Theja DeSilva

Theja DeSilva is an Associate Professor in the College of Science and Mathematics at Augusta University, holding appointments in both the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Physics and Biophysics. With a PhD in Physics from the University of Cincinnati (2004), DeSilva specializes in quantum many-body theory, applying statistical mechanics to biological systems, and physics education research.

Research interests span

• Condensed matter physics of quantum spin systems and superconductors
• Emergent collective phenomena in biological cells
• Interactive teaching methodologies using Socratic engagement
• Non-equilibrium quantum dynamics and optical lattice simulations

Their work bridges fundamental quantum theory with biological applications through statistical mechanical frameworks.

DeSilva's academic contributions include:

• KITP Scholar Awards (2018-2019) from UC Santa Barbara
• ITAMP Visiting Scientist Award (2017) at Harvard University
• Recognition for compassionate teaching at Augusta University (2018)

In education, they champion interactive engagement strategies, utilizing cooperative learning and technology integration. As a theorist, DeSilva explores how complex quantum phenomena emerge from simple particle interactions, with recent publications focusing on optical lattice dynamics, lipid membrane self-organization, and protein folding thermodynamics.