Longwood University Physics & 3/2 Engineering

Recently, Wayne Meshejian got in touch with Longwood University’s first physics graduate, Lisa Hanmer Perdieu. Lisa is Principle Engineer at the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Kansas City Plant, where she has worked since 1989.

Lisa received a BS degree in Physics, and Masters degree in Supervision from Longwood University. She has worked in the field of Thick-Film Hybrid Microelectronics for 28 years including 5 years with The General Electric Company (defense weapons), 4 years with Honeywell in Newport News, VA (automotive sensors) and 19 years with Honeywell in Kansas City (nuclear weapons). Lisa is currently involved in the development of high value multilayer film capacitors, in addition to providing the day-to-day engineering support necessary for the production of advanced radar development thick-film networks. Keep reading →

SPS Meetings are in full swing at LU, even as we head in to Spring Break. At our most recent meeting we tore each other up on the Wii, and tried to charge an Ipod using a onion soaked in Gatorade. Didn’t work. Check out the pictures! Keep reading →

Classes are off to a fast start at LU. Here’s what we’re offering this term:

• PHYS 100, Physics for Educators, Michelle Parry
• PHYS 101, General Physics I, John Skrobiszewski
• PHYS 102, General Physics II, Chris Moore and John Skrobiszewski
• PHYS 105, General Astronomy, Rodney Dunning
• PHYS 202, University Physics II, Michelle Parry
• PHYS 324, Thermodynamics, Chris Moore
• PHYS 332, Electricity and Magnetism, Rodney Dunning
• PHYS 400, Unifying Principles of Physics, Rodney Dunning, Chris Moore, and Michelle Parry
• PHYS 401, Quantum Mechanics, Keith Rider
• Various independent study and research projects

We are looking for TAs for General Astronomy! Astronomy lab meets Tuesday night. You need to be available from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The major responsibility involves helping set up and take down lab equipment, including the telescopes. Outside labs meet at the Farmville Airport. (Dr. Dunning can provide transportation.) You do not need any astronomy background. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Rodney Dunning at dunningrb@longwood.edu.

The SPS will start meeting soon! Check this space and MyLongwood for more information.

SPS is participating in Operation Turkey, sponsored by the Longwood chapter of the Phi Mu Alpha fraternity. Operation Turkey was started up several years ago to help provide a proper Thanksgiving meal to the less fortunate in the Farmville Area. Individuals, groups of people, and organizations sign up to provide that meals. Phi Mu Alpha corresponds with several charity organizations in the Farmville Area such as Steps and Crossroads. These organizations provide Phi Mu Alpha with a list of families with the number of adults and children.

Our goal is to collect at least $50.  The money will be used for gift certificates to a local grocery store.  We’ll be collecting money from SPS members and anyone else who wishes to participate.  Please bring your money to the next SPS meeting, Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at 4:00 PM, in Room G-12, New Science Center.  If you cannot make it to the meeting, you can give your contribution to Dr. Dunning in 208-B, New Science Center.

Suggested donation: $5.00 per person.

Thank you for participating with SPS in Operation Turkey!

The next regular meeting of the Longwood chapter of the Society of Physics Students will be Wednesday October 23 at 4:00 PM, Room G-12, New Science Center.

Pizza, soft drinks, and some entertainment.  Join us!

As we head into the second half of the Fall semester, the Longwood chapter of the SPS has four major activities underway.

Science Show for the Middle School Students.  We want to bring middle-school students from the Prince Edward County schools to LU for a science show, hopefully in conjunction with the Chemistry and Biology clubs.  Our goal is to create interest in science as a career option.

Solar-powered Car.  Several students will be working on an electric car built several years ago by former LU physics and 3/2 students, in the hopes of converting it into a solar-powered vehicle.  The car needs some work on the steering mechanism and suspension system.

Longwood Myth Busters.  In the tradition of Discovery Channel’s great show, we hope to address some commonly held beliefs about physics and engineering, and either substantiate them or debunk them.

LancerDots at Springfest.  The LancerDots were a big hit at Oktoberfest.  We’ll bring them back this spring, hopefully with an improved production method that uses less liquid nitrogen.

If you’re interested in participating in any of these projects, please contact Dr. Dunning at dunningrb@longwood.edu.

Next meeting: Wednesday 17 October 2007, 4:00 PM, Room G-12, New Science Center.

This afternoon at 4:00 PM the SPS will have its regular weekly meeting in G-12, New Science Center: pizza, soft drinks, and some entertainment.  We’ll discuss plans for Spring Weekend, and a co-op educational program with the Biology and Chemistry clubs.

The Society of Physics Students kept Oktoberfest cool and refreshed with our homemade LancerDots. Look at the great pictures! Keep reading →

Over the Summer of 2007, physics major Andrew Grzankowski worked with Longwood faculty member Keith Rider (Chemistry) to construct a Farnsworth Fusion Reactor. Here’s a breakdown of the project. Keep reading →

The Society of Physics Students will be selling LancerDots ice cream, made using liquid nitrogen, at this year’s Oktoberfest on the Longwood University campus. Check out their booth behind the Student Union between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday (October 6). Cost: $1.50 per cup.