Jun 23, 2005 - Claremont, Calif. -

by Rebecca Lopez

Vatche Sahakian, assistant professor of physics at Harvey Mudd College, has been awarded a $32,058 grant from Research Corporation to investigate aspects of non-commutative geometry.

Sahakian's topic has its roots in string theory, which he descibes as "a framework for exploring new exotic ideas on the frontier of theoretical physics. Crudely speaking, it involves considering spacetime coordinates that do not mutually commute; akin to the transition from classical to quantum mechanics where position and momentum are made non-commutative. This implies that at short enough distances, space and time become 'fuzzy,' without the coherent smooth structure that we associate with traditional geometry."

The award will help fund up to six students for two summers. By studying the aspects of non-commutative geometry, Sahakian hopes to "learn about the smallest and most fundamental aspects of the fabric of spacetime."

Founded in 1912, the Research Corporation is America's first foundation for the advancement of science. Fredrick Gardner Cottrell, scientist, inventor and philanthropist established the corporation, with the assistance of Charles Doolittle Walcott, who was the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

In an effort to promote research at primarily undergraduate institutions and encourage Ph.D.-granting institutions to excel at both teaching and research, the foundation awarded 77 grants to scientists at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada this year. The $3.6 million in grants were awarded to scientists in the fields of chemistry, physics and astronomy. Sahakian was selected for the Cottrell College Science Award program, which is aimed at faculty and programs at undergraduate institutions.