tucson, AZ.

M. J. Wright and W. Johnson. (1999). Thermal Equilibration of a Critical Fluid. In American Physical Society’s Centennial Meeting. Atlanta, Ga.

Invited Presentations

Matt Wright (2016, September). Atomic Physics with Nanosecond Frequency Chirped Laser Light. Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus, Reading, PA.

Matt Wright (2015, October). Control of Ultracold Collisions with Frequency Chirped Laser Light. Atomic Physics Seminar at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.

Matt Wright and Bridget Grifford (2015, April). Learner Developed Podcasts in an Upper-Level Undergraduate Physics Course. Adelphi University's: Teaching, Learning and Technology Conference., Garden City, NY.

Eugenia Villa Cuesta and Matt Wright (2014, July). Fruit Flies, Magnetic Fields and Space Travel. Adelphi University, Garden City, NY.

M. J. Wright (2014, January). Laser Cooling Dilute and Dense Gases. Brooklyn Tech High School, Brooklyn, NY.

M. J. Wright (2013, November). Controlling Thermal Collisions with Frequency-Chirped Light. Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Galloway, NJ.

M.J. Wright (2013, March). The Luck of Teaching: A Workshop Exploring Teaching Successes, Challenges, & Serendipity. Adelphi University, Garden City, NY.

M. J. Wright (2013, January). Negotiating Faculty Offers Panel. FAS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at Harvard University., Cambridge, MA.

Wright, M. J. (2012, February). Cold Source for Atom and Molecule Laser Cooling Experiments. Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.

Wright, M. J. (2012, February). Cold Source for Atom and Molecule Laser Cooling Experiments. AMO Seminar, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.

Wright, M. J. (2011, August). Progress Toward Magnetically Trapping CaH. Seminar, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.

Wright, M. J. (2011, January). Progress Toward Magnetically Trapping CaH. Hot Topic Talk, Ringberg castle workshop on Cold and Controlled Molecular Collisions., Tegernsee, Germany.

Mohring, R and Wright, M. J. (2009, June). Inside the operations of an intermodal rail terminal. Princeton Consultants: Quarterly Meeting, Princeton, NJ.

Other Work

Mentor for Tracy Paltoo’s article:
T. Paltoo. A Journey of Creation. Physics Today Daily Edition. 10.1063/PT.5.2019 (2014).

Grants

NSF: RUI: Atomic Physics with Rapidly Frequency Chirped Laser Light, award # 1803837.

2015 Adelphi Faculty Development Grant: Frequency and Amplitude Detection of a Rapid Modulating Laser Beam II.

2015 Adelphi Faculty Grant for High Impact Teaching and Learning Practices: Peer-Reviewed, Learner-Driven Podcasts for Upper-Level Science Courses.

2014 Adelphi Faculty Development Grant: Frequency and Amplitude Detection of a Rapid Modulating Laser Beam.

Frederick Bettelheim Research Award: Testing out the Limits of the Landua-Zener Theory using Frequency-Chirped Laser Light.

Marie Curie Fellowship. This $200,000, two-year fellowship provided the funding for fundamental research on ultracold strongly-interacting Fermi gases. This work was completed in 2007.

Honors and Accomplishments

2020 APS Career Mentoring (CM) Fellow

2018-2019 Finalist for the Society of Physics Students' Outstanding Chapter Adviser Award.

2016-2017 Finalist for the Society of Physics Students' Outstanding Chapter Adviser Award.

2015-2016 "Teaching Excellence Award" for non-tenured faculty, from Adelphi University.

2014-2015 "Professor of the Year" From Adelphi's Student Government Association.

Professional Activities

American Physical Society, Since 2012
American Association of Physics Teachers, Since 2015
Sigma Pi Sigma, Since 1999

Leadership committee member for startup consulting firm, BeaconVP 2011-2012
Industry partner, BeaconVP 2012-current