Graduation 2010!

Another exciting year is behind us now and a new crop of graduates are out finding their way in the world. This year's graduation speaker was our own Bill Ingham. He did an outstanding job of connecting James Madison (the man) to the qualities of our graduates and their challenges.

Except for the strong winds we had on Saturday morning, it was a beautiful day. Congratulations to all our fine graduates!

Bob Gordon does 50 years!

On April 22, we celebrated 50 years of Bob Gordon teaching in our department. Even though Bob retired in 2001, he has continued to teach part-time. As you might expect, Bob's idea of part time is what the rest of the faculty consider full-time. Even though Bob will be cutting back in the fall, he's still here teaching the next generation of budding scientists. We are honored to have such a wonderful and capable education in our department. Here's to the next 50 years!

There was a good turn out for the reception with many of Bob's former students showing up to join the festivities. More photos are found by visiting the department web site.

A new Fourier transform infrared spectrometer has arrived ......

A new Fourier transform infrared spectrometer has arrived at the department of Physics and Astronomy! The new tool can perform infrared spectroscopy at normal and variable angle in transmission and reflection. All kind of samples can be analized: insulating, semiconducting and metallic samples have no secrets for this tool.

JMU Students Present Their Research AT NCUR

This year's National Conference on Undergraduate Research was held on April 15-17 at the University of Montana. Missoula, MT. Dan Downey from Chemistry went with 13 JMU students to present their work at this national conference.

Out of the 13, 5 were from physics: Nick Herge, John Kroon, Chris Willis, Winston Hensley, and Joe Hardcastle. By all accounts, everyone had a good time and did a good job in presenting their work.