Veit Elser

Veit Elser serves as Professor of Physics at Cornell University within the College of Arts and Sciences, holding continuous faculty appointments since 1988 (Assistant Professor 1988-93, Associate Professor 1993-2001, Professor 2001-present). His academic journey includes a visiting professorship at Universität Tübingen (1994-95) following postdoctoral work at ATT Bell Laboratories (1984-88).

Education:

• B.S. from California Institute of Technology (1979)
• Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley (1984)

Research Focus: Professor Elser pioneers phase retrieval algorithms and image reconstruction techniques for noisy diffraction patterns, particularly in X-ray free electron laser applications (e.g., Linac Coherent Light Source). His work bridges Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics and Biological Physics, with significant contributions to protein folding and optimization of NP-hard problems. Collaborating closely with Sol Gruner's group, he advances ultra low photon flux imaging methodologies.

Publication Trends: His interdisciplinary research demonstrates increasing convergence of physics and machine learning, exemplified by neural network applications to computational mathematics like Strassen multiplication. This reflects a strategic expansion from traditional condensed matter physics into algorithmic solutions for complex optimization challenges.

Scientific Recognition:

• William L. McMillan Prize (1988)
• Alfred P. Sloan Fellow (1989-92)
• Presidential Young Investigator (1989-94)
• David and Lucille Packard Fellow (1989-94)
• Guggenheim Fellow (1994-95)
• Alexander von Humboldt Fellow (1994-95)
• Erskine Fellow (2010)
• Simons Fellow in Theoretical Physics (2015)

Academic Leadership: Professor Elser mentors graduate researchers including Avinah Mandaiya and Megan (Renz) Flynn while securing major research funding through prestigious fellowships. His sustained Packard, Sloan, and Simons Fellowships have enabled decade-spanning investigations into computational physics. Current teaching responsibilities include PHYS 2214 (Oscillations, Waves, Quantum Physics), PHYS 4490 (Independent Study), and PHYS 6572 (Quantum Mechanics I) through 2025.

Research Infrastructure: He directs an active research group developing reconstruction algorithms, maintaining close ties with experimental teams at facilities like the Linac Coherent Light Source while advancing theoretical frameworks for photon-limited imaging systems.