Physics alumnus becomes lead author on collaborative, peer-reviewed paper on diffusion diodes
Centered around research he conducted as a student mentor during the summer of 2019, physics alumnus Chase Fuller ’19 became the lead author on […]
Overview
Why major in physics at a liberal arts college like The College of Wooster?
Using the language of mathematics, physicists try to understand the patterns and rhythms of nature, from atoms to galaxies. Majors can take their careers in a lot of directions after graduation. Majoring in physics at a liberal arts college like Wooster gives students the opportunity to learn in small classes and conduct original research under the guidance of faculty mentors. The multidisciplinary atmosphere at Wooster allows physics majors to double major or participate in a pre-professional program in preparation for graduate or professional schools. Many physicists work as engineers, and many engineers have physics degrees, but physics majors can be found in a number of fields. The problem-solving abilities and analytical skills provided by a physics education equip physics majors to work in schools and on college campuses, in corporate settings and government labs, in the astronaut corps, or even on Wall Street. Many graduates make their way to top-tier graduate or professional programs to build careers in research, law, and more. Wooster ranks sixth among U.S. institutions where women doctorate recipients in the physical sciences earn bachelor’s degrees according to a 2019 report published by the Council of Independent Colleges based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics and National Science Foundation.
Physics at The College of Wooster
With one-on-one guidance from a faculty mentor, each physics major has the opportunity to experience the excitement and rewards of a year-long research project, culminating in a senior independent study thesis. The labs and facilities at Wooster range from a state-of-the-art computer-based lab for introductory physics courses to a scanning probe microscope used in student and faculty research. In the past, three Wooster physics majors have been selected as finalists for the American Physical Society’s national LeRoy Apker Award for outstanding undergraduate research in physics, as a result of their senior independent study work. In addition, seven students won the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for college sophomore and juniors and five students won a Graduate Research Fellowship Program Award from the National Science Foundation, which provides three years of support for their graduate education.
Faculty & Staff
Craig First
Administrative Coordinator, Physics and Mathematical & Computational Sciences
Manon Grugel-Watson
Visiting Instructor and Laboratory Coordinator of Physics
Susan Lehman
Victor J. Andrew Professor and Department Chair of Physics; Pre-Engineering Advisor
Timothy Siegenthaler
Instrument and Lab Tech/Machinist - Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics
Latest Physics News
Research of interdisciplinary chemistry, physics, and computer science team produces publication in Frontiers of Physics
Interdisciplinary research by a team of five faculty members and two students from The College of Wooster recreated a gravitational astrophysical phenomenon in a […]
B-WISER summer camp offers girls opportunity to explore STEM fields
The B-WISER educational summer camp, a partnership between The College of Wooster and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, will take place June 10-15, 2024. […]
The College of Wooster hosts astronomer and artist Tyler Nordgren for lecture on eclipses Sept. 19
The College of Wooster will host scientist and artist Tyler Nordgren as he presents a lecture titled “See the Sun and Moon Align for […]
Major
Physics Major
A Physics major provides a rigorous grounding in the scientific process and a firm scientific understanding of the world. It fosters critical thinking and provides broad practical training in science and technology. It can lead to graduate study and basic research (in a variety of disciplines), to stimulating jobs in industry, or to challenging and rewarding careers in teaching. Our faculty is engaged in original research, and our students are drawn early into collaborative research projects with faculty.
Fifteen courses in math and physics are needed to complete the requirements for a physics major.
View CoursesChemical Physics Major
Chemical physics provides an interdisciplinary approach to the fields of chemistry and physics using mathematical techniques. The major allows students to explore the interface between chemistry and physics by studying structure, surfaces, bonding, atoms and molecules. By combining the methodologies and knowledge of physics and chemistry, many intriguing scientific questions can be addressed by a student with a strong predilection for mathematics and the physical sciences.
View CoursesMinor
Six courses in math and physics are needed to complete the requirements for a physics major.
View CoursesIndependent Study
The yearlong senior thesis project, or senior Independent Study (I.S.), allows you to experience the beauty and cohesiveness of physics by working on an extended project closely with a faculty advisor. There are few projects, even though narrow in scope, that do not require a breadth of understanding and a dependence on the lecture and laboratory material covered in the major courses. Thus, the senior thesis is an integral part of your education. It can provide a stimulating climax to your college career while, at the same time, it can be a defining introduction to your profession.
Search the I.S. Database
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Alumni
The multidisciplinary atmosphere at Wooster allows physics majors to double major or participate in a pre-professional program in preparation for graduate or professional schools. Many physicists work as engineers, and many engineers have physics degrees, but physics majors can be found in a number of fields. The problem-solving abilities and analytical skills provided by a physics education equip physics majors to work in schools and on college campuses, in corporate settings and government labs, in the astronaut corps, or even on Wall Street.
Related Articles
Physics alumna joins international team to launch Webb Telescope
Kirsten Larson ’08 knew that she wanted to study science and do research. When attending The College of Wooster, she chose to major in […]
Wooster graduates play significant role in Indy 500
Physics majors reflect on their time at the College and how their I.S. and liberal arts education prepared them for their motorsport careers.
It takes a lot of math (and physics) to win an IndyCar championship
Danielle Shepherd was just seven years old when she attended her first IndyCar race with her family.
Prizes & Scholarships
Departmental Awards
Ann C. Mowery Endowed Scholarship
The Ann C. Mowery Endowed Scholarship was established in 2018 with a gift from Ann C. Mowery, a chemical physics major and member of the Class of 1982. Ann established this endowment in honor of her parents. First preference is given to a senior physics major who has demonstrated the most improvement and growth in analytical studies over their final years at Wooster, as judged by the Physics Department faculty. Income from this endowment will be awarded to a senior student who has demonstrated a genuine love of doing physics, creative thinking in a research project, and who intends to pursue a career in science, engineering, medicine, entrepreneurship or education. The scholarship will be given at the annual recognition banquet.
2022-23: Olivia Green
Previous Recipients
Karl T. Compton Endowed Scholarship
The Karl T. Compton Endowed Scholarship is the gift of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. It is awarded each year to a member of the sophomore class who has demonstrated ability in mathematics and in physics, and who gives evidence of continuing interest in these subjects. The scholarship is awarded for both the first year and sophomore year.
2022-23: Karmellah Buttler, Tali Lansing, Madelyn Noll
Previous Recipients
Mahesh K. Garg Prize
The Mahesh K. Garg Prize in Physics is awarded annually to an upper-class physics major who has displayed interest in and potential for applying physics beyond the classroom and is judged to have the traits for using science to serve society.
2021-22: Raisa Raofa
Previous Recipients
Joseph A. Culler Prize
The Joseph A. Culler Prize in Physics, established in 1942, is awarded to the first- or second-year student who has attained the highest rank in general physics.
2021-22: Luke Wilson
Previous Recipients
Arthur H. Compton Prize
The Arthur H. Compton Prize in Physics is awarded to the senior physics major attaining the highest standing in that subject.
2021-22: Ben Stern
Previous Recipients
Koontz Endowed Fund
The Koontz Endowed Fund will provide financial support to Wooster students who are engaged in experimental physics research projects.
National Awards
LeRoy Apker Award
The LeRoy Apker Award recognizes outstanding achievements in physics by undergraduate students, and provides encouragement to students who have demonstrated great potential for future scientific accomplishment. About six finalists are chosen each year (and two awards are presented, one to a student from a Ph.D. granting institution, and one to a student from a non-Ph.D. granting institution).
Wooster Winners
2016: Maggie Lankford
2007: Stephen Poprocki
2003: Jeff Moffitt
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship provides a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who are US citizens or permanent residents and intend to pursue careers in these fields. Awarded annually to about 300 college sophomores and juniors nationwide, colleges and universities are allowed to nominate only four of their undergraduate students per year.
Wooster Winners
2014: Joey Smith
2008: John Gamble
2007: Danny Shai
2006: Stephen Poprocki
2005 Ryan Hartschuh
2003: Jeff Moffitt
2003: Amy Lytle
NSF - GRFP Award
The purpose of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.
Wooster Winners
2008: John Gamble
2007: Danny Shai
2005: Ryan Hartschuh
2003: Jeff Moffitt & Amy Lytle
Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
Wooster Winner
2022: Dylan Hamilton ’17, Spain
- In 2003, 2007 & 2009, the Wooster Physics Club’s Outreach Program won the Marsh White Award from the Society of Physics Students of the American Institute of Physics. Also in 2007, our Outreach Program won a national Blake Lilly Prize and was awarded this prize again in 2009 and 2013, and yet again in 2014. In both 2008, 2009 and 2019, we were named an Outstanding SPS Chapter.
- In 2001, 2003, 2004, & 2008 (four of eight consecutive years), a physics major was awarded Wooster’s Notestein Prize for highest scholarship and was selected as commencement speaker for the graduating class.
- In 2000, one of our faculty was the recipient of the American Physical Society’s prize for Research in an Undergraduate Institution.
Faculty Emeriti
