News and Events

National Science Foundation Grant Will Allow OWU Students to Participate in Cutting-Edge Nuclear Physics Research

As a participant in the MoNA (Modular Neutron Array) Collaboration, Ohio Wesleyan has received a grant of over $145,000 from the National Science Foundation's Major Research Instrumentation program. "The funding will allow OWU physics students to participate in the construction, assembly, testing and commissioning of an array of neutron detectors which will form part of a larger array at Michigan State University used for studying exotic, neutron-rich nuclei," said Dr. Bob Kaye, principle investigator for the OWU grant. The MoNA Collaboration, led by Dr. Paul DeYoung of Hope College, received approximately $1.2 million combined for the project. More information about the grant can be found in this Connect2 OWU story.

OWU SPS Chapter Receives 2009 Blake Lily Prize from the National Organization

The OWU Chapter of the Society of Physics Students has been named a recipient of a Blake Lilly Prize for 2009, one of five chapters across the nation to be so honored. The Blake Lily Prize recognizes chapters and individuals who positively influence the attitudes of school children and the general public about physics.

The Blake Lily Prize follows the Outstanding Chapter Award received by our chapter for 2008, and Marsh M. White Awards for Public Outreach received in 2007 and 2008. The Outstanding Chapter Award recognizes selected chapters for their work in such areas as physics research, public science outreach, physics tutoring programs, hosting and representation at physics meetings and events, and providing social interaction for chapter members. Marsh M. White Awards are granted to SPS Chapters to enable them to perform public outreach to promote interest in physics amongst students and the general public. In 2008 and 2009, the money from the award allowed us to travel to Briggs High School in Columbus and present some of our favorite demonstrations for Mr. Darren Greschuk's physics class. Photos from the 2009 event are here. In 2007, we traveled to Tyler Run Elementary School in Powell, OH to do physics demonstrations.

In addition to the national recognition of our chapter by the Society of Physics Students national organization, in recent years two individual students in our department were each one of three students nationally to receive the SPS Outstanding Student Award for Undergraduate Research. Rachael Roettenbacher '08 received the award in 2008, and Yun-Kyoung "Claire" Ryu '07 was honored in 2007.

Class of 2009 Graduates

Congratulations to our graduates from the Class of 2009! From left are Nalin Vutisalchavakul, Natalie Cunningham, Nick Baker, William Kenny, Rachel Decker and Yaser Helal.