Principal Investigator
Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr. Brandon Manley
I am a postdoc in Prof. Bhattacharya’s group. I completed my Ph.D. at The Ohio State University in August 2026 under the guidance of Prof. Yuri Kovchegov. I also completed my B.Sc. in physics at Ohio State where I did research related to dark matter detection with the CMS experiment.
My expertise is in small x physics, with an emphasis on polarized small x physics and the proton spin puzzle. My Ph.D. research developed the small x treatment of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) contribution to the proton spin, including a novel theoretical framework as well as the first-ever feasibility study aimed at exploring how OAM can be extracted from data at the future Electron-Ion Collider. More broadly speaking, I am also interested in applying perturbative QCD to hadron structure and saturation-related phenomena.
Aside from physics, I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and hiking with my wife.
Graduate students
David DeAngelo
I am a Ph.D. student in theoretical nuclear physics at the University of Connecticut. I grew up in Levittown, Pennsylvania, and completed my B.Sc. in Physics at Gettysburg College in 2023, with minors in Mathematics and Judaic Studies.
My interest in physics began in high school and deepened through coursework and research experiences, including a particle physics project I undertook the summer before my senior year. These experiences inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. I joined the Bhattacharya group at UConn in 2025. My research focuses on Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), particularly on understanding the fundamental structure of hadrons.
Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, watching classic black-and-white films, playing chess, and spending time with my fellow physics graduate students.
Angelo Patrizi
I am a Ph.D. student in theoretical nuclear physics at the University of Connecticut. My research focuses on Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), particularly on understanding the fundamental structure of hadrons.
I grew up on Long Island, New York, about 30 minutes from New York City. I completed my undergraduate studies at Hofstra University, where I earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Physics and Mathematics, along with a minor in Astronomy. During my time at Hofstra, I was inducted into both the physics and mathematics honor societies in recognition of my academic performance. I was also honored with the James A. Moore Endowed Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in physics coursework, research, and service to the Physics and Astronomy community.
Beyond research, I am deeply passionate about teaching. My interest in education began at Hofstra, where I tutored students in physics and mathematics. At UConn, I continue to pursue both my research and teaching interests as part of my graduate studies.
Undergraduate students
Alexander Yi
I am an undergraduate student in Physics with a minor in Mathematics at the University of Connecticut. I was born on Long Island, NY and grew up in Hamden, CT.
In Spring 2026, I joined the Bhattacharya Group due to my interest in nuclear and particle physics research. This interest began in a high school overview of nuclear chemistry which I took in my junior year there. Then in college, being hooked by a mystifying explanation of the Higgs boson from my professor, I led a group presentation on the same particle as part of a modern physics course.
I have been awarded the highly competitive Mark Miller Summer Research Fellowship by the UConn Physics Department. This award provides a stipend for students to remain in Storrs over the summer and conduct full-time research under the supervision of a Physics faculty member. Through this fellowship, I am continuing my research in theoretical nuclear physics within the Bhattacharya Group and working toward my first research publication.
I was also selected to participate in the Conference Experience for Undergraduates (CEU) in Philadelphia, where I will present a poster on the research I conducted during the summer as part of the Bhattacharya Group. I also received a CEU Travel Award to support my participation in the meeting.
I am also a member of the STARs Initiative at UConn, which is a space to connect with other STEM (usually physics) majors and to prepare lessons for high schoolers in the Hartford region. Otherwise, I enjoy writing stories, going for long walks, and meeting new people.
This could be you!
Motivated undergraduate students with a solid foundation in quantum mechanics and mathematical methods, and a strong interest in theoretical physics, are welcome to explore research opportunities in our group.
Visitors
Dr. Chuan-Qi He
Visiting scholar from SCNU and UCLA 06/2025
Mr. Brandon Manley
Ph.D. student in theoretical physics at Ohio State University 09/2025