Faculty Philanthropy: A Legacy of Excellence in Cardwell Hall
When it comes to advancing scientific discovery, the faculty in K-State Physics don’t just teach and conduct world-class research—they personally invest in the department’s future. In an extraordinary display of community philanthropy, two of our most distinguished emeritus professors have recently established major legacy funds. Driven by a shared vision to reward and retain exceptional faculty, these gifts ensure that K-State Physics remains a premier destination for pioneering physics.
The Early Career Achievement Award for AMO Physics
The initiative began when Emeritus University Distinguished Professor Chii-Dong Lin and his spouse, Shu-Mei Lin, partnered with fellow retirees and generous donors through the K-State Foundation to establish the Early Career Achievement Award for Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics. Dr. Lin’s leadership creates a sustainable vehicle to support not only junior faculty, but also the postdoctoral researchers and graduate students who drive innovation at K-State.
Honoring a Commitment to the Future
Professor Chii-Dong Lin’s leadership in establishing this Award reflects a career-long commitment to the growth of the AMO physics community at Kansas State. By spearheading this initiative, Dr. Lin has created a sustainable vehicle to support not only junior faculty but also the postdoctoral researchers and graduate students who drive innovation within the department.
“We are deeply grateful to Emeritus UDP Chii-Dong Lin for leading these efforts,” Tim Bolton, physics head stated. “His dedication to supporting the next generation ensures that K-State remains a premier destination for pioneering research.”
Inaugural Award: Assistant Professor Meng Han
The impact of this fund is already on display with its inaugural recipient, Assistant Professor Meng Han, who joined the department in 2023. Standing at the forefront of ultrafast science, Dr. Han has already secured two of the nation’s most competitive honors for young scientists:
- DOE Early Career Research Award: An $875,000 grant from the Department of Energy to probe attosecond chirality in molecules.
- NSF CAREER Award: A $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation supporting table-top spectroscopy.
Dr. Han’s breakthrough work on acoustic waves was recently selected as a research highlight by Nature editor Nina Meinzer, cementing his reputation in the international scientific community.
The Achievement Award in Condensed Matter Physics
Inspired by Dr. Lin's vision, Chris Sorensen—emeritus University Distinguished Professor, Cortelyou-Rust Professor, and 2007 National Professor of the Year—decided to establish a parallel award for his own field. Reflecting on his arrival at K-State in the late 1970s, when his "startup package" consisted of little more than a cup of coffee, Sorensen launched the Achievement Award in Condensed Matter Physics with an initial $100,000 contribution to the K-State Foundation.
Though currently serving as the VP of Research and Development at Hydrograph, Inc., Dr. Sorensen remains a daily force on campus, frequently "wowing the crowds" at university Open House demo shows.
Inaugural Recipient: Associate Professor Matt Berg
The inaugural Condensed Matter award was presented to Professor Matt Berg, whose history with K-State has come beautifully full circle. Dr. Berg first came to Manhattan as an REU summer undergraduate, returned to earn his Ph.D., and eventually joined the faculty as an associate professor.
Today, Dr. Berg is a world expert in using electromagnetic scattering to characterize aerosols, with research impacting national security, climatology, and planetary science. He recently secured a U.S. Patent for contactless orthographic imaging of aerosol particles—an achievement he shared with co-inventor and K-State physics alumnus Jesse Laning (now at MIT Lincoln Laboratory), who originally worked with Dr. Berg as an undergraduate intern.
A Sustainable Future Built by Department Faculty
By shielding faculty from fiscal challenges, Dr. Lin and Dr. Sorensen have proven that enthusiasm, determination, and a layout of strong local support can spark a world-class career.
"We are deeply grateful to our emeritus faculty for leading these efforts," stated Tim Bolton, Physics Department Head. "Their dedication to supporting the next generation ensures that the tradition of excellence at K-State Physics will endure for decades to come."