Luther College Physics Professor Todd Pedlar has received his seventh consecutive National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant. Since 2006, NSF grants have allowed Pedlar and Luther students to participate in international collaborations that conduct research in elementary particle physics, a field of fundamental physics research that seeks to understand the basic building blocks of our universe.
Pedlar’s new three-year grant, in the amount of $185,000, supports Luther’s participation in the international collaborations Belle and Belle II. These collaborations operate experiments at KEK, Japan’s High Energy Research Organization, in Tsukuba, Japan, and include more than 1,000 members from 128 institutions in 28 countries. Luther is one of 16 U.S. institutions collaborating on these experiments, and is the only liberal arts college doing so.
The grant to Luther College will support Pedlar and his students, computing infrastructure, and travel to the Belle II Experiment site in Japan and to conferences where the group presents their results.
The experiment’s aim is no less than achieving a better understanding of the fundamental building blocks of our universe. These discoveries can lead not only to greater understanding of the physical world but also to the development of significant technologies that can yield improvements in medicine and other fields, such as biomedical engineering.
“Much of the technology that enables us to detect cancers and treat them were developed from tools and techniques originally designed for conducting fundamental research,” said Pedlar. “This would include X-ray machines, MRI and other diagnostic tools that allow us to look into the brain and find tumors or anomalies that need treatment. Many of these important tools and techniques have a deep connection to the study of fundamental physics.”
The Belle II Experiment, KEK, Tsukuba, Japan
The Belle II detector at KEK in Tsukuba, Japan, partially open for maintenance work. (c) Belle II / KEK
Professor Pedlar at the Belle II Experiment Control room while on a data-taking shift at KEK. (c) Todd Pedlar
An Exciting Time for Fundamental Physics
“I am grateful that the National Science Foundation has once again recognized Professor Pedlar’s outstanding work as a scholar and research mentor,” said Luther College Provost Brad Chamberlain. “The research experiences that Professor Pedlar provides to students at Luther through this international collaboration are both exceptional and transformational. The experiences inspire students’ curiosity as they explore together the fundamental operations of the universe, give them the confidence to take on challenging projects, and open doors for future professional opportunities. This project, with its continuous record of funding success and its demonstrated impact on students, is a notable example of the strength of Luther’s academic programs and the excellent learning environment that we provide to our students.”
Pedlar says that this is a particularly exciting time for him and his colleagues in the Belle II Collaboration. “In spring 2024, the Belle II Experiment began data-taking again, after a series of upgrades to the detector system and accelerator system,” Pedlar said. “In the present data-taking period, which is expected to continue until 2028, when we’ll shut down again for another upgrade, a total data sample of several times the original Belle II sample will be collected.
“Because of the enormous increase in the amount of data taken, my students and I will have the ability to study processes that are much more unusual and, as such, have greater opportunities to reveal new aspects of the interactions of elementary particles and previously unknown structures formed by them,” he added.
Working with Dr. Pedlar introduced me to the idea of science as a dynamic process of discovery, rather than a static collection of facts. His mentorship helped me cultivate critical thinking, allowing me to embrace the uncertainties of the natural world while building on existing knowledge to ask new questions and develop the tools needed to answer them.
Alain Nishimwe ’22
Doctoral student, biomedical engineering, University of Minnesota
Alumni Achievements
Pedlar notes that his student researchers have gone on to significant educational and career achievements, fostered by their Luther experiences with the Belle II international research collaboration.
Over the past 18 years, many of his students have gone on to doctoral or master’s programs in physics, mathematics and engineering; seven have thus far earned doctorates, and are now engaged in postdoctoral research or are pursuing careers as research scientists or as university faculty.
Zachary Stottler, a 2015 Luther graduate, is one example. Stottler earned a Ph.D. in physics from Virginia Tech in 2022 and is presently enrolled in a medical physics residency working in radiation oncology at the Mayo Clinic. After collaborating for more than a decade, Pedlar and Stottler will soon publish a Belle II-related paper about their joint research.
“It is rare to find one of the world’s leading experts on heavy quarkonium in rural Iowa—let alone a professor dedicated to investing significant time and energy in mentoring undergraduates, shaping them into the next generation of physicists,” said Stottler.
“One of the primary reasons I chose Luther College was the opportunity to work in the Pedlar lab,” Stottler continued. “It provided access for a rural Minnesota kid to the cutting-edge research being conducted at the national labs of KEK in Japan and PNNL in Washington—an extraordinary opportunity for an undergraduate at a liberal arts college.”
Alain Nishimwe, a 2022 Luther graduate, is now in a Ph.D. program in biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota. He, too, was inspired by his involvement in Pedlar’s research.
“Working with Dr. Pedlar introduced me to the idea of science as a dynamic process of discovery, rather than a static collection of facts, as I had been taught,” Nishimwe said. “His mentorship helped me cultivate critical thinking, allowing me to embrace the uncertainties of the natural world while building on existing knowledge to ask new questions and develop the tools needed to answer them. This mindset has shaped not only my academic and professional path but also enriched my personal life.”
Project History
In 2021, Professor Todd Pedlar worked on his NSF-funded research with then-Luther students Alain Nishimwe and Sam Wilson. Nishimwe is now in a Ph.D. program in biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota; Wilson continued his education in a master’s of mechanical engineering program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Join us Thursday, October 3rd for Yard Games Galore at Diamond #2 (right next to the tennis/pickleball courts). We’ll have outdoor games such as, bowling, whiffle ball, badminton and more! Pick and choose from a variety of games to play before we head over to Dixie’s Biergarten for evening specials: $1 Off taps and cans! Participants who provide a valid ID at activity will receive a wristband which will allow you to receive food or beverage promotions provided by the host.
Join us at Will Baker on Saturday, October 19th from 1:00pm-3:00pm for an afternoon of games, crafts and fun! We have partnered with Decorah Rocks who will provide supplies to craft your own unique rock, and then hide for other to find.
Join us at Rubaiyat for game night on Thursday, September 26th from 5:00-7:00pm.
**Limited space is available- Pre Register Today**
Enjoy classic games with friends while enjoying a hand-crafted food and drink menu: $2 Off: Tap Beers, House Wines (by the glass), Lime Margaritas and Kiddy Cocktails. Food Specials include: – Maple Leafe Farms Duck Bacon & Sweet Corn Wontons w/ Asian Sesame Sauce -Applewood Smoked Bone-In-Wings w/ Sriracha Garlic Parmesan Sauce -Rustic Flatbread Pizza (servers will provide details) -Shrimp Tempura w/ Cracked Pepper Honey Dijon Sauce – Burrata w/ Olive Relish, La Quercia Prosciutto, Arugula, Balsamic Drizzle and Toasted Naan -Fried Brussel Sprouts w/ Bacon, Parmesan, Maple Bourbon Rub, Balsamic
Participants who provide a valid ID at activity will receive a wristband which will allow you to receive food or beverage promotions provided by the host.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Decorah High School is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024. This marks the second time it has received this honor, having previously won in 2011. Notably, Decorah High School is one of only five schools in Iowa to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School for 2024. Decorah High School’s profile can be found on the Blue Ribbon School website.
Principal Brad Hurst said, “This award reflects the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff, along with the tremendous support provided by our parents and community. We commend our district colleagues, coaches, and activity sponsors for their role in our students’ success. Our collective efforts have built a foundation of excellence, preparing our graduates for success in any endeavor they pursue beyond the walls of Decorah High School.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
Unified Champions Basketball Game, SpongeBob Cast, 2024 Valedictorians
Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of hosting the incredible 5th graders from St. Benedict Catholic School for tours of both the Winneshiek County Sanitary Landfill and the recycling center! We were so impressed by their enthusiasm and throughtful questions about waste management and sustainability. Thank you again for visiting, and we hope to see you all again soon!
Speaking of waste management, did you know that tomorrow is National Clean Up Day? If you’re out for a walk on a trail or spending time in a park this weekend, please consider bringing gloves and a trash bag and help keep our planet clean. Every little bit counts!
On Friday at Decorah High School’s 2024 Homecoming coronation ceremony, Will Hahn, son of Brent and Amanda Hahn, and McKenzie Riley, daughter of Adam and Jessica Riley, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.
