Physics

Student Research Programs

The physics department faculty is continuously developing projects and directing undergraduate students in research. Some of the outcomes are that students:

• Are exposed to “real” science, including the aura of actual experiments involving constant revision of procedure and rethinking of what’s going on, or including the rigor of detailed calculations

• Develop experience with techniques and procedures, including good record-keeping, data analysis, etc.

• Learn to work in a team and handle responsibilities that impact the work of others

• Develop student-faculty relationships on a different level, such as mentoring

• Build interest and motivation in areas that apply to future professional plans

• Become more disciplined, better technical communicators, and more scientifically oriented

Existing projects include:

Indexing X-Ray Data

Ground-state Atomic Ionization Energies for Z = 1 – 3

Generalized Ellipse

Maximum Range of a Projectile

Ion Beam Interactions with Surfaces

Splashing of Liquid Drops

Study of Vibrations using Laser Interferometry

Laser Welding of Bovine Meniscal Cartilage

Liquid Crystals Optical Modulators

The Development of a Newtonian "Sense of Mechanism" in Middle School Students

Spectroscopic Study of Materials