Dr. Geilker has been a member of the William Jewell Physics Department since 1968 and chair from 1980 to 2000. His special interests include experimental physics, astronomy, applied electronics, and microcomputer interfacing.

After graduating from William Jewell in 1955, he became an Atomic Energy Commission fellow working with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiation Protection Group.

Following a master's degree in astrophysics at Vanderbilt University, he joined the Department of Radiological Health of the U.S. Public Health Service as a commissioned officer, billeted first at the Nevada Test Site for monitoring atomic bomb tests. He also spent a year as a Public Health Service fellow at MIT in the Radiation Physics lab. This opportunity served as preparation for teaching short courses to update physicians and other professionals on radiological health and safety standards and practices.

Returning to astronomy following the completion of his uniformed service, he worked as a research associate at Vanderbilt's Dyer Observatory where he was responsible for designing and installing a data acquisition system to facilitate the use of a computer in processing photometric observations. Similar systems were later installed at Kitt Peak and Lowell Observatories.

In 1968, Dr. Geilker earned a Ph.D. in observational astronomy from Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland. While there, he worked to develop astronomical instrumentation for Warner and Swasey Observatory.

Since his return to William Jewell, he has taught courses in Astronomy, General Physics, Applied Electronics, Microcomputer Interfacing, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. In 1992, with a gift from the Pillsbury Foundation, he designed and oversaw the construction of an observatory atop White Science Center. Pillsbury Observatory is equipped with a 14-inch Celestron telescope and a custom Byers computerized drive and mounting in a 5-meter dome. Since its installation, he has employed it to teach astronomy classes, offer student research projects, and provide public viewing to the Northland community on many Friday evenings throughout the years.

Dr. Geilker's long-term research interests have centered upon the electromagnetic signatures of severe convective storms. To further this research, he has created a meteorological observing site on the roof of Marston Hall. Several of his students have chosen careers in meteorology and atmospheric physics.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Geilker has judged the physics division of the Kansas City Science Fair for over 30 years, and served on the Liberty City Council for 12 years. He is a regular participant in Second Baptist Church of Liberty.

He is married to Neita Frohmuth Geilker, Ph.D., an alumna and, for many years, an adjunct instructor in the English Department at William Jewell. They have two children, Emily Cena and Eric Geilker, both graduates of the college.

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