Physics

Physics is the study of the fundamental ways that Nature behaves. Physical laws provide the basis for understanding processes in all the natural sciences, including chemistry, geology, astronomy, and biology. Physics students at CWU pursue the intellectual excitement of investigating natural phenomena, including light, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of matter. In the process, students acquire valuable experience in problem solving, quantitative reasoning, and experimental design, and develop habits of independent study and self improvement essential to success after graduation.

Student Scholarship Opportunities

• Two departmental scholarships are available for incoming freshmen and transfer students arriving in Fall, 2009, who plan to major in physics. Details can be found at the CWU Scholarship Office web site.
• A new opportunity for Fall 2008 is the NASA/Washington Space Grant Consortium Scholarship. Click here to download an application form.

Two physics students admitted to CWU Science Honors Program for 2008-2009.

• Travis Petersen (pictured above left) is working with Dr. Michael Jackson on the "Discovery and frequency measurement of far-infrared laser emissions from optically pumped ¹³CHD₂OH". Visit the physics student research news page for recent results from Travis' project.
• Kevin Ewell (below left) is working with Dr. Andy Piacsek on "A numerical study of the effect of near shore bathymetry and coastal topograpy on tsunami wave height and inundation"

All Science Honors students receive funding during the summer to conduct their research, which they write up as an honors thesis during their senior year. Visit the CWU Science Honors Program home page for more information about this great opportunity for talented science students.

CWU will host the Fall, 2009, meeting of the Washington section of the American Association of Physics Teachers.

CWU physics students receive 2007-2008 national SPS research award.

The CWU chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) received a research award from the Sigma Pi Sigma national physics honors society. The project, "Electronic Realization of Chaotic Systems", was one of only five proposals funded nationwide by this program. Student David Cross and faculty project advisor Dr. Michael Braunstein were the lead authors of the proposal. The research will be conducted by several members of the SPS chapter at CWU (the "physics club"). Professor Sharon Rosell is the faculty advisor for CWU SPS chapter. Photos of students at work on the project are featured on the national SPS web page.