Faculty and Staff
Physics and Astronomy
- Phone: (507) 222-4383
- Fax: (507) 222-4384
Faculty
Cindy is an astrophysicist interested in the optical and radio properties of star formation and evolution in the disks and nuclei of spiral galaxies.
Nelson is an experimental physicist with current interests in quantum chaos, medical imaging, and gravitational radiation.
Melissa is an experimental condensed matter physicist whose interests lie in studying the electronic and magnetic properties of materials.
Dwight is an experimental physicist with an interest in condensed matter systems at very low temperatures. His research focuses on the properties of superfluid liquid helium and low-dimensional electron systems.
Liz is a biophysicist who uses techniques such as spectroscopy and computer modeling to explore how the physical structure and dynamics of RNA molecules leads to their biological functions.
Arjendu is a theorist studying chaos and quantum chaos, particularly issues in decoherence and entropy dynamics. He is deeply interested in the integration of research with education.
Chair of Physics and Astronomy
Joel is a radio astronomer who studies pulsars, gravity waves, and the interstellar medium at the Arecibo, Green Bank, and Very Large Array radio telescopes. He also has strong interests in science policy, and frequently teaches in the Environmental and Technology Studies Program.
John Weiss is a planetary scientist who studies orbital mechanics and photometry, particularly Saturn's rings, through a combination of numerical simulations of the dynamics, ray-tracing, and analysis of spacecraft data. He collaborates heavily with the Cassini Imaging Team and is occasionally convinced to apply his studies to Enceladus' strange plumes.
An experimental solid state physicist, Rich conducts research on electron field emission and the application of superconductivity to particle accelerators. He is also interested in the history and philosophy of science.
Staff
Tom has worked on the Hubble Space Telescope and writes for Circuit Cellar Magazine about cool sensors he develops for robots, spacecraft, and home automation. Tom is interested in integrating and broadening the sciences and science education.
Science Initiative Administrative Assistant