Physics & Astronomy News

Each year the WKU Department of Physics and Astronomy recognizes undergraduate students who have excelled in areas of scholarship, research, and service.  The recipients of these awards for the 2022-2023 academic year are:

• Chloe Jones - George V. and Sadie Skyles Page Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Physics and Astronomy and Dr. Randall Harper Award for Outstanding Research in Physics and Astronomy
• Ethan Poore - Dr. Randall Harper Award for Outstanding Research in Physics and Astronomy
• Lars Hebenstiel - George V. and Sadie Skyles Page Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Physics and Astronomy
• Isaiah Beauchamp - Dr. Douglas Humphrey Award for Outstanding Service in Physics and Astronomy

These students were recognized at the recent Ogden College student awards ceremony on April 23, 2023 and at the Sigma Pi Sigma induction banquet on April 29, 2023.  Please congratulate these students when you have an opportunity.

Dr. George V. and Sadie Skiles Page Award for Excellence in Scholarship

Lars Hebenstiel

Lars Hebenstiel, a Physics and Mathematics senior, receives the Page Award for his outstanding academic record. Beyond classroom accomplishments, Lars has been active in several research projects. As an example, working with Dr. Ivan Novikov, Lars investigated the phenomenon of stochastic resonance, a nonlinear systems phenomenon where weak signals are amplified in the presence of noise.  For this work Lars submitted a successful proposal to the Kentucky Academy of Science, designed and built an experimental system, developed a Python code to simulate the system, and presented results at multiple regional science meetings.  Lars has co-authored a publication in the Journal of Applied Physics and will pursue graduate study in nuclear physics.

Chloe Christine Nicole Jones

Chloe Jones, a senior who is majoring in Physics and Chemistry, receives the Page Award for Excellence in Scholarship based on her exceptional academic record while a student at WKU. Furthermore, Chloe served as a president of Women in Physics student organization while actively participating in research as well. Under the supervision of Dr. Jasminka Terzic, Chloe worked on synthesis and study of novel materials which exhibit multiferroic properties. Chloe’s experience in material synthesis and characterization, as well as her love of both physics and chemistry led her to join the graduate program in material science and engineering at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville.

Dr. Randall Harper Award for Outstanding Research in Physics and Astronomy

Chloe Christine Nicole Jones

Chloe Jones, who is majoring in Physics and Chemistry, works with Dr. Jasminka Terzic as a research assistant working on the discovery of novel multiferroic materials which can be used as sensors or memory devices. Her project focuses on synthesis of double perovskite single crystal materials as well as characterization of those materials using several different techniques.  Chloe presented her research at Kentucky Academy of Science and The Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society (SESAPS). Chloe will attend graduate school at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she will work with Dr. Chuck Melcher on growth and characterization of materials with scintillating potential.

Ethan Cooper Poore

Ethan Poore, a senior Physics major with minors in Mathematics and Astronomy, has been studying the variability of the blazar subclass of Active Galactic Nuclei under the mentorship of Dr. Carini. Ethan’s work started as hands on data reduction using the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission, and later evolved into using and comparing different python-based data reduction pipelines with contemporaneous ground-based observations. He has presented his work to the American Astronomical Society, the Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society, and now has a journal article in preparation. After graduating, Ethan will be continuing his career as a graduate student at Southern Methodist University.

Dr. Douglas Humphrey Award for Outstanding Service in Physics and Astronomy

Isaiah Lucas Beauchamp

Isaiah Beauchamp, a physics major with minors in mathematics and astronomy, exemplifies the service ethic in supporting a wide range of department activities.  He consistently volunteers to help with Physics Olympics, SKy Science Festival, and other public outreach events, and he has organized and led many WKU Society of Physics Students events, this year as President.  Isaiah also works as a Physics Help Center tutor and a PHYS 256 and ASTR 104 teaching assistant, all while commuting daily from Glasgow.  His energy, humor, and sunny outlook lift the spirits of all who encounter him.  Isaiah plans to pursue graduate studies in astrophysics.