Dr. Richard Holman joins Minerva from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a professor of physics. His current research concerns the interface between particle physics and cosmology, with a particular emphasis on the inflationary universe paradigm. He also works on more speculative ideas such as models of dark energy and the possible observable effects of the multiverse.

One of the brightest spots in Holman’s career has been his interactions with students at all levels. His teaching awards testify to how firmly he believes in his role as a mentor to the next generation of physicists. He has long been an advocate for women in STEM, and has also worked with the Pittsburgh Public School system as well as the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences, to encourage young students toward careers in the sciences.

Holman was a postdoctoral fellow at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Florida, and an NRC Postdoctoral Fellow at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. He earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical Particle Physics and M.A. in Physics from the Johns Hopkins University, and his B.S. in Mathematics from Harvey Mudd College.