Chien-Ping, or C.-P., Yuan, a Michigan State University professor, was named the first Wu-Ki Tung Professor in Particle Physics in the College of Natural Science’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
The chair was established by the Tung family to honor the memory of Wu-Ki Tung, a particle physicist who taught and conducted research at MSU from 1992 to 2007. Tung’s son, Lei, represented the Tung family at the investiture on Oct. 17.
“I have every confidence that C.-P. and the Wu-Ki Tung Professorship in Particle Physics will serve each other well, and that C.-P. will be the exemplar for all honorees to come,” Lei Tung said.
Yuan uses global analysis of experimental data to explore partons, or fundamental particles in protons and neutrons. His research has deepened the understanding of Quantum Chromodynamics theory, enabling more precise predictions of parton distributions at high-energy collider facilities throughout the world.
“It is a great honor to be selected as the first Wu-Ki Tung Endowed Professor in Particle Physics,” Yuan said. “In 2007, just before Wu-Ki retired from MSU, he asked me to carry on the legacy that he created here back in the 90s. I humbly accepted this challenge, knowing that it was not going to be an easy task. This generous gift from Tung family will undoubtedly enhance the research program on elementary particle physics at MSU. We will surely try our best to live up to Wu-Ki's high standards as we continue his legacy of excellence, scientific collaboration and collegiality.”