The hair-thin continuous beam of electrons generated by the facility allows scientists to explore the basic makeup of the particles inside atomic nuclei, where the most powerful force in the universe reigns. And because the accelerator facility allows scientists to peer inside protons, which physicists believe were formed in the first ten millionths of a second following the Big Bang, they are in effect re-creating the conditions that existed ten billion years ago when the cosmos was being formed. Gabriel Robins, associate professor of computer science, and Robert R. Jones, assistant professor of physics, were awarded Packard Foundation Fellowships, one of the nation's most prestigious unrestricted grants for young science and engineering faculty. Robins was recognized for his work on the design and performance of large-scale integrated circuits. Jones was singled out for his study of laser pulses that are both powerful enough to alter the way electrons move about the atomic nucleus and quick enough to isolate these changes.
Proposals undergo a rigorous review process, and the results so far have been impressive.
During its first five years, the program supported six centers that went on to become self-supporting. In the process, they attracted outside support in excess of the board's initial investment and have created more than two hundred new jobs. The National Science Foundation Center for Biological Timing had its origins in an AEP grant. The center is directed by Gene Block, vice provost for research. He is conducting his research with sociology professor Steven Nock and law professor Elizabeth Scott.