The University of New Mexico’s Department of Physics and Astronomy has announced that three of its faculty members have received the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award this summer. The recipients are Diana Dragomir, Francis-Yan Cyr-Racine, and Tonmoy Chakraborty. This award is considered one of the NSF’s most competitive grants, given to early-career faculty who show potential in research and education.
Richard Rand, chair of Physics & Astronomy at UNM, commented on the achievement: “A junior faculty member receiving a CAREER award is always a cause for celebration of this special national recognition of their achievement and potential. For our department to be able to applaud three faculty in obtaining NSF CAREER awards in the same year is unbelievable. A very rare hat-trick of sorts. I congratulate Diana, Francis-Yan, and Tonmoy – each of them fully deserves this honor.”
Diana Dragomir’s work focuses on studying planets outside our solar system. Her team examines how giant planets might influence terrestrial planets orbiting other stars, similar to how Jupiter may have affected Earth’s development. Her project also integrates exoplanet research into undergraduate courses and organizes alumni visits for students exploring career options.
Francis-Yan Cyr-Racine received his CAREER award for a project using machine learning to investigate dark matter and dark energy—components believed to make up most of the universe’s energy content. His research will combine astronomical observations with laboratory experiments to better understand cosmic evolution. Cyr-Racine will also start a mentoring program aimed at helping students develop skills for STEM careers and build community within physics and astronomy.
Tonmoy Chakraborty was awarded a $1.25 million CAREER grant for developing new microscopy systems that enable fast, high-resolution imaging without labels or mechanical movement. His approach uses re-engineered optics to address common limitations in optical microscopy such as depth restrictions and slow image acquisition speeds. The project includes broader impacts like summer training programs, an interdisciplinary course on microscopy, hosting UNM Physics Day—a regional event for undergraduates—and promoting open hardware technology sharing.
These recognitions highlight the achievements of early-career researchers at UNM whose work connects students with advanced scientific research opportunities.
