Prof. Timo Thonhauser’s research group recently published work in Nature Communications on radioactive iodide molecular traps was highlighted by Wake Forest News. The traps are metal-organic framework materials that are cheaper and more efficient at capturing iodides from reprocessing spent nuclear power plant fuel rods.

The Physics department is pleased to announce that Reynolds Professor Emeritus Richard Williams is the inaugural winner of the annual  Physics Department Outstanding Alumni Award.  The department solicits nominations from alumni and a committee selects the winner.    Dr. Williams will accept the award at a special physics colloquium in Spring 2018.  Dr. Williams retired earlier this year after 31 years of service as a Reynolds professor.  It is fitting that Dr. Williams will be our first winner of the Alumni award; Prof. Williams was the first Speas Award recipient for distinguished work in physics (our highest undergraduate award), he mentored the first Physics PhD graduate, and was the first endowed professor within the Department. Professor Williams, an international expert in scintillators and ultrafast laser spectroscopy, has helped to significantly increase the reputation and visibility of the Physics Department.

On August 21, 2017, the Department of Physics hosted a solar eclipse viewing party to witness a partial solar eclipse as seen from Winston Salem, NC. Though maximum eclipse was obscured by cloud cover, department members were able to capture a few images utilizing 8″ schmidt-cassegrain telescopes with solar filters.

Professor Keith Bonin has stepped down as Chair of the Department of Physics after serving more than two terms. The Department is forever grateful for Dr. Bonin’s selfless commitment, visionary leadership, and responsible stewardship.

Assuming the role of Chair is Professor Daniel Kim-Shapiro. Dr. Kim-Shapiro is also director of the Translational Science Center, Harbert Family Distinguished Chair, and leads a flourishing biophysics research group.

Professor Oana Jurchescu will take on the role of Associate Chair of Physics previously held by Dr. Kim-Shapiro. Dr. Jurchescu directs a highly successful organic and flexible electronics research group.

On Saturday, July 1, 2017 we lost a valued colleague, Karen Logan.

Karen joined the Department of Physics in December 2013 to assume the role of Administrative Assistant, taking over for Judy Swicegood. This is an extremely important position in the Department as it is the central staff position with responsibility for running the main Departmental Office and for overseeing all aspects of Departmental affairs such as student employment, room assignments, greeting visitors, answering general inquiries via email or phone, and planning and executing Departmental functions such as weekly social gatherings, graduation and dissertation receptions, etc. We originally thought Karen would be an excellent choice for this critical position because she was working toward earning her undergraduate degree during her off hours, outside of work. We thought this desire for personal improvement would be a great predictor of her approach to work in her professional career. This ended up being the case as Karen was always trying to make things better, both inside and outside the department. She also was working as part of the Thrive projects to be more healthy, while continuing to take classes at Salem College. Karen learned both on the job, and by taking classes through Wake Forest’s Professional Development Center. She was a model citizen of the Physics Department and a good example to others. In addition, Karen was a gentle soul with an easygoing personality who always made strangers feel welcome, and who did so much to calm stressed out students, staff, and faculty when issues arose that might cause some tension. She was a very considerate person, who always brought in delicious treats to mark the many holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Pi Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and New Year’s holidays. These treats were usually themed, such as green-frosted cookies for St. Patrick’s Day, or black or orange frosted cupcakes for Halloween. We will long remember the many kindnesses and concerns she expressed when family members got sick or needed medical care, and we will miss her sweet demeanor and friendly smile.

A memorial service for Karen will be held July 12, 2017 at 3 p.m. in Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University.

Bonin receives inaugural Academic Leadership Award from College Board of Visitors