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Texas' Decision to Close Physics Programs Jeopardizes Nation’s Future

NSBP Headquarters - noemail@nsbp.org — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:00:00 GMT

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has to varying degrees cut 60% of the undergraduate physics programs in State. This includes both programs at its two largest Historically Black Institutions, Texas Southern University (TSU) and Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU). Although all these institutions have the right to appeal the State’s decision, the dramatic nature of these and other actions strongly suggest that short-term politics, not good science education planning or sound economic policy, is motivating their actions.

In 2009 Texas state schools produced 162 B.A./B.S. degrees in physics (and another 38 by its private schools). But Texas produces 50% fewer B.S. physics degrees, per capita, than California. Closing physics programs would therefore seem to be a step in the wrong direction.

The State of Texas is leading the country down an abysmal path. If all the other states were to adopt Texas’ approach, which the State of Florida is already considering, 526 of the roughly 760 physics departments in the US would be shuttered. All but 2 of the 34 HBCU physics programs would be closed. A third of underrepresented minorities and women studying physics would have their programs eliminated. Physics training would be increasingly concentrated in larger elite universities with very adverse effects on the future scientific workforce.

College physics programs are the incubators of content-driven K-12 physics teachers that plant the seeds that blossom into future Texas innovators. Physics graduates are direct contributors to economic prosperity. Even at the BS level a physics degree leads to high-paying jobs that fire the engines of innovation.

Texas universities, including the flagship schools, have been unable to produce their fair share of African American B.S. physics graduates; producing at least 75% fewer African American baccalaureate degree recipients than they should (5 vs 20). This number will become even worse once the physics programs at TSU and PVAMU disappear.

In October 2000 the THECB adopted the “Closing the Gaps” plan with strong support from the state's educational, business and political communities. The plan is directed at closing educational gaps in Texas as well as between Texas and other states. It has four goals: to close the gaps in student participation, student success, excellence and research. This plan with respect to physics is being betrayed by the elimination of the two physics programs at the two leading state HBCUs, particularly when one of them, TSU, has started to make significant gains in all four directions.

The TSU physics program was created in 2004 through the separation of physics from the computer science department. In 2005 its new chair was hired. He revamped the program, replacing the old faculty with research driven faculty of national/international standing, representing some of the top universities in the world.

A new curriculum, with workforce relevant physics tracks (including in health physics), was approved by the THECB in 2008. Since 2007, approximately $1,000,000 dollars was leveraged through the Office of Naval Research and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in support of the current health physics program. Another $1,000,000 has been raised through federally-funded, and state-supported, research grants (NSF, NASA, DOD, Welch Foundation). On September 1, 2011, TSU won its first $5,000,000 NSF CREST Center grant.

TSU Physics has the only health physics program in the greater Houston area. Health physicists are particularly needed in a city known for its Texas Medical Center complex, one of the world’s largest collection of medical research, diagnostic, and treatment centers. By 2012, five of TSU’s seven graduates will have pursued the health physics track. According to salary data from the Health Physics Society, certified B.S. health physicists can expect salaries of $106,000.

TSU-Physics produced its first two students in May 2010, representing 40% the total African American physics B.S. degree recipients in TX. State records show that for each of the last six years, the overall production of B.S. degrees in Physics, awarded to Blacks, by State schools, has been no more than five (5). In May 2010, TSU produced 40% of these, with both graduates eventually going on to graduate studies at the University of Houston (UH). One is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in environmental engineering; the other is taking graduate physics courses.

By May 2012, TSU-Physics will have produced four new B.S. graduates, two of them African American. By May 2013 it will produce six more (five of them African American). The State of Texas considers any undergraduate program that can produce five graduates per year as programs performing at State expectations. Thus, clearly, TSU will be in compliance within the next two years.

The principal critique by the THECB for cutting TSU-Physics is that there are too many low enrollment (i.e. less than ten students) upper level classes. As part of its appeal to the THECB, TSU-Physics was prepared to join the Texas Electronic Coalition for Physics, primarily involving small physics programs within the Texas A & M University system. Programs such as that at Tarelton State University (i.e. Texas A & M – Central Texas), the lead institution within the Consortium, pool their students with the other consortium members and teach common upper level courses through videoconferencing resources.

Georgia’s Atlanta University Center, comprised of Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University, have historically contributed to the Georgia Institute of Technology performance as one of country’s top producers of Black engineers, by feeding them well prepared African American students. This is a model that can be realized in Texas via Texas Electronic Coalition for Physics.

However, the THECB also cut these programs. They will only allow this consortium to stay, supposedly, provided only one institution awards the B.S. Physics degree. Clearly the THECB has no appreciation of the importance of mentoring physics majors, and the importance of some sense of ownership in the physics program by students and faculty. Without formal B.S. degrees at each institution, it is difficult for departments to receive grants, etc., thus precipitating a systematic demise of any such physics effort.

Altogether the THECB decision is short-sighted and abandons tax-payer investments already made. In the case of TSU-Physics these investments have already paid off, and the program is the verge of meeting the key THECB enrollment metric. The THECB decision jeopardizes Texas’ overall economic prosperity and African American participation in it specifically. And if the Texas model spreads to other states, that nation's security will surely be put at risk.

14-Sep-11 4:00 PM

Morgan State University Student Spends Summer at CERN

Keith Jackson - noemail@nsbp.org — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Eric Michael Seabron, a junior physics major and Morgan honor student with a 3.66 grade point average was selected to join an exclusive 18-member U.S. physics team for a 10-week summer internship at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland.

“This internship is one of the most competitive internships an undergraduate student of physics can compete for in the United States. Mr. Seabron will benefit from this experience by expanding both his knowledge of physics and participating in the greatest scientific experiment ever proposed, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Participation in this internship increases his visibility as a up-and-coming young physicist, and his opportunities for getting into a Tier-1 physics graduate program with schools like Michigan, Harvard, Stanford and Princeton to name a few,” says Dr. Keith Jackson, chair of Morgan’s physics department.

Mr. Seabron is a member of the University of Michigan’s ATLAS team sponsored by a National Science Foundation research grant for undergraduates to work on a valuable piece of equipment (Large Hadron Collider) on the ATLAS experiment. ATLAS (A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS) is one of the six particle detector experiments constructed at the LHC. He and other student colleagues will assist in the commissioning of ATLAS EE detectors, analyze event data to create R-T curves and Muon Spectrometer graphs.

Since 2009, more than 2900 scientists and engineers from 172 institutions in 37 countries have worked on the ATLAS experiment.

The ATLAS experiment’s primary objective is to detect particles created after high-energy proton on proton collisions. ATLAS will allow us to learn about the basic forces that have shaped our Universe since the beginning of time (if time has a beginning) and that will determine its fate. Research at ATLAS will provide answers to some of the most basic questions in physics such as the origin of mass, proof of existence of multiple dimensions, unification of fundamental forces, and evidence for dark matter candidates in the Universe. ATLAS brings experimental physics into new territory. Most exciting is the completely unknown surprise - new processes and particles that would change our understanding of energy and matter.

“Students who are successful strive to do more than meet the minimum level of academic performance. If they take this attitude toward their undergraduate education they will find a plethora of new experiences, challenges and opportunities waiting for them, like Mr. Seabron,” says Dr. Jackson.

Eric is standing holding ladder with Michigan teammate Kareem Hegazy (on ladder) in front of 20 ft. battery cells.

23-Jul-11 3:00 AM

NSBP and sister societies respond to National Science Board regarding broader impacts criteria

NSBP Headquarters - noemail@nsbp.org — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Merit Review Task Force
National Science Board
Room: 1225N
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22230, USA

Dear Merit Review Task Force,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed revised text for the Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts evaluation criteria.

Members of the National Technical Association and other minority professional organizations are very concerned about the potential negative impact of the proposed changes to the Merit Review Criteria. We are particularly, concerned about the reduced visibility to the importance of STEM diversification.

Firstly, the proposed changes to the broader impacts text can lead one to infer that diversity is an option and not required since one of the national goals addresses it explicitly. It appears to allow PIs to choose other goals and be evaluated without addressing diversity. Diversity appears to become an option rather than central to all programs and projects and activities, as stated in the existing criteria.

Secondly, utilizing the broad base national goals as the core principles makes it very difficult to develop a clear framework to benchmark or measure the creativity, educational impacts and potential benefits to society of the programs, projects, reviewed. Each national goal embodies a multiplicity of challenges that are interrelated and dependent on other goals. Several goals address education, while others address workforce which are essential to the development of global competitiveness, yet another goal. Measuring impact at the goal level can become problematic. It is easier to identify underlying issues/causes that should be addressed to advance national goal(s) rather than focus on the goals themselves.

We recommend that NSF make it clear that its commitment to diversity is unchanged and indicate how diversity will be factored into the evaluation of all programs, projects and activities regardless of which national goals are addressed.

To advance the frontier of knowledge and achieve global competitiveness, a well trained American born workforce is imperative. Given the projected population demographics, the eligible workforce will shift more to people of color who are underrepresented in STEM. It is more critical than ever that NSF support programs that address workforce development and STEM education improvements to ensure America realizes its STEM related national goals. Whereas, linking programs to national goals is important, it is crucial to first define the national problems that need to be resolved to realize national goals and support research/models that resolve these issues.

Based on these facts, we urge the Merit Review Task Force to focus on criteria changes that identify categories of problem/ issues it will support to advance national goals and at the same time support its commitment to diversity.

Sincerely,

National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
National Society of Black Physicists
National Technical Association

20-Jul-11 10:00 AM

US SKA Consortium votes to dissolve itself in light of decadal survey and budget realities

NSBP Headquarters - noemail@nsbp.org — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:00:00 GMT

At its meeting in Arlington, VA on June 7, the US Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Consortium voted to dissolve itself as of December 31, 2011. The consortium consists of US universities and research institutes that are studying and prototyping technologies under development for the SKA.

The decision follows from the 2010 astronomy decadal survey, which did not give the SKA a positive funding recommendation. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has decided to follow that recommendation. As a result the United States will no longer be officially part of the international SKA project.

But this does not mean that the Americans are not participating in the overall project, in fact the US radioastronomers still remain supportive of it. There are Americans on the engineering advisory committee. Also the deputy director of the astronomy division at NSF, Vernon Pankonin, chairs a committee that will be making a site selection recommendation, though officials are quick to point out that his participation is not in his official capacity, and in no way implies the participation of the agency. Pankonin's committee is set to recommend a site for the SKA, either Australia/New Zeland or Africa, in February 2012.

The National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) has been supportive of the African bid, including participation in the recent workshop on the SKA and human capacity development. Later this year, NSBP plans to launch the US-Africa Astronomy and Space Sciences Institute.

NSBP member, Eric Wilcots, also a member of the US SKA Consortium, feels that the dissolution decision will have little immediate impact on the international project. "The large part of the US financial involvement was only to materialize in the next decade. India, China and Canada have joined the effort since the time of the original planning. Whether or not these countries will participate financially in this decade to the extent that was envisioned for the US is unknown at this point."

Charles McGruder, also an NSBP and US SKA Consortium member, agrees. "The SKA is conceived to come together in phases. Phase 1 will likely proceed in this decade even if the US is not an official participant. Phase 1 includes epoch of reionization and NANOGRAF (pulsar timing) experiments, which did get postive funding recommendations in the decadal survey."

"Individual American astronomers will undoubtedly stay involved with the SKA through these research projects," adds NRAO's Ken Kellermann, a past chair of the International SKA Science and Engineering Committee.

This bodes well for the South African effort, Wilcots points out. The South Africa MeerKAT is much better suited for pulsar timing studies than the Australian ASKAP. The PAPER experiment was recently deployed in South Africa eventhough it was originally planned to be located in Australia. Also a US team intending to work with the Murchison Widefield Array, which is under construction in Australia, was recently informed by NSF of the agency's declination of their funding proposal.

There are efforts to find other sources of funding, public and private, to support the US involvement in the SKA project. There are intersections between US policy towards the SKA, broader American foreign policy interests, and interest in the diversity of the global scientific workforce. Some Members of Congress have become interested in the SKA as a mechanism for increased trade with Africa. Whether or not this leads to an administrative policy directive or congressionally mandated spending remains to be seen.

15-Jun-11 12:00 PM

Southern Africa’s SKA Bid: A Worthwhile Investment

Bobby Rush - noemail@nsbp.org — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:00:00 GMT

By Congressman Bobby Rush

Southern Africa is quickly establishing itself as a hub for astronomy, scientific expertise and in doing so, is creating an unrivalled opportunity for the development of skills and expertise that will allow Africa and its people to be significant contributors to the global knowledge economy.

In 2012, a consortium of major international science funding agencies will select a location to house the world’s most powerful radio telescope, The Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The SKA promises to revolutionize science by answering some of the most fundamental questions that remain about the origin, nature and evolution of the universe. With about 3 000 receptors linked together and a total collecting area of one square kilometre, the SKA will have 50 times the sensitivity and 10,000 times the survey speed of the best current-day radio telescopes. The SKA will enable scientists to gain insight into the origins of the universe and provide answers to fundamental questions in astronomy and physics.

Currently, two locations are under consideration: Africa, under the leadership of South Africa, and Australia/New Zealand, under the leadership of Australia. South Africa’s SKA bid proposes that the core of the telescope be located in the Northern Cape Province, with additional antenna stations in Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Ghana and Zambia.

South Africa has already demonstrated its excellent science and engineering skills by designing and starting to build the MeerKAT telescope, an SKA precursor telescope. Five years before MeerKAT becomes operational, more than 43,000 hours of observing time have already been allocated to radio astronomers from Africa and around the world, who have applied for time to do research with this unique and world-leading instrument. US astronomers are leading some of these research teams.

There is already active collaboration between the South Africans and UC Berkeley, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Caltech on the PAPER and CBASS telescopes respectively, which are currently hosted on the South African radio astronomy reserve. Collaboration is also taking place between these US research institutions and the MeerKAT team on the development of technologies for the MeerKAT and US telescopes.

The SKA in Southern Africa represents an unrivalled opportunity to transform Africa through science and technology by driving the world’s best and brightest to the region, and providing the continent’s youth with a world-class incentive to study science and provide the world answers to the planet’s oldest questions.

The SKA in Southern Africa will create a critical mass of young people in Africa with world-class expertise in technologies that will be paramount in the global economy in the coming years. New technologies, scientific discoveries and infrastructure development taking place in Africa will contribute to the creation of entirely new industries and spur development in many fields of human endeavor, while transforming Africa as a major hub for science in the world and creating a new continent of opportunity for American business to cultivate and develop partnerships throughout Africa.

The construction of major science infrastructure in Southern Africa, such as the $2 billion SKA project, will also represents an important opportunity for U.S. business to cultivate and develop partnerships in the region that can lead to new technologies, new industries and economic development both here in the USA and throughout Africa.

The SKA represents a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of skills and expertise that will allow Africa and its people to be significant contributors to the global knowledge economy. We should support southern Africa in its quest to become contributors to global science and equal partners in the knowledge economy.

Bobby Rush is the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 1st congressional district, serving since 1993. He is a member of the Democratic Party. A long-time advocate of increased trade with Africa, he has introduced H.R. 656, the African Investment and Diaspora Act, to advance the mutual interests of the United States and Africa with respect to the promotion of trade and investment and the advancement of socioeconomic development and opportunity.

15-Jun-11 9:00 AM

NSBP President Delfyett Shares Recent Advances in Optical Signal Processing

Michelle Campbell - noemail@nsbp.org — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:00:00 GMT

Courtesy of Michelle Campbell, Technical Communication Office

Naval Air Warfare Center - Weapons Division

National Society of Black Physicists President Dr. Peter Delfyett was the Distinguished Colloquium Speaker at the Naval Air Warfare Center - Weapons Division at China Lake on Aug. 12 and explained recent advancements in optical signal processing.

Today’s warfighter relies on current developments in high-speed optical communication and signal processing fields. Recently, traditional optical communication methods have undergone a transformation as a result of optical frequency and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), in which multiple optical carrier signals can be combined into one signal on one optical fiber through the use of infrared (IR) wavelengths.

However, designing optical systems using hundreds of wavelengths is challenging. Delfyett, a University Trustee Chair Professor of Optics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Physics at the University of Central Florida, has been developing a compact, efficient optical source that can produce many optical frequencies and wavelength channels from a single device. With great enthusiasm, Delfyett explained the benefits of a mode-locked semiconductor laser that can generate coherent, phase stabilized optical frequency combs.

Selecting a source laser is an important component of developing an effective communication system. According to Delfyett, the advantages of using semiconductor lasers instead of solid-state lasers are numerous. “A conventional, solid-state laser is large and electrically inefficient,” he explained. “It operates at a relatively low speed of 100 megahertz (MHz). A semiconductor provides the right wavelength for the Depart of Defense (DoD), [from] 300 nanometers (nm) to greater than 10 microns (µm), via bandgap engineering. [A semiconductor laser] can be powered by watch batteries and is small (hundreds of microns) and lightweight.” Semiconductor lasers are also electrically efficient.

Delfyett also shared the benefits of using harmonic mode-locked lasers, which contain equidistant multiple pulses circulating within the resonator, rather than fundamental mode-locked lasers, which contain a single pulse circulating within the resonator. One benefit is that harmonic mode-locked lasers produce higher pulse repetition rates. However, harmonic mode-locked lasers can contain instabilities such as supermode noise. Delfyett and his team counter this with supermode suppression.

Audience member Philip Land, a member of NSBP, believes Delfyett’s research will greatly benefit the DoD, particularly those serving in the field. Fs mode-locked semiconductor laser-based optical frequency combs increase the speed of communication and simplify the operation and management of high capacity optical interconnects and links.

“Linkups, [such as] Link 16, are not as efficient,” said Land. “New technologies make communication more efficient, which decreases the time lag. New technologies could make communication instantaneous.”

The Colloquium Series offers NAWCWD personnel an opportunity to stay abreast of trends in defense‑applicable fields as well as to collaborate with top level researchers.

Semiconductor laser diode produces stabilized optical frequency combs for telecommunications, metrology, signal processing and spectroscopy

23-Nov-10 4:00 AM

Former NSBP President Charles McGruder Conducts Public Lecture Tour in South Africa

Charles McGruder - noemail@nsbp.org — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Former NSBP President Charles McGruder, International Astronomical Union (IAU) President Bob Williams and former NASA astronaut John Hoffman are giving a series of public lectures in South Africa. The lectures will be given in Pretoria, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Durban and Hermanus to increase awareness of science through astronomy.

Since 2009 the IAU has embarked on a strategic plan for education and development. The IAU recently selected South Africa as the location of its Office of Astronomy Development. Taking advantage of it multitude of clear nights and dark skies, several African nations and the African Union have likewise committed themselves to investing in astronomy and space sciences.

Currently a consortium of African countries led by South Africa is bidding to host the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) radio telescope. The engineering development model for the African SKA has already collected its first fringes. The African SKA precursor, the Karoo Array Telescope (MeerKAT) will be a world class telescope in its own right.

Though it is five years from being operational, the MeerKAT has already assigned more than 43,000 hours of observing time to radio astronomers from Africa and around the world. MeerKAT and the SKA would join the Southern Africa Large Telescope (SALT), High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS), Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) and Hermanus Magnetic Observatory as major astronomy facilities in southern Africa.

More information.

8-Nov-10 11:00 AM

2010 NSBP Annual Conference

Lawrence Norris - noemail@nsbp.org — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:04:49 GMT

Dear Members and Supporters of NSBP,

First, I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous new year.

I am writing to inform you that the NSBP/NSHP Annual Meeting which was scheduled for February 11-13, 2010 will now be held as an NSBP Meeting on Saturday only, February 13^th from 8:00 am to 6:30pm at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC.

The full meeting had to be greatly shortened due to a substantial reduction of anticipated funding for the meeting.

We anticipate that there will be two technical sessions in the morning from 8:30-12:00, followed by the NSBP Business meeting, where we will hold elections for officers, provide a financial status of the organization, hold discussions for future NSBP activities/conferences, and answer any questions regarding the recent series of events.

There will be a joint plenary session that has been jointly organized by AAPT, APS, NSBP, and NSHP at 4:00 pm on the future of physics education.

Please plan to attend. You can register for the meeting and secure lodging by going to

http://www.nsbp.org/conference

The reason for the short fall of funding for the conference is best summarized by noting the following scenario and sequences of events:

As you may know, the NSBP Annual Meeting had primary funding from the National Science Foundation, with additional, albeit, smaller funding from other federal agencies. The original grant was for 5 years, which started in 2004 and went through 2008. NSBP needs to sign a contract with the conference hotel more than 1 year prior to holding the meeting and provide substantial down payments to secure the venue. Additional substantial payments must also be made to contract with the conference services that assists NSBP in securing travel for the student attendees. To make these payments, typically, some Board members have to extended loans to the society, since the NSF grant works on a reimbursement basis only, i.e., there are no cash advances. For the 2004 meeting, NSBP received its first round of funding shortly after the meeting, which allowed us to pay the encumbered debt to Board members, conference venue, and other conference related activities. This process worked effectively from 2004-2008.

As the NSF grant was nearing its end in 2008, NSBP, jointly with NSHP, submitted a renewal to NSF in late summer of 2008. This grant renewal was to continue the conference for several years, starting in 2009. In January, 2009, one month before the 2009 Annual Meeting, members of both NSBP and NSHP met with NSF officials left believing that funding would be coming, and as you may all recall, we had a very successful 2009 Annual Meeting.

In June, NSBP was informed that our submitted proposal from 2008 would be funded, however, the funding could only be used for the next conference year of 2010.

This unfortunate circumstance prevented NSBP from covering the encumbrance we accrued from the 2009 conference.

In October, NSF met with board members of NSBP and NSHP and NSF voiced their concern regarding the financial status of the 2009 conference. It was at this meeting that NSF withdrew their positive recommendation for an award. To try to mitigate the severity of the situation, NSF suggested that SURA serve as the contract awardee, and assist NSBP and NSHP in managing the conference, with the NSBP/NSHP program committee continuing to handle all programmatic aspects of the meeting .

During the next two months, a new proposal had to be written, along with a new budget, and negotiations with the conference venue, conference services, and, most importantly SURA, who, if they decided that they would manage the meeting, would be assuming the financial risk of the conference.

Clearly, this was a monumental task, trying to obtain positive outcomes from extremely sensitive negotiations, and all those involved had given it their all to have a positive outcome. Unfortunately, by the time all the components were in place, it was decided that it was too late to hold the conference. This led NSBP to remove the large student component of the meeting and reduce the meeting length from 3 days to a single day.

Going forward the NSBP leadership is working on various aspects of the organization that will reach out to its membership, as well as new revenue sources to not only meet our past expenses but also to diversify the financial resources for our future conferences and other programs. We are also working with our long-time supporters and partners, such as Brookhaven National Lab, to make sure that we have the kind of conference in 2011 that we had in 2004-2009. These are key topics and points for discussion that we will address during our business meeting.

This news, for many, is very saddening, since this meeting was the primary event that allowed Black and Hispanic physicists and engineers to come together and present their research findings, share their academic experiences with each other and seek out mentoring advice from professionals. This conference was seen by all as a keystone in the support and broadening of diversity in the sciences. It is our hope that your attendance will speak loudly to the support of this mission.

I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Peter Delfyett

President, NSBP

2010 NSBP Annual Conference
Sponsor: National Society of Black Physicists
Day: Saturday 13-Feb-10 8:00 AM
Location: Omni Shoreham Hotel 2500 Calvert Street NW (at Connecticut Ave.) Washington, DC 20008
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

18-Jan-10 11:04 AM

2010 NSBP Annual Conference

Lawrence Norris - noemail@nsbp.org — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:29:11 GMT

Dear Members and Supporters of NSBP,

First, I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous new year.

The full meeting had to be greatly shortened due to a substantial reduction of anticipated funding for the meeting. We anticipate that there will be two technical sessions in the morning from 8:30-12:00, followed by the NSBP Business meeting, where we will hold elections for officers, provide a financial status of the organization, hold discussions for future NSBP activities/conferences, and answer any questions regarding the recent series of events. . There will be a joint plenary session that has been organized by AAPT, APS, NSBP, and NSHP at 4:00 pm on the future of physics education.

Please plan to attend. You can register for the meeting and secure lodging by going to

http://www.nsbp.org/conference

The reason for the short fall of funding for the conference is best summarized by noting the following scenario and sequences of events:

In June, NSBP was informed that our submitted proposal from 2008 would be funded, however, the funding could only be used for the next conference year of 2010.

This unfortunate circumstance prevented NSBP from covering the encumbrance we accrued from the 2009 conference.

I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Peter Delfyett

President, NSBP

18-Jan-10 9:29 AM

Two NSBP Members Win Major Awards

NSBP Headquarters - noemail@nsbp.org — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Professor Adrienne Stiff-Roberts wins Presidential Early Career Award

Dr. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts was recently awarded one of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

The PECASE awards were commissioned by President Clinton to honor and support the extraordinary achievements of young scientists and engineers at the outset of their independent research careers. These Presidential awards are the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers just beginning their independent careers.

Dr. Stiff-Roberts is an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Duke University. Her research involves the design, fabrication, and characterization of opto-electronic/photonic devices, particularly those in the infrared spectrum. She also does research on multifunctional sensors featuring hybrid nanomaterials.

She is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Michigan.

Professor Nadya Mason wins Denise Denton Award
Dr. Nadya Mason is the 2009 winner of the Denise Denton Emerging Leader Award. Dr. Mason is currently and assistant professor of physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is co-chair of the NSBP Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Section.

Given by the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (ABI), the Denice Denton Emerging Leader Award is given each year to a junior non-tenured faculty member under the age of 40 at an academic or research institution pursuing high-quality research in any field of engineering or physical sciences while contributing significantly to promoting diversity in his/her environment. The Denice Denton Award is underwritten by Microsoft.

Dr. Mason's research focuses on electron behavior in low-dimensional, correlated materials, where enhanced novel interactions are expected to give novel results. She is particularly interested in the effect of reduced dimensionality and correlations on electron coherence, and uses novel fabrication techniques to study quantum properties of carbon nanotubes, quantum dots and wires. She has several publications in top-flight journals including Nature, Science and Physical Review Letters.

In addition to her research, Dr. Mason is a spokesperson for increasing diversity in physics and for creating a climate in academia that embraces and supports minorities and women.

She is a graduate of Harvard University and Stanford University.

26-Aug-09 9:00 AM

South African S&T Minister to visit US, Speak at NSBP conference

noemail@nsbp.org — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The South African Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. Naledi Pandor, will be visiting the United States next week, and will be the opening keynote speaker at the annual conference of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) on Thursday, September 22 in Austin, TX. Receiving Minister Pandor is a special honor for NSBP, says Charles McGruder, chair of NSBP's international affairs committee and a past-president of the organization. It is a culmination of many years of NSBP's international collaborations; from the Edward Bouchet Abdus Salam Insitute, to our involvement with physics and astronomy programs throughout the African continent, and especially our role in helping establish the African Astronomical Society and the African Physical Society. Mrs. Pandor was appointed Minister of Science and Technology in May 2009. During her tenure South Africa has invested heavily in science and technology, including the SKA/MeerKAT telescope projects, as...

Hampton University Physics Graduate Excels in Career in the Navy

noemail@nsbp.org — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Hampton University Physics Graduate Excels in Career in the Navy.
Captain Samuel Norton has been able to apply his knowledge of physics at almost every step of his naval career. He was with one of the first ships to deploy to Haiti offering humanitarian assistance.

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NSBP Member Amongst First Females Chosen for Submarine Duty

noemail@nsbp.org — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:00:00 GMT

NSBP Member Amongst First Females Chosen for Submarine Duty
Lisa Brodsky graduated magna cum laude from Hampton University's physics program and earns a selection to the Navy's nuclear power program for service on submarines.

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President and Mrs. Obama to Host White House Star Party

noemail@nsbp.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday October 7th, the President will award the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in a ceremony at the White House.

In the evening, the President and First Lady will host an event at the White House for middle-school students to highlight the President's commitment to science, engineering and math education as the foundation of this nation's global technological and economic leadership and to express his support for astronomy in particular - for its capacity to promote a greater awareness of our place in the universe, expand human knowledge, and inspire the next generation by showing them the beauty and mysteries of the night sky.

President Obama will kick-off the event with a brief address that will be streamed live on the whitehouse.gov website (estimated beginning at 8 pm EDT).

The program at the White House includes more than 20 telescopes set up on the White House lawn focused on Jupiter, the Moon and select stars; interactive dome presentations, and hands on activities including scale models of the Solar System, impact cratering, and investigating meteorites and Moon rocks.

Professor Jim Gates Sworn In as a Member of the Maryland State Board of Education

noemail@nsbp.org — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley administered the oath of office to Dr. Sylvester (Jiim) Gates for a seat on the Maryland State Board of Education.

Governor O'Malley had nominated Professor Gates to the board back in March 2009 when he remaked, “I am especially proud to make a number of appointments to fill key leadership positions on our State Board of Education, the University System Board of Regents and the Community Colleges Boards of Trustees to continue the progress we have made in building the No. 1 ranked school system in America, and making college more affordable for our families.”

Professor Gates was also recently appointed by President Obama to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). PCAST is council of leading scientists and engineers that advise and help formulate policy for the President and Vice President in the many areas where understanding of science, technology, and innovation is important.

The Maryland State Board of Education is a 12-member body appointed by the Governor. Members bring to their task a wide range of professional and civic experiences. Members serve staggered four-year terms and may serve two full terms.

Dr. Gates is a noted theoretical physicist. He has been featured on NOVA PBS programs on physics, most notably “The Elegant Universe” in 2003. He is currently the John S. Toll Professor of Physics at the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Gates received both his Bachelor of Science and PhD degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His doctoral thesis was the first thesis at MIT to deal with supersymmetry, and is known for his work on supersymmetry, supergravity, and superstring theory. He was President of the National Society of Black Physicists from 1993-1995.

NSBP Members Participate in SciFest Africa

noemail@nsbp.org — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT

NSBP members, Charles McGruder and Hakeem Oluseyi, are participating in SciFest Africa this week as special representatives of the United States.

Held annually in late March as South Africa's national science festival, SciFest Africa is a fun-filled event specially styled to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics accessible to and of interest to every-day people. Each year SciFest Africa offers over 550 events and activities, including exhibitions, educational theatre, lectures, hands-on workshops, excursions, a soap box derby, laser-shows, quizzes, Science Olympics,and whiz-bang science shows. It is the biggest science festival in sub-Saharan Africa. The 2008 Festival was attended by no less than 58,000 people.

Dr. McGruder, a former president of NSBP, will be giving two public lectures, one on the STARBASE project and another on the search for extra-solar planets. In a separate event Dr. Oluseyi will be lecturing on how dark matter and dark energy help explain the motion of galaxies.

Dr. McGruder is the director of NSBP's program to build capacity in astronomy in Southern Africa. While in South Africa he will also be meeting will government officials about South Africa's bid for the SKA telescope. Dr. Oluseyi has been a faculty member in NSBP's program, having taught classes in astrophysics in the National Astrophysics and Space Science Program at the University of Cape Town. Their participation in SciFest Africa is sponsored by the US State Department's Bureau of International Information Programs.

Governor Nominates Former NSBP President to the State Board of Education

noemail@nsbp.org — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has nominated Dr. Sylvester (Jiim) Gates for a seat on the Maryland State Board of Education. In making these appointment Governor O'Malley remarked, I am especially proud to make a number of appointments to fill key leadership positions on our State Board of Education, the University System Board of Regents and the Community Colleges Boards of Trustees to continue the progress we have made in building the No. 1 ranked school system in America, and making college more affordable for our families. Getting our members in position to take on key public policy positions like this one has been a key initiative of the National Society of Black Physicists, says Dr. Charles McGruder, who was the president of the organization when the initiative started. Jim Gates was the first chair of NSBP's Public Policy Committee. Since the initiative began several years ago NSBP has conducted several policy briefings on Capitol Hill and at its annual conference. ...

Secretary of the Navy, Dr. Donald C. Winter, to be keynote speaker at conference of Black and Hispanic Physicists

noemail@nsbp.org — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Secretary of the Navy, Dr. Donald C. Winter, will be the Friday luncheon speaker at the 2008 Joint Annual Conference of the National Society of Black Physicists and the National Society of Hispanic Physicists on Friday, February 22, 2008. Dr. Winter is the 74th Secretary of the Navy, sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2006. As Secretary of the Navy, he leads America's Navy and Marine Corps Team and is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $125 billion and almost 900,000 people. Prior to becoming Secretary of the Navy, Dr. Winter served as a corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector. In that position he oversaw operation of the business and its 18,000 employees, providing information technology systems and services; systems engineering and analysis; systems development and integration; scientific, engineering, and technical services; and enterprise management services. Dr. Winter also served on the company's corporate policy council. ...

FAMU Physicists Discover Nanoscale Turbulence

noemail@nsbp.org — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:00:00 GMT

TALLAHASSEE—Florida A&M University’s (FAMU’s) distinguished professor of science and engineering, Dr. Joseph A. Johnson, III, along with Dr. Stephen Roberson (FAMU doctorate, Fall 2006), and Dr. Charlemagne Akpovo of FAMU have found first evidence of turbulent behavior in ionized gases which have a lifetime of less than 100 nanoseconds. (A nanosecond is one thousandth of one millionth of one second.) Laser induced plasmas in Nitrogen, Argon, Xenon, Neon and Krypton were studied using measuring speeds at rates in excess of 10 x109 per second. Turbulent flow fluctuations which influence mixing on such short time scales will cause dramatic changes in applications such as ion implantation in semiconductors. Such fluctuations will drastically change the reaction dynamics in the synthesis of new nano-materials. Furthermore, computations and modeling for the molecular dynamics in nanotechnology must now include new physics driven by turbulence in order to correctly predict the manufacturing...

NOBEL LAUREATE JOHN C. MATHER TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT NSBP/NSHP CONFERENCE

noemail@nsbp.org — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT

NASA scientist Dr. John C. Mather will be the dinner keynote speaker at the 2008 Joint Annual Conference of the National Society of Black Physicists and the National Society of Hispanic Physicists on Thursday, February 21. The event will be at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Dr. Mather is a Senior Astrophysicist in the Observational Cosmology Laboratory at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. His research centers on infrared astronomy and cosmology. In 2006 Mather was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with George Smoot, for ...of the black body form and anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background radiation. Work on the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) began in 1974 at NASA Goddard. It was launched in 1989 to measure microwave and infrared light from the early universe. COBE determined that the cosmic microwave background, which is essentially the afterglow of the Big Bang, has a temperature of 2.725 +/- 0.002 Kelvin, or about minus 455 degrees Fahrenheit. This...

Iowa State University REU Microscale Sensing Actuation and Imaging

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Iowa State University REU Microscale Sensing Actuation and Imaging Description: The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University hosts a summer research experience for undergraduate students. The program will create novel research experiences for undergraduate students in the areas of design and manufacturing of micro/nanoscale sensors, actuators, and smart materials, as well as advanced imaging and diagnostic systems. REU students will be active members of interdisciplinary groups and will interact with faculty, post-docs, graduate students, and industry. The students will participate in cohort experiences such as short courses, joint seminars/meetings, workshops, tours of research facilities, and field trips. At the end of the program, REU students will participate in a joint poster symposium with students from other undergraduate summer research programs from across campus. To complement the research experience and provide opportunities for...

Iowa State University REU Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Iowa State University REU Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship Description: The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program encourages undergraduate students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research experiences at the Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories. Selected students participate as interns appointed at one of 17 DOE National Laboratories. They perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects related to ongoing programs. The SULI program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science's, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in collaboration with the DOE National Laboratories. Applications for the SULI program are solicited annually for three separate internship terms. Internship appointments are 10 weeks in duration for the Summer Term (May through August) or 16 weeks in duration for the...

REU Participant

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: REU Participant Description: The Notre Dame Physics REU program, now in its 26th year, provides opportunities for undergraduate students to experience research first-hand, under direct supervision of faculty mentors. Research projects are available in the areas of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biophysics and Complex systems, Cosmology, High-energy Physics, High-temperature Superconductivity, Nuclear Physics, Physics Education, and Semiconductor Physics. The 2012 program will begin on May 27th and run for 10 weeks. Selected students will receive a stipend (currently, $4,600), free campus accommodation, and RT travel to Notre Dame. Typical participant of our program is a rising senior; however, some slots are filled every year by strong rising juniors. We especially welcome applications from women students and those belonging to the under-reprented minority groups. Required Experience: Typically, rising seniors and rising juniors. Others may be admitted, if they...

Iowa State University REU Non-Equilibrium Materials Research Experience for Undergraduates

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Iowa State University REU Non-Equilibrium Materials Research Experience for Undergraduates
Description:

The Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering at Iowa State University will be hosting a Research Experience for Undergraduate students (REU). This REU site program will be focused on non-equilibrium materials and will be a venue for providing exciting, challenging, level appropriate, and well mentored summer research experiences to create excitement in the REU students, especially those underrepresented, and propel their careers in the Physical Sciences and Engineering. The research areas will expose students to nearly all of the different materials types, metallic, ceramic, polymeric, and biological, and to nearly all aspects of non-equilibrium materials, structures, properties and processes.

Required Experience:
Education Required:
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Steve Martin

Contact info:

Steve Martin (Add to Contacts)

Iowa State University

Iowa State University REU National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Iowa State University REU National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Biorenewable Chemicals Description: REU students will work toward achieving CBiRC's core mission of transforming the US chemical industry by integrating biological and chemical catalysis systems to produce biorenewable chemicals. The REU students will work in CBiRC labs conducting fundamental research to address the underlying technical challenges in the development of new integrated catalytic systems for the conversion of bio-based feedstocks to industrial chemicals. In 2012, the REU program will enroll a class of 16 students, with all students spending the first five days in the program at the Iowa State University Site. While a large portion of the REU students will remain at Iowa State University, a number of the students will then travel to one of the partner institutions (depending on their research interests) to complete their summer program at a partner lab, while maintaining...

Iowa State University REU Biogeosciences Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Iowa State University REU Biogeosciences Research Experiences for Undergraduates Description: Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences in Biogeosciences at Iowa State University will provide research experiences and professional development for talented undergraduate students in the biogeosciences, defined broadly as research that links biophysical, geophysical, and geochemical approaches to understanding the Earthâ€™s systems. Students will gain practical research skills in computer modeling, field methods, and experimental design by conducting independent projects under the guidance of experienced faculty and research scientists. Faculty mentors will benefit through opportunities to direct summer projects with enthusiastic and talented undergraduates who are seeking specialized training in new research areas. Other activities of our REU Site Program are designed for social, leadership, and professional development of the undergraduate participants. A...

Iowa State University REU Wind Energy Science, Engineering, and Policy

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Iowa State University REU Wind Energy Science, Engineering, and Policy
Description:

Iowa State University offers an intensive 10-week on-campus research program in Wind Energy Science, Engineering, and Policy (WESEP) for undergraduate students. Ten fellowships are sponsored each year by the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students will work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams with faculty and graduate students to receive training and get hands-on research experience in areas that address critical, long-term national needs in wind energy-related areas.

On-campus housing and a meal plan will be provided to students accepted into this program. Students also will receive up to $600 of travel expenses to and from Ames and a $5,000 stipend. Outside of the research experience, social events with other REU students at Iowa State also will be available.

Required Experience:
Education Required: Undergraduate Student
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: James McCalley or Gene Takle

Contact info:

Dr. James McCalley; Dr. Gene Takle (Add to Contacts)

Iowa State University

Jack E. Crow Postdoctoral Fellowship

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Jack E. Crow Postdoctoral Fellowship Description: The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory offers a 2-year post-doctoral fellowship: the Jack E. Crow Postdoctoral Fellowship. The Jack E. Crow Postdoctoral Fellowship Program was named for the founding director of the NHMFL, whose long-time commitment to education and research at all levels is well known. The fellowships will be open to all science and engineering disciplines at the NHMFL. The Jack E. Crow Postdoctoral Fellowship Program will pay fellows $50,000 per year, plus benefits. Minority applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit the following: A one page statement of prior research activities and future research interests that will be pursued at the NHMFL if granted a fellowship; a one-page letter of support from a proposed fellowship sponsor at the NHMFL who best represents the research in the area proposed; curriculum vitae including publications and teaching...

Iowa State University REU Interdisciplinary Research and Education Emerging Interface Technologies

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Iowa State University REU Interdisciplinary Research and Education Emerging Interface Technologies
Description:

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. This solicitation features two mechanisms for support of student research: (1) REU Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct projects that engage a number of students in research. REU Sites may be based in a single discipline or academic department, or on interdisciplinary or multi-department research opportunities with a coherent intellectual theme. Proposals with an international dimension are welcome. A partnership with the Department of Defense supports REU Sites in DoD-relevant research areas. (2) REU Supplements may be requested for ongoing NSF-funded research projects or may be included as a component of proposals for new or renewal NSF grants or cooperative agreements.

Required Experience:
Education Required: Undergraduate Student
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Position reports to: Steven Gilbert

Contact info:

Steven Gilbert (Add to Contacts)

Iowa State University

Wiess Instructorship in Physics and Astronomy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Title: Wiess Instructorship in Physics and Astronomy Description: RICE UNIVERSITY Wiess Instructorship in Physics and Astronomy The Physics and Astronomy Department at Rice University invites applications from recent Ph.D. graduates for an instructorship in physics and astronomy, commencing July/August 2012. This is a non-tenure-track position for a three-year term with the possibility of reappointment for a second three-year term. The instructor will be involved in teaching and in development of innovative teaching methods, with a load equivalent to two courses per semester. There would also be opportunities to pursue independent research or collaborations with on-going research programs in the department (see web page http://physics.rice.edu). Applicants should send a dossier consisting of a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching and research interests, and a list of publications as a single PDF file, and should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to:...

Theoretical Physicist

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Desired Position Title: Theoretical Physicist Experience:

Collaboration with research professors at Willowstick Technologies LLC, Brookhaven National Lab and Los Alamos National Lab.

Skills:

Computer Graphics programming.

Certifications: Bachelors Ideal Job Description:

My ideal job would be working in a lab as an experimental theoretical physicist, pushing the envelope in the areas of gravitation, electromagnetism and nuclear physics.

Preferred Work Schedule: 9am-5pm Desired Compensation: negotiable Location: California Willing to Relocate: True

I am looking for a Job in AMO physics as a Post Doc. or in industry.

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:45:00 GMT

Desired Position Title: I am looking for a Job in AMO physics as a Post Doc. or in industry. Experience: B.A. in Physics and Classics - The College of the Holy Cross (2002) Masters in Physics - Colorado State University (2005) Currently working towards my Ph.D. at Colorado State University Skills: - UHV vacuum systems - Lasers Systems *specifically: ND-YAG, Argon & Krypton Lasers, and Diode Laser Systems *I have the knowledge and ability to work with any laser systems - Laser Spectroscopy - Optics - Cryogenic Systems - Noble Gas Purification and Condensation - Computer Programming *Matlab *Labview Ideal Job Description: For the last 5 years of Graduate school, I have been working somewhat exclusively in the field of AMO physics and cryogenics. My previously written array of skills, naturally translate to career choice in which I will be able to quickly utilize those skills....

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:55:34 GMT

Promoting the professional well-being of African American physicists and physics students within the international scientific community and within society at large. Latest Updates South African S&T Minister, Africa is Open for S&T Collaborations The South African Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. Naledi Pandor, visted the United States and was the opening keynote speaker at the annual NSBP conference. Learn More NSBP Member,...

Issues of Equity in Physics Access and Enrollment

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:34:28 GMT

High school physics is a gateway course for post-secondary study in science, medicine, and engineering, as well as an essential component in the formation of students' scientific literacy. Yet, despite reports to the contrary, the availability of physics as a course for high school students is not equitably distributed throughout the United States. While some schools provide physics for all who wish to take it, a more common scenario is limited availability. This is particularly true in urban districts, where physics is not universally available in secondary school. The existence of policies that restrict science opportunities for secondary students results in diminished outcomes in terms of scientific proficiency. Recently researchers at Columbia University examined the 316 secondary schools in the New York City Public School system to identify factors related to availability of physics courses. New York City's (population 8.1 million) public schools system is the...

Membership Information

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:13:56 GMT

NSBP is a global professional society uniting African American, Afro-Caribbean and African physicists and astronomers in their pursuit of understanding matter and energy, and using that to benefit mankind.

"...membership is open to All who affirm the goals of the Organization."

Eligibility

Membership in NSBP is open to all individuals and institutions that affirm the goals of the organization. The qualifying criterion for regular membership is possession of an earned college degree (BS, MS, Ph.D.) in physics, or a closely related science or engineering. Associate membership is open to students who have not yet earned a degree in physics, a closely related science, or engineering; or to professionals who otherwise are employed in an area of physics.

Annual Dues

Professional Members- Faculty, Staff, Industry (Regular and Associate)		$85
Postdocs		$30
Graduate Students		$20
Undergraduate Students		$10

Benefits of Membership

Public Policy Advocacy
Discounts on American Institute of Physics (AIP) publications
Participation in all NSBP projects and programs
Weekly e-Newsbrief
Career services and mentoring
Opportunity to become a member volunteer in Society activities

Join NSBP Now

NSBP Officers and Editors

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:00:13 GMT

President Peter Delfyett University of Central Florida
President-Elect Paul Gueye Hampton University

Administrative Executive Officer Hakeem Oluseyi Florida Institute of Technology	Technical Executive Officer Paul Gueye (acting) Hampton University


Editor, NSBP Publications Hakeem Oluseyi

NSBP Scholarships

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 13:50:40 GMT

Willie Hobbs Moore Scholarship Harry L. Morrison Scholarship Arthur BC Walker Scholarship The National Society of Black Physicists is pleased to offer scholarships commemorating Drs. Willie Hobbs Moore, Harry L. Morrison and Arthur BC Walker. Dr. Moore was the first African American female to earn the Ph.D. degree in physics. After completing her degree at the University of Michigan and working there for several years as a research scientist, she spent a long and successful career at Ford Motor Company. Dr. Morrison was a legendary figure in the field of mathematical statistical physics, and an inspirational mentor to generations of African American physicists. He was on the physics faculty at UC Berkeley for nearly 30 years, and was an assistant dean until his death in 2002. He was strong student advocate, especially science and engineering students. In the early 70's he was amongst the early UC Berkeley faculty supporters of a degree-granting Black Studies...

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 13:36:50 GMT

History The Pre-College Program Committee (PPC) of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) was initated in June 2005 with the joint efforts of Dr. Paul Guèye (Physics Department, Hampton University), Dr. Aisha Fields (Physics Department, Alabama A&M University) and Ms. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein (Physics Department, University of California, Santa Cruz). In 2007, Dr. Teri Robinson (Jackson State University) and Samiyah Farid (Alabama A&M University) were added to the team. Goals The Pre-College Program Committee of the National Society of Black Physicists was created to foster the education, knowledge and provide opportunities in physics education to pre-college students, in particular the African-American community. Symbol PPC symbol, the Baobab tree, has been chosen because it represents: endurance (survival and life in sometimes harsh conditions), conservation, creativity, ingenuity, protection and dialogue (place to gather and meet). It is...

test page for conf 2011

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:47:16 GMT

test using template-conference-2011.dwt

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:12:31 GMT

For more information contact:
conference.info@nsbp.org

The Physics Diversity Summit and the Joint Annual Conference of the National Society of Black Physicist and National Society of Hispanic Physicists brings together over 500 African American and Hispanic American physics students and professionals. This conference has a cutting-edge scientific program as well as a student professional development program that includes mentor-protege match-making and a recruiting fair.

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:04:01 GMT

"...membership is open to All who affirm the goals of the Organization."

Site User Home

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:45:23 GMT

Testing for Vanishing Dimensions LISA, a future gravitational wave detector, could find evidence that the early universe had fewer than three spatial dimensions. PRL (11 March 2011) Waves & Packets NSBP e-Newsbrief Quick Links Adding Content Add an Event Add an Article Add a Job Add a Resume Add a Press Release Manage Your Info My Profile My Jobs My Resumes My Events My Usergroups My Invoices NSBP Membership Become a New Member Edit Membership Profile ...

nsbp-nshp 2008--1392

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:11:26 GMT