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Department of Physics

IMPACT

Discoveries and news in research, student success, faculty engagement and alumni accomplishments.

Kendra Jackson working in lab.
Students

How undergraduate research drives student success at OSU

Oregon State funds more high-impact undergraduate research experiences than any other university in the state.

Students, Biochemistry & Biophysics, College of Science, Chemistry, Integrative Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Careers, Research, Student Success
Oregon State physics graduate with daughter amid tulips.
Students

From a construction job to Hewlett Packard, a physics major takes an unconventional path to reach his goals

Rohal Kakepoto valued the expertise of the faculty and the intimate and supportive atmosphere of the physics department. Like many of Oregon State physics graduates, Kakepoto landed a job as an engineer at Hewlett Packard in Corvallis, which he will start right before graduation.

People, Diversity in Science, Students, Physics, Careers
Planetary geologist and OSU alumna Briony Horgan in front of an image of the Perseverance rover.
Alumni and Friends

Oregon State alum plays integral role in Perseverance landing

2005 physics alumna and planetary geologist Briony Horgan's research was key to determining the location on Mars for the Perseverance rover to explore. Explaining the challenge her team faced, she said, "“If we had to choose just one spot on Earth to gather all the data about the entire history of the planet — well, where would you go?”

News, Alumni and Friends, Women in Science, Physics, Careers
Drew Haven standing in front of farming fields.
Alumni and Friends

Meet a Science Grad - Drew Haven

Meet Drew Haven, physics and engineering physics graduate and current Research & Development Manager for Saint-Gobain Crystals.  

Alumni and Friends, Physics, Careers
Warren Washington in office space
Alumni and Friends

Eminent climate scientist wins Lifetime Achievement in Science Award

Pioneering climate scientist and alumnus Warren Washington to present the 2019 Distinguished Lecture on October 11, 2019.

Alumni and Friends, Physics, Careers
Vintage black and white picture of Warren Washington holding film in office
Alumni and Friends

Alumnus Warren Washington to receive prestigious Tyler Prize for pioneering climate studies

Pioneering climate scientist and alumnus Warren Washington is a co-recipient of the 2019 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, often referred to as the Nobel Prize for the Environment.

Alumni and Friends, Physics, Careers
magnifying glass icon above image of mountain ridge at night
Alumni and Friends

Physics alumnus involved in historic astrophysics discoveries

Physics alumnus Shane Larson is part of the LIGO team behind the revolutionary astronomy discovery of the merger of two neutron stars.

Alumni and Friends, Physics, Careers, Data Science, Research
Shane Larson standing in front of chalkboard
Alumni and Friends

Clear skies for physics alumnus Shane Larson

Physicist and alumnus Shane Larson made one of the most important scientific discoveries of the century last year and continues to be an ardent communicator and advocate for science and astrophysics.

Alumni and Friends, Physics, Careers, Research
Sastry Pantula giving Scott Clark his alumni award
Alumni and Friends

Young Alumni Award winner makes Forbes' 30 under 30 list

Alumnus Scott Clark ('08) was named to Forbes' 30 under 30 list for 2016 and wins the College of Science Young Alumni Award.

OSU Press Releases, Alumni and Friends, Faculty and Staff, Mathematics, Physics, Careers, Research
The White House entrance
Alumni and Friends

Physics alum honored by President Obama

Brian Hanna (Physics M.S. '91) is a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

News, Alumni and Friends, Students, Physics, Careers