Mark C. Kruse

Mark C. Kruse is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Duke University, within Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on High-Energy Particle Physics, particularly the analysis of data collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). With the Higgs boson discovered by ATLAS and CMS collaborations in July 2012, his work now centers on discovering models beyond the Standard Model of particle physics.

Dr. Kruse's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Physics from Purdue University (1996)
• M.S. in Physics from University of Auckland, New Zealand (1988)
• B.S. in Physics from University of Auckland, New Zealand (1986)

Professor Kruse's research primarily investigates phenomena beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. His work with the ATLAS detector at the LHC focuses on Higgs boson properties, top quark physics, and searches for new particles and forces that could explain dark matter and other cosmic mysteries. He has been instrumental in analyzing data from proton-proton collisions at various energy levels to uncover potential deviations from established physics theories. His research group at Duke actively contributes to the international effort to understand fundamental particles and their interactions at the highest energy scales accessible to humanity.

Analysis of Professor Kruse's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Higgs boson physics, top quark measurements, and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. His work with the ATLAS collaboration spans multiple areas including precision measurements of known particles, searches for exotic decays, and investigations of quark-gluon plasma. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in data analysis techniques as the LHC continues to deliver higher luminosity and energy collision data.

Professor Kruse has received several notable awards and recognitions:

• Dean's Leadership Award from Duke University (April 2013)
• Sir Thomas Lyle Fellowship from University of Melbourne, Australia (2013)
• Bass Society of Fellows at Duke University (May 2012)
• Shared recognition for the Discovery of the Top Quark (July 2019)

As a dedicated educator and mentor, Professor Kruse has advised numerous students through independent study courses (PHYSICS 493) and thesis projects (PHYSICS 495). He has secured substantial research funding including the REU Site for Undergraduate Research in Nuclear Particle Physics (2022-2027) and the Support and Maintenance for the ATLAS Transition Radiation Detector at CERN (2025-2027). His grants consistently support both graduate and undergraduate research opportunities, reflecting his commitment to training the next generation of physicists.

Professor Kruse is a key member of the ATLAS collaboration at CERN, where he serves as the US ATLAS Transition Radiation Tracker Level 3 Manager. His research group at Duke University works closely with international collaborators on data analysis and detector operations. The team contributes significantly to the ongoing physics program at the LHC, particularly in areas related to Higgs boson characterization and searches for new physics phenomena.