Orion Ciftja, Ph.D.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Dec. 16, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University’s Dr. Orion Ciftja has been elected Fellow of the American Physical Society, nominated by the Forum on Diversity and Inclusion.
Dr. Ciftja is a physics professor and interim associate dean of Research for Sciences and Mathematics in the Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences. The honor recognizes his advancement of “diversity and inclusion in physics through sustained support for underrepresented undergraduates and mentorship of colleagues in a challenging environment,” according to the society.
The American Physical Society’s (APS) Fellowship Program, established in 1921, recognizes members who have made exceptional contributions in physics research, important applications of physics, significant contributions to physics education, or leadership in or service to the society.
Dr. Ciftja shared his thoughts on this honor and the value of diversity in physics in a Q&A.
How did it feel to learn you had been named an APS Fellow?
When I learned I had been named a Fellow of the American Physical Society, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude. Being named an APS Fellow after a lifetime devoted to physics stands as one of the most meaningful honors of my career. It is deeply gratifying to know that my peers, whose work and judgment I have long respected, value the contributions I have made to the field.
This distinction is especially meaningful because being elected an APS Fellow is a nationally recognized honor that represents one of the highest levels of esteem in the physics community. This recognition brings a genuine sense of pride, not only in the achievements themselves but in the years of effort, curiosity, and persistence that led to them. It affirms that the work has mattered, that it has been seen, and that it has earned a place within the broader scientific community. I am grateful to be included among scientists who have shaped the direction of physics in the United States.
Can you share what this recognition means to you personally and professionally?
Being elected a Fellow of the society is both a deeply personal honor and a significant professional milestone for me. On a personal level, it is incredibly meaningful to know that my peers, scientists whose work I greatly admire, have recognized the contributions that I have made to our field. It reaffirms the passion and curiosity that first led me into physics and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of what we understand.
Professionally, this distinction carries tremendous significance. APS Fellowship is one of the highest honors in our discipline, and it reflects not only the research that I have conducted but also the collaborations, mentorship, and support that have shaped my career. It strengthens my commitment to advancing fundamental science, contributing to our academic community, and inspiring the next generation of physicists. I am grateful to the APS and to all colleagues and students who have been part of this journey.
Your citation highlights your work in advancing diversity and inclusion in physics. What inspired you to focus on this area?
My research in condensed matter physics is highly technical and did not set out with specific social and humanistic pursuits. However, I have always naturally found myself immersed in a local physics community where the pursuit of diverse ideas was a central value. Working in an environment that encouraged open exchange, welcomed different perspectives, and valued intellectual variety showed me how essential this diversity is for scientific progress.
Being part of the PVAMU community with a rich diversity of people, backgrounds, and life experiences has broadened my own perspective and reinforced how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels supported and empowered to contribute. The diversity of our students and colleagues adds vibrancy to our academic culture and strengthens the scientific conversations that take place here. Over time, I came to appreciate that fostering an inclusive atmosphere, one where every voice feels able to contribute, is not separate from advancing physics; it is a key ingredient in generating new insights and strengthening our field.
Are there particular mentorship experiences or success stories with students or colleagues that stand out to you?
Several mentorship experiences stand out to me as especially meaningful. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with many undergraduate students. Together, we have co-authored and published around twenty research papers in some of the best physics journals in the world. Guiding students through the full arc of research, from initial curiosity to published work, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Watching their confidence grow as they contribute to real scientific progress is both inspiring and a reminder of how essential mentorship is in strengthening our discipline.
Another experience that remains particularly significant to me is my recent collaboration with a senior colleague who had been away from active published research for a while. Through sustained engagement and joint effort over the past two to three years, we have published five papers together. Helping a respected colleague reconnect with research, rebuild momentum, and rejoin the scholarly conversation has been profoundly gratifying.
These experiences reinforce the importance of cultivating supportive academic relationships and demonstrate how mentorship, whether with students or colleagues, can revitalize careers and enrich the scientific community as a whole.
What advice would you give to students or early-career physicists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?
My advice to students and early-career physicists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, is to remain confident in the value of your perspective and your potential contributions. Physics thrives on curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to explore unfamiliar territory.
Seek out mentors who support your growth, ask questions without hesitation, and do not underestimate the importance of building a strong, collaborative network. Progress in science is rarely a solitary journey. Therefore, surround yourself with people who encourage you, challenge you, and believe in your abilities.
Most importantly, maintain your passion for discovery. The path may at times feel demanding, but dedication, resilience, and a genuine love for understanding the natural world will carry you forward. The involvement of everyone matters, and the field of physics is stronger because you are part of it.
Looking ahead, are there projects or initiatives you are excited to pursue that continue your work in physics and mentorship?
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue advancing both my research and mentorship efforts. I am currently engaged in several research projects that explore key questions in physics. For example, my current National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research on exotic liquid phases of electrons has led to the publication of more than 30 refereed papers.
At present, I am also supposed to work on locally funded PRISE and PIER research projects. These research projects continue to provide opportunities for myself, collaborators and students at all levels to participate and contribute.
Outside my own research, in my role as Interim Associate Dean of Research for the College of Arts and Sciences, I am committed to fostering academic excellence across all the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics) and beyond.
My goal is to inspire my colleagues by example, demonstrating through my own research, mentorship, and dedication what can be achieved, so that together we raise the standards of scholarship in our college. By encouraging this culture of academic excellence, I hope we can strengthen the current programs and facilitate their development into PhD programs. This would attract outstanding students and faculty, and enhance our capacity for high-impact, R1-level research. I believe that leading by example and challenging ourselves collectively is the most effective way to elevate our entire academic community.
Academic course instruction is not affected by the passage of SB 17. The law specifically states that its limitations may not be construed to apply scholarly research or a creative work by an institution of higher education’s students, faculty, or other research personnel or the dissemination of that research or work. This page reference is to the specific research interest of a professor, Dr. Orion Ciftja.
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-