About Us
Quick facts about physics and astronomy at Calvin
95+
percent of Calvin science students accepted into graduate school on first application
5-10
students take paid research jobs in this department each summer
5%
Calvin ranks in the top 5% of private colleges whose graduates go on to earn PhDs in the sciences
Research opportunities
As a physics and astronomy student, you will have incredible opportunities to work alongside professors both in and outside of the classroom.
- During the school year and in the summer, assist professors with research in theoretical and experimental atomic physics, biophysics, neurophysiology and more.
- Publish research findings with professors and other students in scholarly journals.
- Use the Calvin observatory (both on-site and remotely in New Mexico) to observe asteroids, stars and galaxies.
- Collaborate on research with your fellow students and professors in small, upper-level courses.
Facilities
Calvin students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology for use in courses, labs and research projects.
Research laboratories and computers
Several research laboratories and hundreds of computers, funded by external grants and the university.
Examples include:
- atom trapping system, "optical molasses" using special magnets and lasers in high vacuum--Professor M. Walhout
- electronic cellular microprobe system to study electical signals in cell membranes--Professor L. Haarsma
- sophisticated computer models of atoms in extremely intense laser fields written by Professor S. Haan
- custom built equipment to study lipids and macromolecules--Professor P. Harper
- optically detected magnetic resonance in diamond nitrogen-vacancy point defects--Professor R. Balili
Observatories
Two fully-equipped observatories, one on Calvin's campus and a robotically-operated telescope in Rehoboth, New Mexico.
These enable
- studies of asteroid dynamics--Professor L. Molnar
- studies of variable stars--Professor L. Molnar
- studies of globular star clusters--Professor J. Smolinski
Student labs
Specially-equipped student labs, including equipment developed commercially for teaching in advanced laboratory programs by Professor D. Van Baak.
Examples include:
- quantum interference with single photons
- quantum entanglement of photon pairs
- measuring nuclear decay and cosmic rays