Dan Pitonyak

Dr. Dan Pitonyak is an Associate Professor of Physics at Lebanon Valley College, where he co-chairs the Chemistry and Physics department. His research focuses on computational nuclear physics, particularly the 3D structure of protons using Python-based simulations.

• B.S. from Lebanon Valley College
• Ph.D. from Temple University

Dr. Pitonyak’s work spans Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), Transversity PDFs, Transverse Momentum Dependent (TMD) distributions, and Spin Observables. He leads NSF-funded projects on hadronic structure and collaborates with institutions like Jefferson Lab.

Recent publications highlight his global QCD analyses of transversity and dihadron fragmentation functions, with applications to the Electron-Ion Collider. His 2015 APS Dissertation Award underscores his impact on hadronic physics.

• NSF Grant (PHY-2308567): Principal Investigator
• DOE Grant: Senior Personnel

Students like Penn Smith '25 and Jacob Marsh '25 actively participate in his research. Dr. Pitonyak provides interactive tools via Google Colab for exploring QCD models and experimental configurations.