Meet the Physics Faculty and Staff
Faculty
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Brian Borovsky BA St. Olaf College |
I currently teach Quantum Mechanics, Analytical Physics III, Principles of Physics, and Advanced Laboratory. I enjoy Physics because it is both profound and practical. My research program explores the physics of friction, to answer questions such as “what is the friction coefficient?” and “what makes you feel squeeky clean?” In the lab, student researchers and I measure friction in small systems where sapphire rubs against gold lubricated with just one layer of molecules. In my free time, I play euphonium in brass ensembles and go running. |
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David Dahl BS University of Minnesota
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I'm currently teaching an introductory courses(125), Modern Physics (244), Classical Mechanics(374) and General Relativity(392), besides supervising an Independent Research tutorial in Astrophysics. My professional interests are in theoretical studies of solids and liquids ("condensed matter"), most lately nanomagnets, which made use of our magnetic force microscope here at St. Olaf. I also have a long-standing interest in astrophysics and cosmology. I am the campus representative for the engineering programs, and have served 7 years as Department Chair. Rock climbing is my principal outside interest. |
James (Jay) Demas BA Columbia University |
These days I am teaching Principles of Physics course for non-majors (Physics 124) along with the associated lab. In addition, I teach advanced laboratory courses in physics (245 & 385). I am also a member of the biology department and teach neuroscience courses, including Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (Neuro 239). My research is focused on the retina, the neural part of the eye. Specifically, I am studying retinal circuits that estimate the brightness of the environment. Outside of St. Olaf, I love to spend time with my daughters, Corrie and Anne Marie, and my wife, Dr. Laura Listenberger, a faculty member in Chemistry and Biology here at St. Olaf. Surfing, downhill skiing, and sailing are my favorite outdoor pursuits, although I am rotten at all three. |
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Jason Engbrecht BA Trinity University |
My current courses are Analytical Physics, Engineering Design, Electronics, and a variety of introductory and advance laboratories. I enjoy working with majors and non-majors and have a strong interest in finding ways of encouraging the active participation of students in the classroom. My research interests focus on experiments to study the interaction of positrons and positronium with ordinary matter at low energies as well as robotics. I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters and watching Michigan football. |
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Robert Jacobel AB University of California
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I currently teach courses in both the Physics and Environmental Studies Departments including geophysics, environmental science and global climate change. I also teach the physics sophomore-level advanced lab course. My research interests are geophysical studies of glaciers and ice sheets utilizing ice-penetrating radar and satellite imagery to focus on questions about the response of ice masses to climate change. Our research group includes postdoc Knut Cristianson and usually 4 to 6 physics students. We have current research projects supported by the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, Greenland, and Norway. |
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Amy Kolan BA Dartmouth College |
I will be teaching introductory mechanics, statistical mechanics, and a course on physics and computation next year (2012-3). My research, and much of my teaching, straddles the boundary between mathematics and physics. I am currently on sabbatical and I am working on two projects with Leo Kadanoff at the University of Chicago. The first project incorporates the use of the renormalization group, a mathematical technique used to view a physical system at different scales. The second is a pedagogical project aimed at introducing high school students to the use of computer programming for discovery. I enjoy biking and cross-country skiing and I love to spend time with my husband and two daughters. |
Amy Larsen |
I am teaching Principles of Physics II this spring. I am interested in Physics and Math education, in particular, how to effectively teach these subjects to a variety of learning styles. I want everyone to enjoy Physics and Math as I do! I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children. We own a hobby farm and currently have 43 laying chickens. |
| Carolyn Martsberger martsber@stolaf.edu Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics BA College of the Holy Cross |
I am currently teaching Principles of Physics for non-majors and will teach the second half of introductory Physics for the majors in the spring. I will also teach the musical acoustics lab during interim. I enjoy working with students both inside and outside the classroom or lab and learning new teaching techniques to effectively communicate physics ideas. My research focuses on the nonlinear dynamics of the heart. I have primarily worked on experiments to investigate how electrical and chemical changes in cardiac tissue promote more complex irregular rhythms in the heart. The goal of this research is to use ideas stemming from mathematical models to determine effective methods to prevent the occurrence of serious cardiac events such as cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Brad and my 1 year old son, Cooper. I also love to run, dance and practice yoga. |
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David Nitz BA St. Olaf College |
My long term professional interests are in atomic and molecular physics (atomic collisions and spectroscopy). I have also worked recently on development of computer software as a resource for teaching and learning and implementing laser-based experiments for the advanced physics laboratory. I served as chair of the physics department for 9 years, as campus advisor for study-abroad programs in Great Britain for 11 years, and am a member of the Design Team for new science facilities at St. Olaf. |
Angela Reisetter
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I'm teaching Astronomy, Cosmology, Modern Physics, and Introductory Physics (124 labs, 125) this year. I really enjoy the diversity of topics and the different kinds of students I get to work with at St. Olaf, physics majors and non-majors. My research is in particle astrophysics, and the particle I'm most interested in is the one that makes up dark matter, as yet undetected and nameless. I work on the Cryogenic Dark Matter search, which is housed in northern Minnesota, and we're hoping to bump into something soon. Outside of work proper, I spend time with children and youth programs, my book club, music/dance/arts folks, and my husband Benjamin. |
Support Staff
| Devin Lackie lackie@stolaf.edu Technician |
I find the position of Stockroom Technician to be very rewarding. My long background in the designing, building, and testing of electro-mechanical and aerospace devices comes in very handy when assisting students and faculty with their diverse projects. Keeping the laboratory equipment and demonstration devices in working order is another responsibility of mine. I just like inventing, building and fixing things. When I am not engaged in this activity, I can be found out motoring around on my motorcycle or working in my home shop. |
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Lynda Russell russell@stolaf.edu Academic Administrative Assistant |
My position as Academic Administrative Assistant is a pleasant one due to the warm and friendly faculty in the Physics department. They relate extremely well with students and often find a life-long connection with them. One of my joys is working with the student workers (TAs) that actively support the classes as graders, tutors, lab and rooftop assistants. |
Questions about the department should be directed to David Nitz, Chair
