Professor, School of Physics and Astronomy
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330 Physics And Nanotechnology Building
115 Union St. Se
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Professor, School of Physics and Astronomy
I collaborate in experiments to determine the characteristics of the fundamental forces in Nature with an emphasis on the properties of neutral, leptonic elementary particles known as neutrinos. I also study very high energy cosmic rays which are incident on the earth from outer space to determine their nature and origin. A long-term interest is non-thermal stars as a possible source of cosmic radiation.
I teach introductory physics courses with an emphasis on calculus-based classes primarily intended for students with interests in science, engineering and mathematics.
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Founded the University of Minnesota Underground Laboratory at Soudan in 1979 and supervised the expansion of the laboratory in 1984-1986; also collaborated in the second expansion in 1999-2001. Although the Soudan Laboratory is now closed, for 37 years, this Laboratory added about ~$100 million to the economy of an underdeveloped region of the United States, while pursuing cutting-edge physics research. Established and encouraged outreach activities at Soudan, including a public visitor program, an open day, use of media to explain basic research. Started unique Physics Global Studies course, which takes undergraduate students abroad for a three-week intensive experience (2003, 2005, 2008, 2010). Founded the University of Minnesota Residential College, a program that included up to 450 undergraduate students and integrated academic and residential activities. Represented the 3,000 members of the University of Minnesota faculty in interactions with the Governor and Legislature of Minnesota. Served the University of Minnesota as its Senior Vice-President and Chief Academic Officer during the 1996-1997 conflict between the University Regents and faculty regarding policies on faculty tenure. He also participated in the management of the University’s reorganization of its biological sciences programs and the $225 million sale of the University Hospital. Played a significant role in raising $4 million to endow a Theoretical Physics Institute. Also raised approximately $0.5 million to endow the Abigail and John Van Vleck Lectureship in Physics, which has attracted nearly 20 Nobel-laureate lecturers. Often served as a Visiting Scientist in K-12 schools, principally in a program sponsored by the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Blandin Foundation. Supervised the construction and operation of the NOvA Ash River Laboratory, including the installation of the 14,000 ton NOvA Far Detector.
Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1970
M.S., University of Michigan, 1969
A.B., Cornell University, 1967
DUNE Collaboration Resource Board, 2016-present
Chair, Organizing Committee, Weak Interactions and Neutrinos (WIN 2021) Conference, 2016-present
American Physical Society Committee on Informing the Public, 2015-present
Organizing Committee, Neutrino 2020 Conference, 2006-present
College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Professor, 2004-present
Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Physics, 1996-present
Faculty Director of Undergraduate Research, University of Minnesota, 2008-2015
Executive Committee, Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment Collaboration, 2010-2012
Chair, Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment Collaboration Executive Board, 2009-2012
Executive Committee, NOvA Collaboration, 2007-2010
Executive Committee, MINOS Collaboration, 2005-2010
Chair, American Physical Society, Subcommittee on Graduate Education, 2008-2009
Chair, MINOS Collaboration Speakers’ Committee, 2008-2009
Chair, Organizing Committee, 10th Conference on the Intersections of Particle and Nuclear Physics (CIPANP 2009)
Chair, Faculty (Senate) Consultative (Executive) Committee, 2004-2005
Chair, American Physical Society Constitution and By-laws Committee, 2003-2004
Director of the Residential College, 1994-1996, 1997-2004
Faculty Legislative Liaison, University of Minnesota, 1997-2001, 2002-2003
Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs, University of Minnesota, 1996-1997
Head, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Minnesota, 1986-1996
Professor of Physics, University of Minnesota, 1983-1996
Director of Graduate Studies in Physics, University of Minnesota, 1983-1986
Associate Professor of Physics, University of Minnesota, 1978-1983
Assistant Professor of Physics, University of Minnesota, 1974-1978
Research Associate, University of Minnesota, 1970-1974
Guest or Visitor Appointments at Fermilab, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Board of Governors, Children’s Theater Company, 1986-1994
College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Professor, 2004-present
Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Physics, 1996-present