Anthony J. Nicastro
Department of Physics
127 Merion Hall
West Chester University
West Chester , PA 19382
610.436.2497 ANicastro@wcupa.edu
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.
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]
Magnetic Field Changes During Solar Flares Dr. Jeffrey J. Sudol
In collaboration with Dr. Nader Haghighipour1 (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.
1http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~nader/
Artwork by Shermyl Hayes
Theoretical Cosmology Dr. Carolyn Sealfon
We use observational data (such as the cosmic microwave background radiation [see image],
galaxy redshift surveys, and weak gravitational lensing) to constrain theories of the structure
and evolution of the universe. For more details, visit Dr. Sealfon’s website.
[Image provided by: NASA/WMAP Science Team]
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 mechanical design of the primary camera for the telescope.
Active Galactic Nuclei Dr. Robert J. Thornton
Active galaxies (AGN) are galaxies whose brightness cannot be accounted for by radiation from stars alone. Dr. Thornton is part of a group led by astronomers at Drexel University that is studying the X-ray properties of AGN and their relationship to other characteristics of these objects, including optical flux obtained from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) (image credit: John Bahcall).
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.
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.
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.
