Calculating the properties of crystals
For more than a decade, Warren Perger has collaborated with a team of researchers at MIT and Washington State University to understand how deformations in crystals ultimately lead to the initiation of a shock and, consequently, a detonation. Researchers at Washington State are performing IR, Raman, and optical absorption studies of energetic crystals; MIT is performing femto-second resolution experiments of the shock-to-detonation transition; and Perger is developing theoretical predictions for these phenomena. READ MORE
Michigan Tech has received authorization from the state to implement five new degree programs. Max Seel, provost and vice president for academic affairs, says the degrees will help the University achieve its strategic goal of becoming an institution of international stature—and to be attractive to students and faculty from around the world.
Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Bachelor of Arts in Physics with a concentration in secondary education: Seel says, “The motivation for offering a BA in physics is to provide students with a strong foundation in the field, but fewer course requirements. It’s basically what I think the American Physical Society said in its gender equity report—to create flexible tracks for physics majors. This BA, then, basically offers flexibility. It has nothing to do with less rigor, but to create more job opportunities.” Seel adds, “The secondary education track in the physics BA will directly address the need for more high school physics teachers. Recent studies have shown that more than half of high school teachers teaching physics do not have a degree or minor in physics or physics education.”
Zhaolin Lu
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York
Thursday, March 1, 2012
4:00 pm, Fisher 139
The Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development seeks input for its annual Distinguished Teaching Awards, which recognize outstanding contribution to the instructional mission of the University. Finalists in physics include Will Cantrell and John Jaszczak in the Associate Professor/Professor Category. Submit comments by March 30.
Tolga Yapici
Physics Department
Michigan Technological University
Thursday, February 23, 2012
4:00 pm, Fisher 139
Ashim Chakravarty
Physics Department
Michigan Technological University
Thursday, February 23, 2012
4:00 pm, Fisher 139
Xiaoliang Zhong
Physics Department
Michigan Technological University
Thursday, February 23, 2012
4:00 pm, Fisher 139
Each spring, GSG sponsors the Graduate Research Colloquium Poster & Presentation Competition. Poster Presentations in physics include (view the abstract list):
- “Thallium Doping of (PbSn).5Te.5 and Iodine Doping of PbTe to Create More Efficient Thermoelectric Materials” by MICHAEL ADLER (Physics Undergraduate Major)
- “Computational Prediction of the Behavior of MOF-74 Under Hydrated Conditions” by ANDREW J. KENNEDY & LOREDANA VALENZANO (Assistant Research Scientist)
Event Photos and Videos
Flickr Photos
Photos courtesy of the College of Engineering.
Kelken Chang
Physics Dept.
Michigan Tech University
Thursday, February 16, 2012
4:00 pm, Fisher 139
Physics graduate student Saikat Mukhopadhyay is a recipient of a Finishing Fellowship from the Michigan Tech Graduate School. The fellowships provide support to PhD candidates who are close to completing their degrees; they are available through the generosity of alumni and friends of the University.