Claudio Ugalde

Claudio Ugalde is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). His research focuses on nucleosynthesis, stellar evolution, and the conditions under which elements form in stars. He explores how elements in the periodic table are created, particularly through supernovae explosions and nuclear reactions in extreme astrophysical environments.

Dr. Ugalde investigates the challenges of simulating stellar processes in laboratory settings, leveraging particle accelerators and innovative detection methods like bubble chambers. He leads the Jefferson Laboratory’s PR12-13-005 proposal to study oxygen production via helium-carbon reactions. His work also involves experiments at Argonne National Laboratory and peer-review for Physical Review.

Prior to UIC, he worked at the University of Chicago, Argonne, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research bridges gaps between theoretical models and experimental data, advancing our understanding of stellar life cycles and elemental origins.

Key collaborations include the use of gamma-ray beams at CEBAF and analysis of presolar grains from meteorites to infer stellar conditions. His experimental focus on rare isotopes and low-probability nuclear reactions highlights his expertise in cutting-edge nuclear astrophysics.