Gustavus Adolphus College

Ph.D. and M.S., Ohio University-Athens (1985); and B.S., Gannon College (1978).

My undergraduate work was at Gannon, which is similar to Gustavus, but with an engineering program. I was one of two physics majors to graduate in 1978. I attended Iowa State University for graduate work in physics for one quarter before moving to Ohio University in January of 1979 to finish. My master's work was in surface physics and my Ph.D. in condensed matter physics (both experimental).

I still do research in surface and condensed matter physics. I now also work in astrophysics, acoustics, and renewable energy. I have done a lot of work in astronomy and physics education. With a colleague, Steve Mellema, I wrote java applets for three texts in astronomy and physics. My students and I have presented many papers on our research at regional and national physics meetings, in the areas of the electrical properties of chalcogenide glasses, corrosion resistant thin films, acoustical interferometry, and wind energy.

Humility. They're all so much smarter that I am. They get me thinking about physics and life in ways that I would not have on my own.

The students. They're the best. My colleagues come in a close second, though.

I enjoy talking about physics (of course), but also religion, philosophy, and many other topics with students.

I enjoy sailing, fishing, water skiing, camping, cross country skiing, volleyball and wallyball, and any sport my kids are involved in.

I've enjoyed working with the physics club on GIVE day (Gusties in Volunteer Endeavors), painting, raking, etc. We do a number of physics outreach projects, like demonstrations at the local schools and Science on Saturdays. I've also worked with both the Newman Center and Physics Club building Habitat for Humanity houses.

It's not a Gustavus tradition, but a Gustavus physics tradition of Friday evening sports. The physics club almost always has some activity planned for early Friday evenings.