Florida State University physicist Fernando Febres Cordero has been named a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), recognizing his significant contributions to high-energy theoretical physics and the study of fundamental particle interactions.
Febres Cordero’s research focuses on increasing the precision with which scientists can predict how particles interact, a field that impacts understanding phenomena ranging from subatomic particles to black holes. His work includes pioneering methods for calculating scattering amplitudes, essential for analyzing collision experiments such as those at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and developing predictions relevant to gravitational studies like those conducted at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
“The Fellow distinction is a great honor conferred by my peers at APS,” Febres Cordero said. “I also consider it a responsibility, as APS Fellows are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards while developing and promoting scientific research.”
The APS Fellowship Program was established in 1921 to recognize physicists who have advanced science through original research, teaching, or leadership. Each year, no more than one half of one percent of APS members are elected as Fellows. Febres Cordero is the 51st researcher from Florida State University to receive this recognition.
Paul Cottle, chair of FSU’s Department of Physics, commented on the achievement: “Dr. Febres Cordero is one of the world’s leading guides on humanity’s journey to understand matter at its most fundamental level. APS’ recognition of his work demonstrates the importance of FSU’s contribution toward understanding the natural laws determining how matter behaves.”
As part of his research, Febres Cordero investigates how fundamental forces drive interactions among elementary particles such as electrons, photons, and quarks. By examining these behaviors, researchers aim to better understand the universe at its smallest scale.
“Humans always strive to keep exploring the universe,” Febres Cordero said. “Questions about the nature of fundamental interactions push this exploration forward. How was the universe born, and what can we expect of it in the far future? Our research aims to answer these questions.”
He was recognized by APS for his exceptional work in developing ideas for calculating scattering amplitudes and applying them both in collider physics and gravity studies.
According to Febres Cordero: “The availability of high-precision predictions enables detailed comparisons with experimental results, pushing our understanding of the universe’s fundamental laws. Potential discrepancies in these comparisons would be seeds for the discovery of new physics, including finding new forces and particles.”
Febres Cordero earned his doctorate in physics from FSU in 2007 before holding positions at institutions including UCLA and Simón Bolívar University in Venezuela. He also served as a visiting professor at Germany’s University of Freiburg after receiving a Sofja Kovalevskaja Award for early-career scientists before returning to FSU as an associate professor in 2019.
“Sometimes these universe-level questions seem detached from day-to-day life, but the history of science has shown that this pursuit of knowledge brings about society-changing technological applications, such as nuclear power, electronics, modern medical testing and the internet,” he said. “In short, knowledge is power.”
The American Physical Society is an international organization founded in 1899 with over 50,000 members dedicated to advancing physics through research journals, meetings, education initiatives and advocacy efforts.
For more information about FSU’s Department of Physics research activities visit https://physics.fsu.edu/.
