James Hitchcock
Graduate Student
Physics & Astronomy
Current Research Project: The Fermi-Hubbard model in a 3D optical lattice at half filling
James Hitchock, Physics & Astronomy graduate student, is working on an area of physics for which Rice enjoys an internationally-renowned reputation: ultra-cold physics. James is currently studying the Fermi-Hubbard model in a 3D optical lattice at half filling. Dr. Randy Hulet, Fayez Sarofim Professor of Physics and one of James’ mentors, explains: “We are very fortunate that James has chosen to do his graduate study at Rice. He is a hard-working and talented experimental physicist, who is working on a very visible and important experiment to simulate the behavior of the electrons in high-temperature superconducting materials using ultra-cold atoms.”
From San Angelo, Texas, James holds a B.S. degree from Angelo State University. James chose Rice due to its excellent Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics program. He enjoys Rice’s feel of a small campus while being in the metropolis of Houston. After completing his graduate and post-doctoral work, he hopes to become a research professor. James adds that it is important to him “to conduct quality research that positively impacts the scientific community and progresses our fundamental understanding of science.”
Outside of his research on campus and beyond, James enjoys tennis, video games, grilling meals with his lab-mates and spending time with his wife.
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