Department of Physics

West Chester University

Chair: Anthony J. Nicastro
127 Merion Hall
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610.436.2497
Fax: 610.436.3013
ANicastro@wcupa.edu


Research

research

At the Physics Department at West Chester University, we are always looking for talented and motivated students to take part in research projects. Students are able to contribute to original research under the mentorship of a faculty member, learning lessons that extend beyond the classroom. Discussed below are fields of research that are being investigated.

Dolpin Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics
Dr. Anthony J. Nicastro
There are on-going studies of the mechanics of animal life, including the aerial maneuvers of spinner dolphins [Image credit: Bob Pitman] and death rolls in alligators. Also, investigating the long-term survival of bacteria trapped in geological formations whose genetic material is subject to damage from ambient ionizing radiation. This work is being done as part of the Ancient Biomaterials Institute at West Chester Univeristy.
Physics of Liquid Crystals
Dr. Anthony J. Nicastro
Exploring the physics of liquid crystals, especially in regards to optical, thermal, and high-field phenomena at phase transitions. [Image credit: Michael W. Davidson and Florida State University]
Orbital Stability in Planetary Systems
Dr. Jeffrey J. Sudol
In collaboration with Dr. Nader Haghighipour (University of Hawaii at Monoa), Dr. Sudol uses a network of computers to run N-body integrations of the evolution of planetary systems. Dr. Sudol also studies the relationship between prior preparation in mathematics and conceptual gain in introductory physics courses. [Artwork by Shermyl Hayes]
Dolpin Astronomical Instrumentation
Dr. Robert J. Thornton
The Atacama Cosmology Telescope, stationed at an altitude of 17,000 ft.in Cerro Toco, Chile, is mapping the cosmic microwave background in an attempt to constrain fundamental cosmological parameters of the Universe, and looking to identify galaxy clusters through the SZ effect (see Dr. Sealfon's webpage for details). Dr. Thornton works on the optical, mechanical, and cryogenic design of the telescope and its instruments.
Dolpin Variable Stars
Dr. Robert J. Thornton
Stars can exhibit changes in their brightness for several reasons, including inherent pulsations, mass exchange with another star, and recurring eclipses between two orbiting stars. Dr. Thornton and students are working with the West Chester University observatory to study the variability of a select sample of stars with variability timescales that range from hours to years. (image credit: NASA).
Dolpin Thin Films Growth and Characterization
Dr. Matthew M. Waite
We are investigating the growth and magnetization of silicon-manganese thin films for use in spintronics applications. In addition, we are using DC and RF magnetron sputtering in order to investigate the growth of FePt nanoparticles and to study the effects of N addition on the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles.
Dolpin Aerosol Particle Characterization via Elastic Light Scattering
Dr. Kevin B. Aptowicz
We are exploring the use of angularly-resolved elastic light to identify, or at least characterize, individual aerosol particles. This work is being done in collaboration with scientists at the US Army Research Laboratory and Yale University.
Dolpin Physics of Soft Matter
Dr. Kevin B. Aptowicz
With the aid of optical microscopy, fundamental phenomena, such as freezing, melting, and glass formation are being investigated using systems of colloidal particles. This work is being done in collaboration with Arjun Yodh's group at the University of Pennsylvania.