Student conducting an experiment

Physics

Physics is the study of the universe and how it works. Questions in physics range from the very big (evolution of the universe) to the very small (atoms and quantum physics), and from the very fast (relativity) to the very slow (laser cooling).

Steven Olmschenk

Steven Olmschenk,Associate Professor, Chair of Physics & Astronomy

Cathy Geho

Cathy Geho,Academic Administrative Assistant

Swasey Chapel

Highlights

Pre-Engineering Program

Physics majors enjoy the use of state-of-the-art experimental apparatus such as tunable lasers, optical and infrared spectrometers, and ultra-high vacuum equipment.

Learn more about Physics

Spotlights

Jaelyn Roth ’23, building a graph to illustrate her research

Peering into black holes

Physics major Jaelyn Roth’s research helps astrophysicists see supermassive black holes and their related phenomenon more clearly.

Aayush Nema '21

Academics, mentorship, & internship solidify career choice

Academics, mentorship and an internship in Columbus gave international citizen Aayush Nema '21 the key to his future course as an economic researcher.

Physics major Rahul Shrestha '21

Multiple Realities

Quantum enthusiast Rahul Shrestha ’21 is many things at once: student, teacher, researcher, yearbook editor & designer, and international student.

Jake Coplin '20

Score high on key performance indicators

A senior describes how his Red Frame experience helped him prepare for the working world.

Sarah Spielman '21

A 'DESIREE' for Beamtime

A summer project in Sweden at the DESIREE facility is just one highlight of physics major Sarah Spielman’s research into negative ions.

Illustration of the TXS 0128 Galaxy

Imaging a galaxy far far away

If you're a fan of 'Star Wars,' Prof. Dan Homan can talk to you about a real-life galaxy that has a 'TIE' to the blockbuster movie series.

Bebe Wang '20 presenting his summer research project.

How We Learn

A physic(al) path to engineering

Bebe Wang ‘20 was awarded a $10,000 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Here’s how the physics major and champion swimmer combined his loves at Denison.

Meaghan Accarino '21

The astrophysicist and the archeological dig

Meaghan Accarino ‘21, an astrophysicist-in-the-making, spends a summer in the earth instead of the stars.

Prof. Steve Doty, Angela Sommerer ’20, and Tran Anh Nguyen ’20

How We Learn

A Surprising New Model of Star Formation

Students study how stars are formed through data and find surprising support for a new model.

Students review data with Professors

How We Learn

Play Ball Better

A physics lab figures out the mechanics of throwing a baseball.

Patrick Banner ’18

How We Learn

Seeing the Big Picture in Small Moments

NSF fellowship winner Patrick Banner ’18 is a talented researcher in quantum optics, and a scientist who wants to share his enthusiasm.

improvisation-and-problemsolving2

How We Learn

Solving the skyscraper

Working through problems, even in physics, is an act of creative improvisation.

robbie_christian

Where We Go

Arc of a diver

Physics major Robbie Christian is following his dream, teaching diving.

Junzhi Wang

How We Learn

Partnering piano and physics

Physics and music make a harmonious counterpoint for Junzhi Wang '16.

William Phillips

How We Learn

Cool physics

Nobel laureate in physics, William Phillips, brings his research and considerable enthusiasm to Denison.

What's Happening

University News

Denison receives major gift to transform planetarium

Support from Marilyn P. McConnell will expand academic uses for the facility beyond traditional disciplines.

Honors Day 2023

Celebrating the hard work and dedication of our students.

Awards & Honors

Jaelyn Roth ’23: President’s Medalist

Roth is one of six students in the country to receive the national Society of Physics Students Leadership Scholarship in 2022.

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