Overview

The Professional Physics Track prepares students for Graduate School in Physics or Engineering following completion of the Physics B.A. degree.

The Engineering Track prepares students for the final two years in Engineering School following 3-4 years of study at Jewell. Students completing an engineering degree also receive a Physics B.A. degree. 

The Pre-Professional Track prepares students for Medical, Dental, Optometry, or other Professional Schools following completion of the Physics B.A. degree.

The High School Teaching Track prepares students for high school teaching following completion of the Physics Education B.A. degree.

The Technical Employment Track prepares students for careers in highly technical fields (including business), following completion of the Science and Technology Management B.A. degree. Also, graduates may elect to pursue degrees in law or MBA's

Programs

Dual Degree
The Physics Department offers several opportunities for students to earn both a Physics degree from WJC and an engineering degree from one of several institutions. These dual degree programs typically involve 3-4 years of study at Jewell, together with two additional years at the engineering school. Jewell’s liberal arts curriculum insures that students have skills in writing, speaking, and interpersonal relations, necessary for career advancement as engineers.

One of our dual-degree graduates, Chris Ruckman, explains the importance of his experience at Jewell:

“I believe the liberal arts education I received at William Jewell has been a key factor to my success as an engineer. The opportunity to study in a liberal arts environment gave me ‘real world skills’ that are so often ignored in a traditional engineering curriculum. I’ve found that engineers with these skills stand out in the work place and are much more valuable to employers.”

Chris Ruckman, PE
Burns and McDonnell Engineering

William Jewell College offers dual-degree engineering and engineering-related programs at four institutions. Those institutions and the degree options for each are listed below:

Columbia University (New York City): Applied Math, Applied Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering and Management Systems, Engineering Mechanics, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Operations Research

Kansas University: Electrical Engineering

Vanderbilt University: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Mechanical Engineering

Washington University: Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Science and Engineering

Faculty Research

Materials Research - D.B. Baker
My primary activities have focused on involving undergraduate students in fundamental research and projects related to physics teaching or engineering. Recently, several undergraduate students and other collaborators have been working with me to investigate two materials—chromium-doped VO₂ thin films and amorphous V₂O₅. Pure vanadium dioxide is known to undergo transition from an insulator to a metal at 340 K; chromium-doped VO₂ also experiences this transition in the same temperature regime. Our work focuses on monitoring changes in the chromium EPR resonance as a function of temperature in the vicinity of the transition temperature. Our results show that this EPR line intensity undergoes a factor-of-four decrease as the system changes from insulator to metal. Tentatively, this change is attributed to the onset of a soft (phonon) mode accompanying distortion of the lattice.

EPR spectra for the V₂O₅ system exhibit a single broad resonance down to 120 K, in contrast to well-resolved spectra obtained by previous workers. In addition, signal intensities increase more rapidly (with decreasing temperature) than predicted by Curie’s law. Both of these observations can be explained tentatively by proposing the existence of superparamagnetism SP in the V₂O₅ system. Experiments proposed here will further investigate whether or not SP exists in this system. In addition, EPR spectra will be evaluated to determine details of the paramagnetic center’s local environment. In particular, EPR analyses will reveal the oxidation state of the vanadium ion, the degree to which the 3d electron is delocalized, and time scales for local magnetic interactions. The goal of the work is to understand amorphous V₂O₅ on a fundamental level in order to predict materials properties when the system is doped or co-deposited in films.

My most recent published work focused on investigating solid-acid systems (such as CsHSO₄) that undergo superprotonic phase transitions. Such transitions are characterized by dramatic (four-order-of-magnitude) increases in proton conductivity at the superprotonic transition temperature. Our experiments measured proton NMR relaxation times (T₁ and T₂), in an effort to characterize this transition. These results showed that both T₁ and T₂ reveal transformation to a regime of rapid hydrogen motions above the transition temperature. An activation energy barrier to diffusion in the temperature regime approaching the transition also was obtained. Overall, the work shows that NMR spectroscopy is useful for detecting and characterizing superprotonic phase transitions. 

Two students also worked with me on developing a classroom project to determine coefficients of restitution COR’s for sport balls. Initially, students are introduced to a technique for determining COR’s in which time of flight for a bouncing object is used to extract COR’s. Subsequently, students formulate questions related to COR’s and perform experiments to answer those questions.

Optics Research - P.H. Bunton
My area of research is in applying optical techniques to materials processing and physics. My students have been involved in supporting a NASA project in polymer processing headed by Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. In this regard we have been part of a larger team of scientists and engineers working toward performing a polymer-processing experiment on the International Space Station (ISS).

We provide expertise in the area of spectroscopy. Specifically we have analyzed the fluorescence from a molecular probe during irradiation with ultraviolet light. As the viscosity (the thickness or “gooiness”) of the polymer increases, so does the amount of fluorescence or light emitted from the sample. We are attempting to correlate the amount of fluorescence to the viscosity for varying degrees of polymerization and temperatures. If successful, this technique may be used to monitor the viscosity of polymers for the ISS experiment. In conjunction with this effort, we are also observing the fluorescence from an interface between monomer and polymer with a digital camera. The polymer samples again contain a special molecule that fluoresces (glows) when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Images are taken and then converted to a matrix of numerical values (that’s all a digital image really is anyway, we just need a particular format!). The polymer glows brightly and the monomer hardly at all. As time passes the two interdiffuse. By using a sophisticated mathematics package called Mathcad, students are able to fit the expected shape of the interface to the actual data. From this the diffusion coefficient can be extracted. We are comparing this technique to different techniques being tried at the Center for Applied Optics in Hunstville, AL and at the University of Southern Mississippi (where the principle scientist on the experiment works).

Students have gained considerable experience in optics, spectroscopy, imagining, data collection, and computational analysis of the data. Undergraduate students have given talks at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Whitewater, Wisconsin and at a zone meeting of the Society of Physics Students. Two students are scheduled to give talks at the 2003 March meeting of the American Physical Society. Students have been coauthors on a paper presented at a meeting of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics as well as an upcoming talk at a meeting of the American Chemical Society. Two students have each recently spent a summer working at Marshall Space Flight Center thanks to NASA’s Undergraduate Student Researchers Program. Both plan to return to NASA this summer as well. Students have also performed paid research in the summer and even part-time during the school year here at William Jewell College.There are many exciting research and employment opportunities in the area of Optics. For more information see www.osa.org.

In addition to the areas above I have an interest in image processing and holography. We have the capability for both optical and computational image processing. One senior student is performing a project wherein he makes a hologram with a known optical error in it. He then uses optical image processing to correct for the error – in this case an extra beam of light produced using the technique of in-line holography. He can then compare his optically processed results to his computations using two-dimensional Fourier transforms.

Pillsbury Observatory 

Open House Observing Sessions
Next Open House: July 17, 2009, 9:30-11:00 PM 

About once a month, the observatory is open to the public for viewing. The observatory is on top of White Science Center. There will be signs giving directions inside the building. In July we will be observing M-13, the star cluster in Hercules. 

The Pillsbury Observatory of William Jewell College is equipped with a 14-inch Celestron telescope on a Byers Class 2 mount in a 5-meter dome.

Accessories include a CCD camera (SBIG Model ST-9E) with color filters and image processing software and a full-aperture solar filter. A low-light-level monochrome TV camera and 20-inch monitor are available for observation of craters on the moon. Also, conventional film cameras are provided in both 35mm and 4x5 format, along with a well-equipped darkroom.

The Observatory is used during the Fall semester in the teaching of the Physics Department's Basic Astronomy course, which has a lab/observing session each Wednesday night. Both Fall and Spring semesters there are opportunities for its use by students who enroll in the Department's "Research Experience" course. There are also Open House nights scheduled each month for other students and members of the larger Liberty community.

Observatory activities are under the direction of Prof. Maggie Brewer, whose Ph.D. is in Observational Astronomy from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. Contact information: phone (816) 415-7881; email brewerm@william.jewell.edu

Pillsbury Research Scholars

One exciting opportunity for students in the Physics Department is our Pillsbury Scholars Research Program. Each year three students—typically from the first or second year class—are chosen to engage in eight weeks of paid summer research. Students selected for this program also receive free on-campus housing.

Students work closely with one or more faculty members on various projects. Some projects involve fundamental research on novel materials or calculations on various types of stars. Other projects are oriented toward engineering and design. One recent example of a design project is a water-purification system for use in third-world countries.

Besides laboratory work, students get a chance to interact with peers and faculty members in a setting outside of the usual classroom. As part of this interaction, students and faculty get to know each other by playing a game of Botchee Ball on The Quad or making liquid nitrogen ice cream. Students also enjoy a day together at Worlds of Fun.

To inquire about this program, contact our Department Chair, Patrick Bunton, at buntonp@william.jewell.edu.  

Physics Careers

One of the most frequently-asked questions among prospective students is: What can you do with a physics degree? Actually, physics students are very well-equipped for a variety of careers, after completing their studies at William Jewell College. Over the past several years, a number of our students have matriculated in Masters’ or Ph.D. programs in physics, chemistry, or engineering upon receiving the B.A. degree. In many cases, those students have pursued research or technical careers after graduate studies. These careers often involve positions as research scientists, project engineers, professors, or electrical, mechanical, or civil engineers.

Physics also is excellent preparation for professional schools in business, law, and medicine. In today’s highly technical world, more and more businesses are looking for students trained in business and in technical fields such as physics. Therefore, many MBA programs are accepting an increasing number of scientifically-trained students. At the undergraduate level, our own Science and Technology Management degree prepares students in science and business. In the field of law, physics provides outstanding preparation for becoming a patent lawyer. Finally, professional schools in health care, including medical, dental, and optometry schools, require strong backgrounds in science.

Other possible careers, following undergraduate preparation, are teaching and engineering. Students interested in teaching physics at the secondary level can obtain a teaching certificate from Jewell with a four-year degree. Students pursuing undergraduate engineering degrees usually complete “3-2” or “4-2” programs in which the students complete 3 or 4 years of study at Jewell, followed by 1-2 years of study at select engineering schools. Following completion of the engineering curriculum, students receive two undergraduate degrees—one from Jewell in physics and one from the engineering school in a specific field. Students interested in these unique engineering programs should contact Professor Pat Bunton (buntonp@william.jewell.edu) or Professor Blane Baker (bakerb@william.jewell.edu).

Society of Physics Students

Physics students at WJC are members of a national organization known as SPS (Society of Physics Students). As a participating group within this community, Jewell’s SPS chapter has garnered Outstanding Chapter Awards in 2005-06 and 2006-07. WJC students regularly present posters and/or talks at national conferences sponsored by SPS. Currently, the group is planning a trip to the 2008 Quadrennial Congress (November 6-8), hosted at Fermilab.

On the local level, SPS holds regular meetings on the first Monday of each month. Speakers at the monthly meetings have included scientists, mathematicians, high school teachers, patent lawyers, and engineers. Over the past five years, approximately 30 speakers have visited the WJC Physics Department. The local chapter also participates in Homecoming, summer science camps for kids, and service organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. The group often makes trips to regional SPS meetings, museums, and other attractions during the academic year. SPS officers for 2008-09 are: Carl Ziegler (President), Dane Engquist (Vice President), and Jenna Gales (Secretary).

The 2008-09 SPS meeting schedule (with speakers indicated) is below:

• September 8: Fall Kick-Off Meeting—Pizza/Movie Night
• October 6: Tom Zepf, Creighton University, "Mysteries from the Haunted Physics Lab"
• November 3: Mairead Greene, Rockhurst University, “Coding Theory”
• December 1: William Spencer (Christmas Lecture), “Science is fine, but what about the rest of my life?” (White Science Center 107, Refreshments 5:30 PM, Talk 6:00 PM)
• January: Summer Opportunities Session
• February 2: Chris Fischer, University of Kansas, “Molecular Motors”
• March 2: Roger Price, "Teaching High School Physics" 
• April 6: Carl McElwee, "Careers in Geophysics 
• April 27: SPS Banquet 

Recent Student News (2008-2009)

• Blair Unger is completing his PhD in Optics at University of Rochester.
• Cam Cooper is working at Burns and McDonnell as an engineer.
• Tom Rychlewski is employed at CRB Consulting Engineers, Inc.
• Shane Price is a PhD candidate at KU. Shane is also Instructor of Chemistry at William Jewell College.
• K.C. Maynes is employed as an Operations Research Systems Analyst.
• Jenna Gales is employed as an Operations Research Systems Analyst.  

Faculty

D. Blane Baker, Ph.D.
Wallace A. Hilton Professor of Physics
bakerb@william.jewell.edu
B.A., William Jewell College; M.A., Washington University; Ph.D., Washington University.

Maggie Brewer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Physics
brewerm@william.jewell.edu  
B.S., Emory and Henry College; M.S., Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Patrick H. Bunton, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics and Chair
buntonp@william.jewell.edu  
B.A., East Tennessee State University; M.S., Ph.D., Vanderbilt University.

Charles Don Geilker, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Physics
geilkerc@william.jewell.edu  
A.B., William Jewell College; M.A., Vanderbilt; Ph.D., Case Institute of Technology. His special interests include experimental physics, micro-electronics, the electromagnetic signatures of severe convective storms and observational astronomy.

Message from the Physics Chair

Preparing Graduates for Lifelong Success One Student at a Time
You are about to embark on a journey that will affect who you are for the remainder of your life. Like any journey of significance, it should be begun with careful planning, investigation of the options, and due consideration of the consequences of your choices. You are about to begin an education in the field of physics or engineering. The opportunities are many, almost certainly far more than you have imagined. Career opportunities exist as a research scientist in condensed matter physics, cosmology, and materials science to name a few. You may pursue one of various fields of engineering such as mechanical, electrical, biomedical, civil, and others. Or perhaps you can imagine yourself as a medical physicist in a hospital or other clinical setting or performing research in diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology. You may choose to combine your study of physics with business and prepare to work in high-technology industry or to continue your education by pursuing an MBA or even the study of Law. Patent and intellectual property lawyers with backgrounds in science in general and physics in particular are in demand. The field of optics is in high demand in this age of fiber-optic communications and information processing. Keep an open mind; investigate the options.

However, this journey you are about to begin is not merely one of career preparation. Your time in college will in so many ways determine your attitude toward life, your view of what it means to be successful, and just as importantly, your view of what it does not mean to be a failure. These few years will shape how you view yourself and the world around you. They will shape who you will choose as friends and why. They will address issues of deep significance as you ask questions such as “Is there a God and can I know Him personally?” Perhaps you have only begun to scratch the surface of these issues or maybe you have wrestled with them for what seems like all your life. William Jewell College is a place where you will come face to face with such issues and struggle to come to grips with them. You will discover the business of day-to-day life often revolves around these areas of deeper meaning and significance. As you choose a college, consider the consequences of choosing a college that has a committed faculty who cares about you and your success in every facet of life. The faculty of the Department of Physics at William Jewell College is here to help you to find a meaningful career that suits your talents, goals, dreams and abilities. We are here to rejoice in your successes and to help you make the tough decisions when the path is not so clear. We are dedicated to preparing graduates for success, one student at a time.