kahangirwem@gmail.com
Academic IDs
Micheal Kahangirwe
Ph.D. · Equation of State for Strongly Interacting Matter (QCD) · Critical Point Modeling · HPC & Scientific Computing
Micheal Kahangirwe is a theoretical physicist whose research probes the behavior of strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions through the lens of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). At the University of Houston’s Nuclear Theory Group, he develops and applies first‑principles and effective‑field‑theory methods to construct the nuclear‑matter equation of state (EoS), map its phase structure, and pinpoint the critical point relevant to heavy‑ion experiments and the early universe. His work combines analytical insight with high‑performance computation to model nuclear matter at temperatures and densities far beyond everyday experience, guiding experimental programs in their search for new phenomena. Beyond his research, Micheal is passionate about science education and community engagement. He volunteers as a tutor for local high‑school students—igniting curiosity in the next generation of scientists—and partners with outreach groups to tackle real‑world challenges. By bridging cutting‑edge physics with hands‑on mentorship, he strives to make a lasting, positive impact both inside and outside the laboratory.
Education
Ph.D. in Physics (Ph.D. + MSc)
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, University of Houston
August 2020 – Present
GPA: 3.862/4 (Magna Cum Laude)
Dissertation: “Nuclear Physics: QCD Equation of State at Finite Density with Critical Point”
Advisor: Prof. Claudia Ratti
M.Sc. in High Energy Physics
ICTP–EAIFR, University of Rwanda
August 2018 – July 2020
Final Grade: Distinction (4.76/5)
Thesis: “Exploration of Thermo-Field Theory”
Advisor: Prof. Joan Elias Miro
B.Sc. Physics & Mathematics
Makerere University (MAK), Uganda
August 2014 – May 2017
GPA: 4.50/5 (First Class)
Final Project: “Creating Waypoints and Way Routes”
Advisor: Prof. Florence M. D’ujanga
Research Publications
- Abuali, A., Jahan, J., Borsányi, S., Kahangirwe, M., Parotto, P., Pásztor, A., Ratti, C., Shah, H., & Trabulsi, S. A. (2025). 4D-TExS: A new 4D lattice-QCD equation of state with extended density coverage. Phys. Rev. D (Accepted).
- Pelicer, M., ... , Kahangirwe, M., Ratti, C., et al. (MUSES Collaboration) (2025). Building Neutron Stars with the MUSES Calculation Engine. Phys. Rev. D 111, 103037.
- Ratti, C., Abuali, A., Jahan, J., Kahangirwe, M., Shah, H., Trabulsi, S. A., Borsányi, S., Parotto, P., & Pásztor, A. (2024). 4D-TExS: A new 4D lattice-QCD equation of state with extended density coverage. (MG7 Proceedings, to appear).
- Jahan, J., Abuali, A., Borsányi, S., Kahangirwe, M., Parotto, P., Pásztor, A., Ratti, C., Shah, H., & Trabulsi, S. A. (2024). 4D-TExS: A new 4D lattice-QCD equation of state with extended density coverage. (SQM 2024 Proceedings, to appear).
- Kahangirwe, M., Gonzalez, I., Muñoz, J. A., Ratti, C., & Vovchenko, V. (2024). Convergence properties of T’-Expansion Scheme: Hadron Resonance Gas and Cluster Expansion Model. Phys. Rev. D 111. arXiv:2408.04588.
- Kahangirwe, M., Bass, S. A., Bratkovskaya, E., Jahan, J., Parotto, P., Price, D., Ratti, C., Soloveva, O., & Stephanov, M. (2024). Finite density QCD equation of state: critical point and lattice-based T’-expansion. Phys. Rev. D 109(9), 094046.
- Kumar, R., ... , Kahangirwe, M., Ratti, C., et al. (MUSES Collaboration) (2024). Theoretical and Experimental Constraints for the Equation of State of Dense and Hot Matter. Living Rev. Relativity 27, Article 3.
- Kahangirwe, M., Bass, S. A., Bratkovskaya, E., Jahan, J., Parotto, P., Price, D., Ratti, C., Soloveva, O., & Stephanov, M. (2023). Lattice-based equation of state with 3D Ising Critical point. EPJ Web Conf. 296, 14013.
Conferences & Talks
Lattice QCD-Based 3D-Ising Equation of State: Universal Behaviors Near the Critical Point
4D-TExS: A Novel 4D Lattice-based QCD EoS
Equation of State of Strong Interactions
3D-Ising Critical Point Mapped onto QCD EoS
Ising-TExS Module Update
Equation of State of Strong Interaction
Equation of State of Strong Interaction
Finite Density QCD EoS and T'-Expansion
QCD-based Equation of State at Finite Density with a Critical Point...
QCD-based Equation of State at Finite Density with a Critical Point...
QCD-based Equation of State at Finite Density...
QCD-based Equation of State at Finite Density...
Teaching
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Houston (Jan 2021 – Present)
Led lab sessions, graded assignments, tutored students, and provided research guidance.
Teaching Assistant
Makerere University (Aug 2017 – Aug 2018)
Instructed undergraduates, conducted office hours, and supported academic activities.
Physics & Mathematics Teacher
Kisubi School, Uganda (Feb 2018 – Aug 2018)
Designed and delivered lesson plans, supervised labs, and promoted critical thinking.
Projects & Code
Outreach & Community Engagement
Pint of Science
Contact
Science & Research Building, 3507 Cullen Blvd, Room 629‑A, Houston, TX 77204, USA
kahangirwem@gmail.com |
mkahangi@central.uh.edu