Physics & Astronomy

Northeastern Illinois University

News & Events

U.S. Department of Education Grant

Associate Dean David Rutschman (Mathematics) and a team from the STEM disciplines including Professors Greg Anderson (Physics), John Al-Bazi (Chemistry), Laura Sanders (Earth Science), John Kasmer and (Biology), Marcelo Sztainberg (Computer Science) has been awarded a two million dollar CCRAA STEM grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This project will allow NEIU to develop and improve the capacity to serve Hispanic and under-represented and low-income students for years to come. This grant will establish a new interdisciplinary center for science engagement at NEIU. The Center will integrate effective teaching strategies and practices that research shows are effective in encouraging learning, persistence and retention. By updating labs and facilities, providing faculty development, enhancing academic support and mentoring, creating learning environments that encourage social integration, and by enhancing student-faculty interaction, it is anticipated that the outcomes will be achieved and will be sustained. This major initiative draws upon the past successes of the NEIU effort to support the Hispanic community it serves.

NSF S-STEM Scholarship Grant Awarded.

A proposal to the National Science Foundation by Professors Srinivas (Physics), Acioli (Physics), Wrinkle (Mathematics), Rutschman (Mathematics), and Voglesonger (Earth Science) to offer merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen intending to major in Earth Science, Mathematics or Physics has been funded. The $598,000 grant allows NEIU to recruit a cohort of motivated scholars in the three disciplines by providing competitive 4-year scholarships of up to $10,000/year (based on financial need). A brochure on the program, including a scholarship application can be found here.

Environmental Science & SENCER

The College of Arts and Sciences sent a a team from the STEM disciplines to the 2008 SENCER Summer Institute. The SENCER team of David Rutschman (Mathematics), Greg Anderson (Physics), John Al-Bazi (Chemistry), Ken Voglesonger (Earth Science), John Kasmer (Biology), and Abhijit Banerjee (Geography) are working on an interdisciplinary major in environmental science. A presentation on this proposal can be found here.

New SPS Officers Elected for 2008-2009

The NEIU Chapter of the Society of Physics Students has elected new officers. Congratulations to President Greg Freimark, Vice President Sam Kolontouros, Treasurer Dan McGovern, and Secretary Narin Ratanavade.

Annual Research Symposium

A record number of NEIU Students presented their research at NEIU's annual Student Research & Creative Activities Symposium in April, 2008. Students interested in presenting research activities at next years symposium should contact an faculty member in physics.