Hill Succeeds Ellis as Theory Head
Today, after more than a decade as head of Fermilab's Theoretical Physics Department, Keith Ellis will step down. Chris Hill, a theoretical physicist and 25-year Fermilab employee, will take over leadership of the department.
"Filling Keith Ellis' shoes will be a challenge," said Hill. "He has done a superb job of managing the Theory Group over the past 11 years." While head of the department, Ellis animated the Run II Physics Workshops and led the creation of the prestigious Frontier Fellows program that brings senior theorists to Fermilab for extended visits.
"I'm proud of our lively program for visiting theorists and the enormous success we've had with our postdocs, who have gone on to good positions in the field," said Ellis. "I now look forward to dedicating myself full time to my own research."
Hill brings a wide range of theoretical interests and a strong background in outreach and education to the leadership of the department. "It's wonderful to get someone like Chris, who has such enthusiasm," said Ellis.
"I am very optimistic about the future of elementary particle physics and Fermilab's role as its leader," said Hill. "The Theoretical Physics Group at Fermilab is a recognized leader in sub-Planck scale physics in the U.S. We compete with key institutions in the field for the best postdocs and associate scientists. My job will be to maintain an environment for such excellence to flourish."