Supporting Physics and Astronomy
PHYSICS- THE NEED FOR SUPPORT new research facility on the downtown campus. The projected move-in date is the summer of 2010 and the new facility will house our world-class research programs in astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and plasma physics. Teaching and research excellence continue to be the standard in the Department of Physics and our faculty continue be recognized for their contributions to both missions of the university by being named to endowed and named professorships, by winning outstanding researcher and outstanding teacher awards, and by being named as Fellows of the American Physical Society. Our service activities continue as well, with the Tomchin Planetarium and Observatory serving over 3,000 people each year. Physics as well as a number of undergraduate and graduate fellowships. As we look to the future, our highest priority is the move to the new facility. To accomplish this move and maintain the quality of our programs, we need additional funds to:
Support from alumni and retired colleagues has resulted in the new Carroll Chair in
Funds to purchase a full-sky digital projector for a new 60 seat planetarium. Estimated cost for the new projection equipment is $300,000. The new planetarium has not yet been named.
Funds to purchase modern apparatus for the upper division undergraduate physics laboratory course. “Advanced Lab” is a cornerstone course for our undergraduates and the new Advanced Laboratory facility could be named for a donor after consultation with the Dean of the College. Estimated costs are $100,000.
Unrestricted funds to cover the costs of dismantling, moving, and installing all the existing research equipment in the new facility; for furnishing a new undergraduate study lounge; and to furnish a new department conference room.