Purdue’s new cutting-edge physics labs ignite innovation

INDIANAPOLIS —Purdue University is expanding hands-on learning in the capital city with a new state-of-the-art physics labs, providing students with cutting-edge facilities to enhance hands-on education in STEM fields. 

Designed to offer immersive, real-world experiences, the new physics labs serve as a hub for experimentation and discovery. The advanced facility equips future scientists, engineers, and innovators with the tools to apply physics concepts in meaningful ways, reinforcing Purdue’s commitment to experiential learning in Indianapolis. The labs include specialized equipment such as motion-tracking devices, electric coils, magnetic field generators, and other essential tools that immerse students in active learning. 

“At Purdue, we know that the best way to learn is through hands-on experience and direct interaction with the material,” said Jeffrey Gerber, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, who is leading the laboratory setup and management. 

“These labs allow students to engage with physics concepts in real-time, reinforcing what they learn in lectures with practical application. This hands-on learning is key to developing problem-solving skills, and these new labs provide an environment where students can explore, test, and innovate,” said Gerber. 

Gerber received valuable support from graduate students Sean Savage, Nikhil Borse, Ravishankar Chatta Subramanium, Alex Whitman, and Winter Allen during the initial setup phase. Many of these graduate students also serve as teaching assistants for laboratory courses. Physics Professors Sanjay Rebello and Ian Arnold contributed to the laboratory setup.

The new facility features two fully-equipped lab rooms, currently serving approximately 350 students currently taking physics courses to satisfy their degree requirement. By fall 2025, enrollment is expected to expand to 500 students, demonstrating the growing demand for hands-on physics education.

“We are especially excited about these new lab spaces because they provide students with opportunities to apply physics principles in meaningful ways,” said Jonathan Rienstra-Kiracofe, associate dean for undergraduate STEM education in the College of Science.

Rienstra-Kiracofe also emphasized the significance of this development: “We are especially pleased with our new physics lab spaces as they ensure that our Purdue students studying in Indianapolis are receiving the same high-quality physics teaching lab experience as students studying in West Lafayette.” 

Purdue’s expansion in the capital city reflects its commitment to providing students with world-class learning opportunities. “Teaching and educating students is a passion of mine,” Gerber added. “I’m excited to help shape these courses with new physics education research and provide Indianapolis students with an unparalleled opportunity for hands-on learning.”

"We’re thrilled to expand our services to Purdue University in Indianapolis, upholding the same level of excellence and innovation as at West Lafayette. With state-of-the-art facilities and a devoted faculty team, we are committed to offering students a top-quality education along with practical experience. We look forward to nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers in Indianapolis with the same Boilermaker spirit that propels us forward," says Gabor Csathy, professor and head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

About Purdue University in Indianapolis

Purdue University in Indianapolis is a fully integrated expansion of West Lafayette, extending to central Indiana the academic rigor and accessible excellence for which Purdue is known. As the state’s only top 10 public university, most trusted university and most innovative university, Purdue is focused and committed to strengthening its presence in Indiana’s industrial and technological center. Purdue University in Indianapolis is creating an innovative, STEM-based collegiate experience by connecting future-ready Purdue students and faculty in Indianapolis to local businesses to accelerate Indiana’s STEM pipeline and tech ecosystem, fueling impact for our region and the world. Learn more at https://www.purdue.edu/indianapolis.