He will speak on current topics in nuclear physics – the structure and interactions of exotic nuclei, specifically so-called “halo-nuclei” and nuclei at the very limits of stability. He will also address nuclear reactions that trigger the production of heavier elements in explosive stellar environments such as supernovae and X-ray and gamma-ray bursts.

Hinnefeld is chair of the department of physics and astronomy at IU South Bend. He came to the campus in 1991. He receives his doctorate in physics from the University of Notre Dame.

He had a post-doctoral position in the Netherlands and a visiting professorship in Belgium.

For his research, he has received a number of National Science Foundation grants since 1993.