The whole universe is the topic of study in physics. No facet is too small or too large to be considered. Physics is the assembly and application of the rational rules by which nature operates. Physics is the foundation for all other sciences. Physics pervades our lives, from the common experiences of powering our homes and driving to school to the most exotic merging black holes and creating new subatomic particles. Our modern technology is possible because of the systematic application of the laws of physics.
Humanity has always struggled to improve its understanding of the environment and to cope with environmental changes and problems. Physics has always been at the forefront of finding solutions to these concerns. The more technical our world becomes, the more critical our concerns with our environment become. When the environmental and engineering problems of today are solved, and when improvements to the technology of our day are made, it will be the physicists who will have found many, if not most, of those solutions.
In our department, you will embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, unraveling the fundamental principles that govern the universe. Whether you are fascinated by the mysteries of quantum mechanics, the laws of motion, or the wonders of astrophysics, our dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities are here to support your academic growth. The Physics Department is not only a dynamic space where theoretical concepts meet hands-on experimentation, but it is also designed to ensure that you are well-prepared for your career goals and academic pursuits.
Bonnie Andersen
Professor
Message Bonnie AndersenSpecialties:
Acoustics
Thermoacoustics
Christian Draper
Assistant Professor
Message Christian DraperSpecialties:
Dwarf Galaxies
Cosmic Voids
Dark Matter
Dallin Durfee
Professor
Message Dallin DurfeeSpecialties:
Optics
Atomic Physics
Lensless Imaging
Vern Hart
Associate Professor
Message Vern HartSpecialties:
Sparse Tomography
Medical Imaging
Cellular Scattering
Machine Learning
Joe Jensen
Professor
Message Joe JensenSpecialties:
Extragalactic Distance Scale
Stellar Populations
Cosmology
Phil Matheson
Professor
Message Phil MathesonSpecialties:
Plasma Physics
Perturbed Angular Correlation
to Characterize Defects in
Solid Materials
Kim Nielsen
Associate Professor
Message Kim NielsenSpecialties:
Atmospheric Physics
Gravity Waves
Alexander Panin
Teaching Lab Manager
Message Alexander PaninSpecialties:
Laser Physics
Plasma Physics
General Relativity
John Powell
Assistant Professor
Message John PowellSpecialties:
Stellar Evolutions
Stellar Populations
Yellow Giant Stars
Dustin Shipp
Associate Professor
Message Dustin ShippSpecialties:
Biomedical Optics
Raman Spectroscopy
Physics Education
Cyril Slezak
Professor
Message Cyril SlezakSpecialties:
Computational Physics
Biophysics
Physics Education
Paul Weber
Professor
Message Paul WeberSpecialties:
Particle Physics
Sollid State Physics
Device Fabrication
Nanotechnology
York Young
Assistant Professor
Message York YoungSpecialties:
Optics
Photonics
Laser Physics