Peter Graham

Peter Graham is a Professor of Physics at Stanford University's Department of Physics. He serves as Associate Director of the Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics (since 2018) and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Physics Department (since 2018). His research focuses on fundamental questions in theoretical physics beyond the Standard Model, including dark matter, cosmology, and gravitational physics.

Research Focus

Professor Graham investigates theoretical frameworks extending beyond the Standard Model, emphasizing:

• Dark matter models and detection techniques
• Novel experiments for discovering new physics (axions, gravitational waves)
• Cosmological implications of particle physics
• Quantum gravity and astrophysical phenomena

He co-leads the Cosmic Axion Spin Precession Experiment (CASPEr) and DM Radio experiment, developing innovative methods using nuclear magnetic resonance and precision magnetometry for dark matter detection.

Education

• Ph.D. in Physics, Stanford University (2007)
• A.M. in Physics, Harvard University (2002)
• A.B. in Physics, Harvard University (2002)

Awards & Recognition

• Frontiers of Science Award (2024)
• Simons Investigator (2021)
• New Horizons Prize in Physics (2017)
• DOE Early Career Award (2014)
• Hellman Faculty Scholar (2013)
• Terman Fellowship
• Harvard's Sanderson Award (2002)

Research Leadership

Leads a large research group including 22+ doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers. Current projects span theoretical particle physics, experimental dark matter detection, and gravitational wave measurement techniques including atom interferometry applications.