Ketterle, a physics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, shared the honor with two colleagues and will address his work in a talk titled, "Superfluid gases near absolute zero temperature."

His groundbreaking research is in atomic physics and laser spectroscopy, particularly in the area of laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms with the goal of exploring new aspects of ultracold atomic matter, according to MIT.

"With someone of his stature and who is still extremely active in the field, it's great that he's taking time out of his busy schedule to come," said Sergio Ulloa, a physics professor at Ohio University who organized the lecture.

"Ketterle is an excellent speaker. He's someone who's very successful and still practicing,'' Ulloa said. "His enthusiasm is contagious, and I think he does it just because he wants to share that."

The series of colloquia is open to anyone who would like to attend, but many times the subjects are directly geared toward science and engineering. Each Friday through May there is a different speaker.

On May 15, Charles M. Falco, a professor of Optical Sciences and Chair of Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Arizona, will speak on the use of optical aids in creating art. His work has helped propose a theory that famous painters use optical instruments in their work.

-- Jaclyn Lipp