From left to right: David Dahl, Jason Engbrecht, Bob Jacobel,
David Nitz, Lynda
Russell, Amy Kolan, Don Spitzack, Brian Borovsky
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. |
|
James Cederberg AB University of Kansas |
I retired in 2006 after 42 years on the faculty of the physics department but, am maintaining my molecular beam lab. It utilizes a spectrometer acquired from Harvard in 1981 to examine the hyperfine spectra of simple molecules like alkali halides. From the spectrum of each molecule we can determine the energies needed to turn the nuclear spins in the electric and magnetic fields produced by the rest of the molecule, with a precision of up to a part in 100 million. Two students worked on the project during the summer of 2006. My wife Judy and I appreciate having the free time to do some traveling and gardening! |
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David Dahl BS University of Minnesota
|
I'm currently teaching introductory courses(124,127), and Classical Mechanics(374) and Statistical Physics(379) in the upper level, besides supervising an Independent Research tutorial in cosmology. 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. |
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Jason Engbrecht BA Trinity University |
My
current courses are Principles of Physics, Modern Physics, Origin
of Nuclear Weapon, 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. I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters and watching Michigan football. |
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Robert Jacobel AB University of California
|
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. We have current and recent research projects supported by NSF in Antarctica, Alaska, Sweden, and Washington state. |
|
Amy Kolan BA Dartmouth College |
I currently teach Analytical Physics I and Maxwell’s equations and I will be teaching a course on partial differential equations for the Math Department Spring semester. My research straddles the boundary between mathematics and physics. In the past I have worked on such topics as chaos, mathematical billiards, and self-organized criticality. I am currently working with Jason Engbrecht on a mathematical model related to his study of positronium. I have recently taken up bicycling and cycled over 1000 miles this summer. I enjoy spending time with my two daughters and husband. |
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David Nitz BA St. Olaf College |
My long term professional interests are in atomic and molecular physics (atomic collisions and spectros-copy). 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. |
|
Duane Olson BA St. Olaf College |
Support Staff
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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 our students. One of my joys is working with the student workers (TAs) that actively support the classes as graders, tutors, lab and rooftop assistants. I am also a member of the St. Olaf women's choir, the Collegiate Chorale, directed by Anton Armstrong. |
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Don Spitzack spitzack@stolaf.edu Technician |
Questions about the department should be directed to Robert
Jacobel.
