Krishna S. Kumar

Krishna S. Kumar is the Gluckstern Professor of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, affiliated with the Department of Physics. His research focuses on experimental nuclear and particle physics, particularly parity-violating electron scattering and neutrino physics. He leads projects such as MOLLER and SOLID at Jefferson Lab to probe fundamental parameters of the Standard Model and explore new physics at TeV scales. Kumar has contributed to landmark measurements of neutron skin thickness in heavy nuclei (via PREX/CREX) and neutrinoless double-beta decay (EXO-200/nEXO). He teaches courses like PHY 182 Lab and PHY 556/714, mentoring numerous graduate and undergraduate students.

Research interests include probing strange quark contributions to nucleons, weak mixing angle measurements, and tests of lepton number conservation. His group collaborates internationally on detectors at facilities like SLAC and WIPP. Recent highlights include the CREX experiment (2022) and MOLLER's CD-2 approval (scheduled for 2023). Awards include recognition for award-winning teaching and research excellence.

Advising spans over 30 students across PhD, MS, and undergraduate levels, with notable alumni in academia and industry. Grants include DOE funding for MOLLER and SOLID projects. Kumar's labs focus on advanced detector technologies and precision measurement techniques.