The Mission of the Physics Department of Villanova University

2. The Mission of the Physics Department of Villanova University Physics is an experimental science in which its practitioners investigate nature at the most fundamental level on scales ranging from subatomic distances to the size of the universe. It is a quest to understand the origin and behavior of all forces: forces that account for the observed stability and in some cases instability of the atomic nucleus; forces that account for the stability of the atom; forces that account for the stability of matter and the large scale structure of the universe.

3. The Mission of the Physics Department of Villanova University In this sense, it is the most fundamental of the physical sciences, and the successful physics student will be adept at solving problems using techniques that probe the fundamental building blocks of nature. Accordingly, a graduate from the Villanova University Physics Department will be able to solve problems involving the general motion of macroscopic and microscopic bodies; the interactions of charged particles with each other, with the fields that they create, and among those created fields; the behavior of particles at the smallest distances and energies; and the collective behavior of large numbers of small particles, as either a solid object or a gaseous system.

4. The Mission of the Physics Department of Villanova University Furthermore, as an experimental science, the Physics Graduate will be proficient in laboratory techniques; data analysis; and (specifically related to Physics graduates) cognizant of the subtle difficulties associated with the interactions among the observer, the measurement process, and the physical process being observed. Being trained to analyze phenomena at the most fundamental level makes the physics major versatile.

5. The Mission of the Physics Department of Villanova University Therefore the student who successfully completes the degree in physics will not only be well prepared for graduate studies in physics, but for employment in research oriented industries or study in professional fields.

6. Gabriela Gonzalez, Physics PhD Professor, Physics and Astronomy Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge, LA Why Physics? Growing up in Argentina, Gabriela first wanted to be a math teacher, like her mom. But after taking physics in high school, she was sold on physics for good: “I was amazed at how we could ‘explain’ the world with physics. When I found out that this applied to stars and the universe, I decided I couldn’t do anything else!” Today Gabriela works at LIGO, one of two gravitational wave detectors in the US. Aside from the obvious usefulness of her physics training in her job, Gabriela also says, “The best lesson from those classes was to always ask ‘Why?’ I think these skills are useful for any career: academia, industry, or even life.”

7. Physicist Profile Maura Kirk ‘09, Physics BS Villanova University Alumna Currently a Grad Student at UPENN Researching Monte Carlo simulations in proton radiotherapy at the Robertson Proton Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “If I had one piece of advice for current physics undergrads, it would be to take as many computer science classes as they can fit into their schedule. Being a physicist who knows how to program got me a research fellowship to Penn and has really helped me out in this field!” “I had a summer fellowship with the American Association of Physicists in Medicine for which I worked with medical physicists in Kansas City, Mo and learned about the field that I now plan to make my career.”

8. Gravitational Waves What are they? When massive objects move in space (such as two stars orbiting closely), they generate ripples in space and time, called gravitational waves. As the waves move, space itself is distorted by extremely small amounts—so the resulting change in the size of objects is very hard to detect! So how can we see them? H.-P. Bischof/Rochester Inst. of Tech. Ground based interferometers, such as LIGO, could detect gravitational waves, using a pair of interfering lasers to sense the small changes in length caused by an incoming wave. “These detectors open a new window to the Universe”, says Gabriela, “and provide insight into the life and death of stars”. Image courtesy of Caltech/LIGO

9. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "Physics is great preparation for many different careers. Villanova's physics program is very solid - you will be as well-prepared as any graduate from any other school. Set a goal; work hard; have fun; be successful and happy."

10. Want to get started on your Physics Career? Visit the APS Online Job Center! Positions for Physics graduates are available on our website right now! Job Seekers can: • Search for jobs on the Job Center (totally free)! • Search for positions by location, physics field, job sector, and more! • Store your resume, cover letters, and other materials in your profile on the site. • Apply for positions directly through the Job Center. Don’t wait for all the great opportunities to find you. Take the initiative and start your physics job search today! Visit: careers.aps.org

11. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "My undergraduate Physics degree provides a concrete foundation which I rely heavily upon in my current position...I am glad I pursued a B.S. in physics at Villanova."

12. NASA—Fueling Our Curiosity After traveling 8 months and 350 million miles, NASA’s latest Mars rover, Curiosity, successfully landed on the Red Planet August 6th, 2012. How will Curiosity stay powered during its two year mission? Unlike previous solar-powered rovers, Curiosity’s systems rely on a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). NASA RTGs convert heat from the decay of radioactive plutonium into electricity through thermocoupling. The result is a system that produces nearly 5 times more power daily than solar panel systems! Wikimedia Commons An example of a basic thermocouple Learn more at: http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/mission/overview/

13. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates “Although I did not pursue physics as a career, I consider the education in it invaluable. The self assurance that if you can handle physics, you can handle anything has been a major asset in my career."

14. 2012 SPS Intern, Matthew Goszewski Physics SeniorGrove City College– Grove City, PA Matthew is a physics and secondary education major set on becoming a physics high school teacher after graduation: “I have always loved helping people learn about science.” Matthew spent his summer working on PhysicsQuest, an story-based activity kit for middle school science students. The kit’s theme was fluid dynamics. Matthew developed the kit's hands-on experiments, made from everyday materials so that teachers around the country can easily construct and reproduce them. Matthew’s demos were all a great success—he even got to present results at the Summer 2012 AAPT Meeting. “It was a great experience,” he says. Learn more: www.spsnational.org/programs/internships Matt’s coette cells, devicesthat demonstrate laminar flow

15. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "Villanova experience was a great preparation for graduate school and career."

16. APS Webinars! • Want help… • Choosing a graduate program? • Becoming a Physics teacher? • Acing the GRE? Sign up for APS Webinars today! Webinars are monthly online panels of physics & career experts, answering students’ questions on career-related topics. Online broadcasts are free and open to the public. Previous webinar guest experts & speakers Learn more: www.aps.org/careers/guidance/webinars

17. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "I was pleasantly surprised at the attention I received from potential advisors here at UCSB because of my physics background. Professors with a variety of research interests in Mechanical Engineering were looking to talk with me. I am very happy I chose physics as an undergraduate and I am very glad that I chose Villanova."

18. Ramón Barthelemy, Physics BS Physics and Science Education Grad StudentWestern Michigan University– Kalamazoo, MI Though he had always been interested in science, Ramón first knew that physics was for him in his high school physics class. “My teacher was incredibly charismatic, filling the class with crazy experiments and demonstrations.” As an undergrad, Ramón delved into the mysteries of the universe, studying bright cluster galaxies and graduating with a degree in Astrophysics. But his experiences as a physics student also sparked a new passion: helping to understand and advocate for underrepresented groups in the sciences. “The sciences…have never really taken the time to evaluate issues of gender, race, and sexuality. They’re assumed to be irrelevant [in these fields], and scientists often assume themselves to be devoid of such prejudices.”

19. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "I went to Villanova on a NROTC scholarship, and then to medical school after the Navy. Science and Philosophy are a good background for anything."

20. Image courtesy of NASA/STScl Ramón’s Work As an undergrad, Ramón studied brightest cluster galaxies—the most massive galaxies in the universe. Today, as a science education graduate student, Ramón studies the low representation of women in STEM fields. He also developed and taught a course at Western Michigan on race and gender prejudice in science. “Now more than ever we need individuals of all backgrounds to enter STEM-related fields, and we don’t want to drive them away with hostility or discomfort,” he says. Ramón is also actively involved with oSTEM, a group that supports LGBTQA STEM students. “At the end of the day,” he says, “my goal is to fight for equal treatment of others…through my advocacy and research.” Image courtesy of WMU Learn more at: www.aps.org Keyword: Barthelemy

21. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "While I am not employed in a 'physics' profession, my undergraduate studies prepared me to be an effective 'problem solver'"

22. A Physics BS Really Pays! In 2009 and 2010, over half of physics bachelors found initial employment in private sector jobs. The majority of these were in STEM areas—making between $40 - $60K! These bachelors were also working primarily in engineering and computer science jobs. So, a physics BS gives you access to high-paying technology jobs!

23. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "My broad education in physics gave me background for electrical, mechanical, and chemical problems encountered in operating generating stations."

24. The Physics of Yoga Many people associate physics with complex technologies and far-out discoveries—but did you know physics is also an essential principle in yoga? For every object, there is a point in space where you can imagine all of its mass is concentrated. This point is called its “center of mass” of the object. Yogi’s Center of Mass In order for a yoga pose to be stable, the yogi’s center of mass must sit directly above the yogi’s point of contact with the ground—as though it were a heavy ball sitting on a support. Image courtesy of Witold Fitz-Simon As a person moves, their center of mass shifts around in space. So, mastering a pose involves carefully shifting one’s position so that their center of mass is balanced over their point of support—and that takes physics!

25. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "Relatively small classes at Villanova allowed teacher-student interaction"

26. Yung Tae Kim (“Dr. Tae”) , Physics PhD Skateboarding Physicist and EducatorPuget Sound Community School– Seattle, WA Growing up in Atlanta, Dr. Tae always had an interest in Math—but after taking a special honors physics class in college, he was sold for good. Then, after earning his PhD, Dr. Tae spent several years as a visiting professor around Chicago—where he developed a solid distaste for the lecture hall. “The professor at the podium makes no attempt to engage the students,” he says. Image courtesy of Clayton Hauck So, after developing his own collaborative physics course, he left academia to become a consultant for two games in the Tony Hawk series. He also developed his own web series called “The Physics of Skateboarding with Dr. Tae”. And although his physics training didn’t result in a “traditional” career, he has no regrets: “I work on things that I find interesting, and my training in science has given me that adaptability.”

27. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "Quantitative preparation is a big plus, and combination of science with (current) health care business is very helpful."

28. Planning a Law Career? Be a Physics Major! Physics majors outperformed many other majors (including Pre Law, Political Science, and Criminal Justice majors) on the 2009 LSAT exam. Furthermore, many law careers—such as those in Patent Law—require an advanced degree in sciences such as physics. So, a physics degree is a great way to prepare for careers in law!

29. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "I was pleasantly surprised at the attention I received from potential advisors here at UCSB because of my physics background. Professors with a variety of research interests in Mechanical Engineering were looking to talk with me. I am very happy I chose physics as an undergraduate and I am very glad that I chose Villanova."

30. APS Scholarship for Minority Undergraduate Physics Majors Who’s Eligible: • High School Seniors • College Freshmen • College Sophomores Who Are: • African American • Hispanic • Native American New applications are online in November! Deadline: February 2013 Get More Information at: MinoritiesInPhysics.org Photos: Some Past (2010-2011) Recipients, Starting from top left – Richard Calhoun, Margo Batie, Alan Wagner, Guy Geyer, Olivia Smarr, Ben Williams, Sarah Leu

31. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "Good undergraduate basics prepared me well for Ph.D. work."

32. Quotes from Villanova Physics Graduates "The program at the Villanova Physics Department is very good. Advanced degrees, particularly M.S. are desirable, at least for industry related jobs."