"The career of a young theoretical physicist consists of treating the harmonic oscillator in ever-increasing levels of abstraction"

— Sidney Coleman

Research Projects

I study how locality, emergence, and continuity arise from finite algebraic descriptions of nonlinear systems, treating mathematical structure as a physical hypothesis rather than a neutral language.

2+
Active Projects
3
Research Areas
Dec. 2025
Latest Work
All Quantum Theory General Relativity Computational Theoretical
Quantum systems visualization

Continuum Limits of Discrete Quantum Systems

completed
UMass Dartmouth 2024–2025
Explores how the algebra of observables evolves when taking the continuum limit of discrete spin chains, with focus on the Heisenberg XXX model and emergence of von Neumann factors.
Bethe Ansatz Operator Algebra von Neumann Factors Quantum Integrability
Quantum optics setup

Single-Photon Blockade with Weak Nonlinearities

completed
University of Washington Summer 2024
Simulated single-photon blockade using weak Kerr-type nonlinearity in theoretical quantum optics setup, deepening understanding of open quantum systems and photon statistics.
Low‑energy theory Green’s functions Numerical tight‑binding

Quantum Information Measures via Conditional Probabilities

completed
UMass Dartmouth 2023
Investigated alternative ways to define quantum information measures using conditional probabilities to create more intuitive tools for characterizing quantum entanglement and non-classical behavior.
Quantum Information Conditional Probabilities Entanglement Quantum Foundations
Black hole merger visualization

Updating BBHexplorer

ongoing
UMass Dartmouth 2025 - present
Modernizing and extending the BBHexplorer codebase for analyzing binary black hole mergers, enhancing computational efficiency and adding new visualization tools for gravitational wave data analysis.
General Relativity Gravitational Waves Numerical Relativity Data Visualization

About Me

A passionate physicist dedicated to understanding the fundamental nature of matter and energy through theoretical research and computational modeling.

4+
Years Research
6+
Projects
2026
MS Graduate

Matthew D. Stearns

Graduate Research Assistant @ UMass Dartmouth
LIGO U2GRC SXS
Black Hole

General Relativity

Computational relativity with focus on numerical relativity and surrogate modeling. Active member of major gravitational wave collaborations including LIGO and SXS. Research involves implementing and validating new gravitational-wave surrogate models within the open-source gwsurrogate framework. Adding numerical relativity waveforms to binaryBHexp by developing SXS-driven waveform generation functions for direct comparison with existing surrogates. Developing tools for rapid, interactive visualization of eccentric orbits. Contributing to model benchmarking, parameter estimation, and next-generation GW analysis pipelines.

Quantum Theory

Investigating continuum limits of discrete quantum systems, Bethe ansatz techniques, and von Neumann algebra structures in quantum foundations. Exploring mathematical frameworks that connect quantum information theory with statistical mechanics, focusing on integrable quantum systems and their limits.

Outside of Physics

I love being outdoors, mostly in forms of hiking and climbing. I also take coffee far too seriously...for better or worse.

Education

Academic journey and milestones

Master of Science in Physics

UMass Dartmouth
Research Focus: Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, Numerical Relativity
GPA: 4.0/4.0
Advisors: Scott Field, Vijay Varma
2025 – Expected May 2026

Bachelor of Science in Physics & Mathematics

UMass DartmouthCum Laude
Senior Thesis: Continuum Limits of Discrete Quantum Systems & their Algebras of Observables
Advisors: David Kagan (Physics), Dana Fine (Mathematics)
2021 – 2025

Research Interests

Areas of active investigation and future exploration
Continuum limits of discrete quantum systems
Numerical relativity & surrogate modeling
Von Neumann algebras & operator theory
Gravitational wave data analysis
Quantum information & foundations
Machine learning for general relativity

Get In Touch

I'm always interested in research collaborations, academic opportunities, and scientific inquiries. Feel free to reach out!

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Contact Information
Email: mstearns1@umassd.edu
Location: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, MA
Availability: By appointment - typically respond within 24-48 hours
Academic Profiles
Connect with me on academic and professional platforms:
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Academic Documents
Download my complete academic record including CV, research experience, and publications. Download CV
Research Collaboration
I'm open to collaborations in quantum information, condensed matter, and computational methods. Pitch me your idea!
For Students
I’m always happy to chat about coursework, getting into research, or navigating academia. If you’re a student interested in physics or maths, feel free to reach out! Email to set up a chat

Academic Resources

A comprehensive collection of course notes, research tools, computational resources, and study materials. All curated to support ones journey in physics and mathematics.

17+
Resources
10+
Course Notes
1,200+
Pages
Important Note
As of now, these materials are incomplete or undergoing revisions. Updates are expected through Summer 2026. If you want to be notified when new resources are added or existing ones are updated, please get in touch!

Browse Resources

All Resources Course Notes Quantum Physics General Relativity Computational Mathematics Tutorials Quick Reference

How to Use These Resources

These materials are designed to supplement your coursework. Start with prerequisites, work through examples, and don't hesitate to reach out with questions!

Important Disclaimer

These are study aids reflecting my understanding at the time of writing. Always verify with official sources and use alongside your textbooks.

Course Notes

Physics 531

Quantum Mechanics

In Progress

Comprehensive notes covering quantum states, measurements, and entanglement. Includes worked examples and problem sets.

Prerequisites: Classical Mechanics, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations
Quantum States Entanglement Bell Inequalities Quantum Channels
Physics 343

Mathematical Methods in Physics

In Progress

Self‑study notes on mathematical methods in physics including complex analysis, special functions, integral transforms, and Green’s functions.

Prerequisites: Calculus
Complex Analysis Special Functions Green’s Functions Fourier Analysis
Physics 612

Relativistic Electrodynamics

In Progress

Self‑study notes on relativistic electrodynamics including Maxwell's equations, Lorentz transformations, and electromagnetic waves.

Prerequisites: Special Relativity, Classical Electrodynamics, Tensor Calculus
Maxwell's Equations Lorentz Transformations Electromagnetic Waves
Physics 561

Quantum Field Theory Primer

In Progress

Self‑study notes on QFT fundamentals including second quantization, Feynman diagrams, and path integrals.

Prerequisites: Special Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, Electrodynamics
Second Quantization Path Integrals Feynman Diagrams
Physics 565

General Relativity & Cosmology

In Progress

Einstein's theory of general relativity, spacetime geometry, black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmological applications with detailed derivations.

Prerequisites: Special Relativity, Tensor Calculus, Differential Geometry
Spacetime Geometry Black Holes Gravitational Waves Cosmology
Physics 410

Quantum Computing & Algorithms

In Progress

Comprehensive coverage of quantum algorithms, quantum gates, error correction, and quantum complexity theory with practical implementations.

Prerequisites: Linear Algebra, Quantum Mechanics, Algorithms & Data Structures
Quantum Algorithms Quantum Gates Error Correction Quantum Complexity
Physics 652

Introduction to String Theory

In Progress

Fundamentals of string theory including bosonic strings, superstrings, compactification, and connections to quantum gravity and particle physics.

Prerequisites: Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, Advanced Mathematics
Bosonic Strings Superstrings Compactification Quantum Gravity
Mathematics 311

Real Analysis & Measure Theory

In Progress

Rigorous treatment of real analysis including limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, sequences, series, and introduction to measure theory.

Prerequisites: Multivariable Calculus, Proof Techniques, Set Theory
Limits & Continuity Integration Theory Measure Theory Topology
Mathematics 331

Probability Theory

In Progress

Study of probability spaces, random variables, expectation, distributions, limit theorems, and applications to statistics and stochastic processes.

Prerequisites: Linear Algebra, Set Theory
Probability Spaces Random Variables Expectation Distributions
Mathematics 421

Complex Analysis & Applications

In Progress

Complex functions, analytic functions, contour integration, residue theory, conformal mappings, and applications to physics and engineering.

Prerequisites: Real Analysis, Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra
Analytic Functions Contour Integration Residue Theory Conformal Mappings
Mathematics 441

Abstract Algebra & Group Theory

In Progress

Groups, rings, fields, homomorphisms, and their applications to physics including symmetry groups, Lie algebras, and representation theory.

Prerequisites: Linear Algebra, Proof Techniques, Set Theory
Group Theory Ring Theory Field Theory Lie Algebras

Computational Resources

GitHub

Quantum System Simulations

In Progress

Python implementations of quantum algorithms, Bethe ansatz solvers, and integrable system analysis tools.

Requirements: Python, NumPy, SciPy, QuTiP
Python Bethe Ansatz QuTiP Jupyter
Research

Numerical Relativity Tools

Active

Computational tools for black hole mergers, gravitational wave analysis, and BBHexplorer enhancements.

Requirements: Python, C++, LALSuite, NumRel
BBHexplorer gwsurrogate Gravitational Waves Python C++

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