The PIs research will encompass a broad program of studies, including nuclear physics, particle physics, general relativity, string theory and cosmology. Fundamental impacts will come from phenomenological studies in nuclear and particle physics, which will extract the fullest possible implications of data from existing experiments and those anticipated in the near future. Such work is important in testing the validity of the currently accepted Standard Model of elementary particles, as well as providing tools for the anticipated discovery of physics beyond the Standard Model. Further fundamental impact will come from theoretical work in general relativity, string theory and cosmology which will probe the foundation of our most basic concepts about the Universe by exploring new theories which aim to extend what is already known. In particular the PIs will work on hadronic parity violation, Baryogenesis, rare charm decays, higher derivative gravity theory, and Randall-Sundrum models of black holes. They also intend to work on effective theories of gravity, cosmology and dark energy. Broader impact will accrue through participation in novel interdisciplinary courses presenting a panorama of science to highly motivated students. Further impacts will come from a unique venture "Big Bang Radio" which will present frontier science to a general audience through well-crafted radio programs. The PIs have also been involved in writing a second edition of dynamics of the standard model and Kastor has created an interdisciplinary course-Cosmos to Humanity given through the universities honors program.
This grant funded fundamental theoretical research in Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Gravitational Theory and Cosmology. It involved 6 senior faculty researchers, two postdoctoral research associates and several graduate students. The research encompassed both theoretical research that dealt with present and future experiments carried out in the US and abroad, as well as foundational works on the structure of general relativity and field theory. Many of these results help with the understanding of experimental findings, and with the planning of future experiments. Other results allow a deeper understanding of our present fundamental theories of particle physics, gravity and cosmology. This research will be useful for other theorists to construct better, more complete theories or to make new calculations . The accomplishments were published in about 70 papers and presented at many conferences and talks to other research groups. In addition to the research itself, there were educational and outreach activities. The research experience was part of the training of the graduate students. Three students who obtained their Ph.D during the grant period are presently working in postdoctoral research positions. The co-PIs also worked on educational materials for both advanced researchers and for the general public. There were outreach efforts on public radio and in the local schools and presentations to a wide variety of audiences
