Physical Sciences Division

The Physical Sciences Division has a rich history of defining and advancing new fields in the physical and mathematical sciences, and that tradition of innovation continues today.

The Trailblazers Society of Graduate Fellows

In recognition of the PSD’s groundbreaking scholars, we have launched the Trailblazers Society of Graduate Fellows. Gifts during Giving Day will endow a named fellowship in perpetuity, honoring the legacy of those who have enriched our UChicago community through their field of study or by fostering a spirit of collaboration and exploration in the Physical Sciences Division.

Each fellow will be named for a renowned member of the PSD community honored on the ​PSD Trailblazers Wall, including:

• Stuart Rice: Eighth dean of the PSD and innovative chemist who received the National Medal of Science and the Wolf Prize

• Angela Olinto: First woman department chair and dean in the PSD, leading astrophysicist celebrated for her work on the origins of the universe and its highest-energy particles

• Greg Hillhouse: Chemistry professor who made “Double Nickel” breakthrough and broke down barriers for LGBTQ+ scientists

Why support the PSD?

In addition to honoring our history makers, the Trailblazers Society of Graduate Fellows supports history in the making. Your investment provides competitive funding for graduate students, empowering the PSD to recruit and support future trailblazers. With your Giving Day gift, the Trailblazers Society will sustain and affirm our legacy of pioneering achievements.