UM Professor is First Mississippian Named to National Physics Panel

Quinn, who is director of the university's Center for Multimessenger Astrophysics, is the first Mississippian to join the panel, which is established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and advises the federal government on the U.S. High Energy Physics Program. 

“I was appointed to the panel primarily to contribute expertise from my decades of work in the area of intensity frontier physics," Quinn said. “I also spent many years doing energy frontier research on experiments using the highest energy beams to create new particles we've never seen before, and I am about to begin a program of astroparticle studies in the cosmic frontier very soon.  

“So, I will be able to bring an almost uniquely broad perspective to my term of service on HEPAP.” 

High energy physics – also known as particle physics – is the study of the most fundamental particles of matter and energy in the universe, and the forces that govern their actions.  

As a panel member, Quinn will provide programmatic and budget advice and guidance to help shape the future of high energy physics in the United States and internationally. He will serve on the panel until March 2027.  

“It is exciting to have a member of our faculty appointed to HEPAP,” said Jake Bennett, associate professor of physics and astronomy. “With his significant expertise and his years of experience doing science advocacy, Breese is an excellent selection.  

“I’m sure he will effectively help to direct the field of particle physics. He is also a great representative for the University of Mississippi and our department.” 

Quinn has been a leader in the field of high energy physics for decades and has worked at the Department of Energy’s Fermilab, a particle physics and accelerator laboratory near Chicago, for more than 35 years.  

Quinn was also a leader in the 2021 Snowmass Community Planning Exercise, a major, community-driven study aimed at charting the scientific goals for the next 10 years of the United States particle physics research program. In that project, Quinn served as the co-convener of the community engagement frontier, one of 10 "frontiers" of particle physics. 

Top: Breese Quinn, professor of physics and director of the Multi-messenger Astrophysics Center, has been appointed to the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation’s High Energy Physics Advisory Panel. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services