Dr. Ira Rothstein

Professor

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Biography

Ira Z. Rothstein is a Professor of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on Nuclear and Particle Physics as well as High Energy Physics Theory. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in 1992 and has since held various academic positions, including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor, at Carnegie Mellon University. His research interests are centered around Effective Field Theory (EFT), particularly in studying complex, non-linear, strongly coupled systems. Rothstein is known for utilizing EFT methods to simplify multi-scale problems and to explore the production of the Higgs boson at the LHC, the dynamics of strong interactions involving protons, and phenomena related to black hole physics. His work also includes calculating classical gravity wave profiles from inspiraling black holes, with insights into black hole spin and predictions measured by LIGO experiments. Additionally, he has recently been applying effective field theory techniques to investigate novel quantum aspects of solids.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2003-01-01 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Teaching and conducting research in the field of Physics.

Associate Professor

2000-01-01 — 2003-01-01

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Taught courses and conducted research at the university.

Assistant Professor

1997-01-01 — 2000-01-01

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Engaged in teaching and research activities.

Post-doctoral Researcher

1995-01-01 — 1997-01-01

UC San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Worked on research in physics.

Post-doctoral Researcher

1992-01-01 — 1995-01-01

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Conducted research in theoretical physics.

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.