A new research program in theoretical gravitational physics, under the direction of Prof. Jorge Pullin will be initiated under the CAREER program. Prof. Pullin will undertake theoretical and numerical studies in problems dealing with the General Theory of Relativity at a classical and quantum mechanical level. The major focuses of the program include: 1) The development of codes for the evolution of spherically symmetric fields applied in conjunction with perturbation theory to the study of critical behavior of gravitational collapse and the problem of the collision of two black holes. 2) The development of the loop representation for quantum general relativity emphasizing the use of extended loops, which have potential to solve several technical difficulties of the traditional loop approach and to add insight into the classical canonical theory underlying the loop representation. This project also includes a series of activities in education including uses of computers, recruitment of minorities and a book destined to graduate students.
