Session Q5: Origins of Research and Teaching at Selected Physics Departments

250 Years of Physics at the College of William and Mary: 1760-2010

The recorded history of physics at William and Mary begins when Thomas Jefferson, the College's most distinguished alumnus, meets his mentor, Dr. William Small of Scotland, who opens his eyes to the wonders of natural philosophy. After the vicissitudes of the Revolution and the Civil War, physics enjoys a revival in the twentieth century, culminating in the creation of a Ph.D. program in the 1960s and the building of the William Small Physical Laboratory in Williamsburg. In the 1980s the modern era is launched by the establishment of the US Department of Energy's Jefferson Lab for nuclear physics in nearby Newport News. Today both Small Hall and Jefferson Lab are in the process of renovation. The legacies of Small and Jefferson for physics at William and Mary are secure!   

80 Years of Physics at Fisk University

Elmer S. Imes established the physics department at Fisk University in 1929. Imes' interest in infrared spectroscopy set the direction of the department's early research, which resulted in the beginning of the graduate program and the establishment of the Fisk Molecular Spectroscopy Research Laboratory in the late 1940's, and the founding of the Fisk Infrared Institute in 1953. This research also led to important connections with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and nearby Vanderbilt University. In the 1970's, the department's major research emphasis began to shift away from traditional molecular spectroscopy toward infrared and Raman spectroscopy of solid state materials. The establishment of a NASA funded University Research Center in 1992, with continued support from NSF and other agencies, has resulted in a significant expansion in research, training and outreach activities. We review the department's history of educating and training African American students or other underrepresented groups who go on and earn advanced degrees, from the beginning of the physics major to the recently established Masters-to-PhD Bridge program.   

Research and Education in Physics and Astronomy at Haverford College

This talk focuses on special features of research and education in physics and astronomy at Haverford. These include: (a) The involvement of students in research for many decades, both locally and at national facilities. At least 60 students have been co-authors of scientific papers in the last 30 years, of which many contain significant new science. (b) A noteworthy Astronomy program that has produced a surprising number of active astronomers, many of whom have been recognized by national awards. (c) A physics senior seminar that helps students to make the transition from an undergraduate education to the world of graduate education or work. (d) A network of interdisciplinary interactions and concentrations that enables the physics program to appeal to students with broad interests, e.g. in biology, computer science, education, or engineering. (e) A tradition of outreach courses to students not majoring in science. (f) Curricular coordination with neighboring Bryn Mawr College. (g) Notable laboratory courses that prepare students for research and independent learning.