Faculty and Staff
Dr. Joseph Kozminski
Professor, Department Chair
(815) 836-5393
kozminjo@lewisu.edu
Education:
Ph.D. in Experimental High Energy Physics, Michigan State University
M.S. in Physics, Michigan State University
B.S. in Physics and Mathematics, University of Notre Dame
Research Interests:
- Climate vulnerability inputs – Air quality and urban heat islands
- Physics and Astronomy Pedagogy
- High Energy Physics
- Former collaborator on Mu2e experiment at Fermilab
- Simulation work for future Muon Collider
- Former collaborator on the D-Zero experiment at Fermilab
Professional Positions:
- Principle Investigator, PhysTEC Recruiting Grant # 1707990
- Principle Investigator, NSF S-STEM Grant #2130429
- Guest Editor, “The Physics Teacher” Special Issue on Teaching about the environment, sustainability, and climate change
- Vice President, Advanced Laboratory Physics Association (ALPhA)
- Chair, Nominating Committee, American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
- Section Representative to National AAPT, Chicago Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (CSAAPT)
- Chair, Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA) Physics Division
Prior Experience
- Chair, Committee on Science Education for the Public, American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
- Chair, Committee on Physics in Undergraduate Education, American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
- Executive Committee, AAPT Undergraduate Curriculum Task Force
- Chair, Writing Committee, “AAPT Recommendations on the Undergraduate Physics Laboratory Curriculum”
- Adjunct Astronomy Instructor, Triton College, River Grove, IL
Dr. Philip Chumbley
Assistant Professor
Director, Lewis University Center for Scientific Innovation
(815) 836-5787
chumblph@lewisu.edu
Education:
Ph.D. in Physics, University of Missouri
M.S. in Physics, University of Missouri
B.S. in Engineering Physics, University of Illinois
Research Interests:
- Thermodynamics
- Lasers
Prior Experience
- Research Physicist, Amoco Research Center
- Production Manager and Product Manager, Amico Laser Company
- Chief Engineer, Warning Systems, Inc.
- Director of R&D and Director of Operations, Allied Precision Industries
- Current holder of 40+ patents and numerous commercial products
James Hofmann
Instructor, Laboratory and Community Outreach Coordinator
jhofmann@lewisu.edu
Education:
M.A. in Chemical Physics, Lewis University
B.S. in Physics, Lewis University
B.A. in Mathematics, Lewis University
B.A. in Philosophy, Lewis University
Research Interests:
- Optical Physics
- Physics Pedagogy
- Laboratory and Community Outreach Development
Professional Positions:
- Faculty advisor for the Lewis University Chapter of the Society of Physics Students
- Faculty advisor for the Lewis University Pokémon Go Club
Dr. Ryan J. Hooper
Associate Professor
(815) 836-5560
hooperry@lewisu.edu
Education:
Ph.D. in Experimental High Energy Physics, University of Notre Dame
M.S. in Physics, University of Notre Dame
B.S. in Physics, Michigan State University
Research Interests:
- High Energy Physics
- Collaborator on Mu2e experiment at Fermilab
- Physics Pedagogy
- Propulsion Systems
- General Relativity
- The Physics of Baseball and Softball
Prior Experience
- Fulltime Temporary Assistant Professor, Bradley University
- Visiting Scientist, Brown University
- Analysts, eServ
- Post-Doctoral Research Faculty, Brown University
Dr. John Parker
Associate Professor
(815)836-5892
parkerjc@lewisu.edu
Education:
Ph.D. in Solid State Physics, Purdue University
M.S. in Physics, Purdue University
B.S. in Physics, Northeastern Illinois University
Research Interests:
- Physics and chemistry of quantum confined systems
- Self-assembly for photonics applications
Professional Positions:
- Entrepreneur mentor, Department of Energy – Chain Reactions Innovation Program
- Research Associate, Argonne National Laboratory
- Consultant, ARCH Venture Partners
- Publication reviewer for the Journal of Applied Physics, Applied Physics Letters, Journal of Materials Innovations, Alloys and Compounds
Prior Experience:
- Research Associate, Argonne National Laboratories
- Cofounder and Executive Officer, Nanophase Technologies
- Director of Engineering, Cirqon Technologies
Professor Emeritus
Dr. Chuck Crowder
Professor Emeritus
crowdech@lewisu.edu
Education:
Ph.D. in Solid State Physics, University of Missouri
M.S. in Physics, University of Missouri
B.S. in Physics, University of Missouri
Research Interests:
- Lasers and Fiber Optics
- Optical Telecommunication Systems
- Developing and Tying Highly Effective Flies for Catching Large Trout and Other Salmonoids.
Dr. Leonard Weisenthal
Professor Emeritus
weisenle@lewisu.edu
Education:
Ph.D. in Theoretical Solid State Physics, Wayne State University
B.A. in Physics, Wayne State University
Research Interests:
- Computational Physics and Modeling
- Aviation Physics