Northeastern University scientists and international collaborators have successfully created laboratory conditions that allowed them to observe axion quasiparticles for the first time, bringing researchers closer to understanding dark matter.

The research published this week in Nature represents a significant step in bridging the gap between theoretical physics and experimental proof, which can lead to both a better understanding of the universe and applications in future technology of magnetic memory.

The research — an effort that included more than a dozen organizations across five countries — included three Northeastern physicists: Arun Bansil, a university distinguished professor and director of the Quantum Materials and Sensing Institute; Kin Chung Fong, an associate professor of physics and electrical and computer engineering; and Barun Ghosh, a postdoctoral student.

“This study provides another exciting example of the very rich tapestry of quasiparticles that are harbored by quantum matter,” Bansil says. “It is clear that quantum materials will continue to offer us surprises long into the future to open new pathways for addressing pressing fundamental science questions as well as materials platforms for developing transformational new technologies.”

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Photo by Matt Modoono/Northeastern University

Northeastern University’s highest student and faculty achievers across its 13 global campuses were celebrated Wednesday at the 15th annual Academic Honors Convocation.

Excellence in scholarship, research, teaching and advancing the university’s mission earned members of the Northeastern community their place on the stage at Blackman Auditorium in Ell Hall on the Boston campus.

“When we look at all your achievements and all that you have done, we are extremely excited about the future of this university, the future of this nation and indeed the future of this world,” Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern, told the audience. “We cannot afford to be pessimistic when we see the enormous talent in this community. Our future is in your hands, and I want to thank you.”

Joining the honored undergraduate students, graduate students and professors in the lively hall were family, colleagues and friends. Music was provided from the stage by the Northeastern Wind Ensemble.

“Over the past year, you — our honorees — have achieved new heights in scholarship, research, teaching and innovation to embody Northeastern’s core values of interdisciplinary collaboration, infusing experience and entrepreneurial thinking into everything you do and developing solutions with global impact,” said David Madigan, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “From research laboratories to art studios, from classrooms to field work across our global network and around the world, you have pushed the limits of what is possible, challenging yourselves, inspiring your peers and truly elevating our university community.”

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Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Northeastern University student Liza Sheehy recently accompanied a professor to a conference in Paris to present the Jewish Migration Project, a crowd-sourced public digital archive cataloging and mapping objects related to Jewish migration.

Sheehy, a fourth-year student who is co-leading research and design for the grant-funded project, described it as the quintessential Northeastern experience.

“It really speaks to the value of the university and its commitment to student excellence and professors’ support for students that they trust us to represent Northeastern in such a professional environment,” Sheehy said. “It shows that the university supports student research and wants them to excel, and that professors support and encourage their students’ efforts.”

On Tuesday, Sheehy was one of a select group of undergraduates who enjoyed another notable Northeastern experience: induction into the Huntington 100, which honors students whose achievements exemplify the university’s mission.

“You have been chosen because of your enormous impact on the community at large — your fellow students, your faculty and staff who took care of you and nominated you — and also for what you have done outside of Northeastern in your co-ops, in your work with the communities,” President Joseph E. Aoun told inductees during a ceremony on the Boston campus. “You lifted up the whole student body.”

The Huntington 100 honors undergraduate students across the global network who will enter their final year of study in the fall semester. Huntington 100 and Laurel and Scroll 100, for graduate students, are collectively known as Northeastern University Societies of Distinction.

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Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

On Feb. 22, Naomi Rajput started her day by giving a TedX Talk in Northeastern University’s ISEC building. Rajput is fourth-year biological neuroscience major on a pre-med track; her 15-minute lecture, “The Growth Blueprint,” makes the case that facing challenges can make a person’s neural networks stronger, weaving together scientific studies and anecdotes from her own life.

“With effort, we can quite literally rewire our brains,” she argued in front of slides alternating brain scans and personal childhood photos. “The harder things you do, the stronger your mind becomes.”

Giving a Ted Talk would be a highlight of most undergraduate careers, but Rajput didn’t have much time to savor it. Later that day, she took part via Zoom in TigerLaunch — a national entrepreneurship competition for college students — pitching Eden, the AI health care startup she co-founded last year.

“We’re reimagining health care administration and bringing human connection back through AI,” says Rajput, recounting the company’s elevator pitch. The central idea is to leverage artificial intelligence to sort and complete mundane administrative tasks, like intake forms and call screening, so health care professionals have more face time with patients. It received an honorable mention at TigerLaunch.

And those two generally all-encompassing pursuits — a pre-med course load and research; building a startup — nevertheless represent a small part of Rajput’s interests and activities.

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Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University