Skip to main content
James Mangan received a BA in physics from Grinnell College and his PhD from Caltech. Before joining CMU as an assistant professor, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University.

A theoretical particle physicist by training, Mangan researches how to break down complicated theories like gravity into simpler ones like electromagnetism. At a more technical level, he investigates how general relativity (Einstein's theory of gravity) is related to the non-abelian gauge theories underpinning the Standard Model of particle physics.

In the classroom, Mangan uses active learning techniques to instill collaborative and quantitative skills that propel the future careers of both physicists and non-majors alike. He is currently teaching introductory physics.