Mariangela Lisanti

Bio/Description

Mariangela Lisanti, a Princeton faculty member since 2013, is a theoretical particle physicist who is primarily interested in models of dark matter and their experimental signatures. Dark matter comprises nearly 85% of the matter in the universe, yet its fundamental nature is unknown.

A colleague noted that Lisanti is a “spectacular teacher and mentor” as well as an innovative teacher. Last year, Lisanti developed a new seminar for first- and second-year undergraduates, “Introduction to Research in Physics.” 

Responses from students about the course include, “Every time I came out of this class, I’d feel super inspired by all the cool physics stuff Lisanti had introduced us to.” Stated others: “[She] inspires confidence and perseverance in all her students” and “by enriching the education of students on a daily basis, [she] represents the best of what Princeton has to offer.”

A colleague pointed to Lisanti’s active learning approach as a key factor in this success. “She begins class by explaining or reviewing the material, and then gives students a problem to solve, telling them they may solve it alone or in groups. … Professor Lisanti does not micromanage the process, but circulates and checks in with the groups. She will then post the solutions after the class.”

One colleague who served as departmental representative and interacted with many students, said: “It was heartwarming to see the transformation in the faces and the level of enthusiasm in the voices of the students when they started talking about what they learned and experienced in her classroom.” In taking a peek into Lisanti’s classroom, the faculty member saw whiteboards set up for students to exchange ideas. “The whiteboards were filled up and colorful and creative. I could see the students loved what they were doing.”

Further, Lisanti supports students beyond the classroom, such as helping female physics majors form the Undergraduate Women in Physics club, members of whom also have given presentations in area schools, inspiring others.