Virginia Union University's faculty are recognized as experts in their discipline, conducting cutting-edge research, generating innovative theory, and adopting inclusive teaching practices in the classroom. Today, we applaud VUU Assistant Professor of Physics, Dr. Narbe Kalantarians, and VUU alum, Sergio Escalante, who authored a paper published in January 2021 in the nuclear physics journal.
 
The collaborative effort between VUU and Jefferson Lab explored the EMC Effect, which is the persistently observed non-uniformity of the ratio of cross-sections of nuclei to the deuteron. It has been one of the major topics of interest in nuclear physics, and unexplained for nearly 40 years. The published paper details the novel approach of comparing nuclear cross-sections to those for the proton and for the first time the neutron with the use of world data. The result has prompted good interest within the nuclear physics community.  
 
Escalante (class of 2019), who earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, worked with Dr. Kalantarians to obtain and prepare the necessary data for this analysis. While a student, he presented his findings at the American Physical Society meeting in Denver, Colo. Sergio is now employed as a Software Developer at IBM. 
 
"When I first met Sergio, I could tell he was motivated. His work ethic and conscientiousness effectively reflect his character. I've enjoyed working with him. Grants, publications, and research are all great. But it's seeing students grow that is truly rewarding. And I expect to hear of more great things from him," said Dr. Kalantarians.
 
Escalante was also a member of the 2019 CIAA Championship Team.  He held a tournament scoring average of 76 during his collegiate golfing career and graduated with a 3.91 Career Grade Point Average. 
 
"Sergio exemplifies the type of talent athletically and scholastically that we recruit here at VUU athletics," said VUU Head Golf Coach E. Lee Coble.