The members of the Concordia College physics department are engaged in active research at the cutting edge of physics and astronomy. Many of these projects offer opportunities for undergraduates to work with faculty on the latest discoveries. Some of the areas of research include:

Atomic and Molecular Physics
Dr. Mark Gealy is an expert in the field of atomic collisions. He recently spent a year at the J.R. Macdonald Laboratory where he conducted experiments and developed new instrumentation for studies of collisions of fast heavy one-electron ions with H2 and He gas targets. You can find out more about Dr. Gealy's work by visiting his research page.

Nuclear Physics
Dr. Bryan Luther studies the properties of rare isotopes using the coupled cyclotron at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. As part of the MoNA Collaboration, Dr. Luther and his student researchers are currently involved in the experiemnts utilizing the Modular Neutron Detector (MoNA). Check out the MoNA website for the latest details.

Planetary Physics
Dr. Heidi Manning investigates the evolution and origin of the solar system. She uses the Dust Particle Accelerator housed at Concordia College to conduct laboratory experiments to simulate the physical and chemical processes caused by impacts of interplanetary dust particles on objects such as spacecraft and the icy moons of the outer planets. Her work also includes testing space flight instrumentation for detecting interplanetary and interstellar dust particles. For more information visit Dr. Manning's research page.

High Altitude Balloonsats
Dr. Paul Seifert is developing systems for a balloon launch platform. These balloon satellites will be used to measure a variety of physical properties of the atmosphere up to altitudes of 100,000 feet. With his student researchers Dr. Seifert building and testing instruments for the balloon payloads. To learn more about the balloonsats visit the Concordia College High Altitude Balloon page.