The Faculty Perspective

At Drew, the educational experience reaches far beyond the physics class room, providing students with a multi-faceted framework for learning. Some of the major possibilities for you in the Drew physics program include:

• Learning physics in small classes with individual attention under the direction of experienced faculty. A typical upper-level physics class size is 5-8 students.

 
• Solving interesting physics problems or automating a lab experiment using the latest computer interactive capabilities.

 
• Working on an independent research project of your choosing, in such areas as optics in our photonics lab, computer modeling, or topics in astrophysics. For the latter, Drew operates a a 16" research grade optical telescope with CCD camera and computer workstation for image processing and analysis. Summer research work is available as part of the Drew Summer Science Institute (DSSI).

 
• Working with an experienced industrial scientist through the Dana Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE). Students can gain valuable experience by working with a retired distinguished scientist on a project of mutual interest. Recent projects have included designing an acoustic array for undersea communication, calculating the interquark potential for heavy quark systems, and exploring classical and quantum scattering theory.

 
• Doing field work or taking an internship with one of the numerous industrial research labs in northern New Jersey, such as Lucent Technologies (AT&T/Bell) in nearby Murray Hill. With such intensive on-the-job experience, you can explore possible career options and make contacts that may lead to future employment.

 
• Preparing for a career in physics or related field. Recent alumni have been accepted to graduate programs in physics, all areas of engineering, medicine, law, and education.  Majors have also found jobs directly with such industrial and scientific firms as Allied-Signal, Inc., AT&T Bell Laboratories (now Lucent Technologies), the Naval Research Laboratory, and RCA.

 
• Keeping your options open for a career in engineering. Students can participate in a dual-degree program by spending three years at Drew and two years at Columbia University in New York City, or Washington University in St. Louis; students thus earn a B.A. in physics from Drew and a B.S. in engineering from the engineering school.

 
• Joining the Drew chapter of the Society of Physics Students. Give a research paper at one of the national or regional meetings. The chapter sponsors films, field trips, and special lectures, as well as social events, like the traditional holiday taco and tree-trimming party, the annual awards banquet, and an Albert Einstein birthday party!

 
• Being inducted into  Sigma Pi Sigma , the national physics honor society. Membership is granted in recognition of excellent scholarship and achievement in physics. In addition, the department awards numerous annual prizes. Endowed awards exist for recognizing superior work as a freshman (Ollom Prize), for an outstanding research project (Harrington Prize), for excellent overall performance (Boxer Prize), and for promise for graduate school work (Novartis Prize).

If you are interested in majoring in physics and think Drew might be the place for you, we would be pleased to talk with you in more detail and have you visit the campus for a personal tour of our facilities. For more information, please call (973) 408-3371, or send email to physics@drew.edu.