Department of Physics and Astronomy
New faculty Savanna Starko: Seeking answers to big questions
Oct. 20, 2020—Senior Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy Savanna Starko originally intended to become a high school math teacher. But when a battle with thyroid cancer disrupted her first year of college, a professor helped her see how physics might be a better fit.
Vanderbilt astrophysicist part of international team that discovered a gargantuan ‘alien’ black hole that challenges previous knowledge of the universe
Sep. 2, 2020—The intermediate-mass black hole first observed in May 2019 presents an entirely new category of black hole.
YouTube’s ‘Physics Girl’ discusses using videos in science outreach Feb. 28
Feb. 15, 2019—Dianna Cowern, from YouTube’s "The Physics Girl," will be featured at a talk on Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Stevenson Center, Room 4309. Cowern will discuss using videos to share science and enrich the learning experience, in and out of the classroom.
Vanderbilt faculty, alumni to present at Southern Festival of Books
Oct. 11, 2018—Vanderbilt faculty and alumni are featured at the free Southern Festival of Books, happening this weekend at War Memorial Plaza and the downtown Nashville Public Library.
Better way to weigh millions of solitary stars
Dec. 14, 2017—Astronomers have come up with a new and improved method for measuring the masses of millions of solitary stars, especially those with planetary systems.
‘Diversify Sponsorship of Your Research’ workshop set for Oct. 9
Sep. 14, 2017—The Office of the Provost, as part of the Provost's Initiative to Enhance Research and Scholarship (PIERS), is providing a campuswide educational workshop Oct. 9 to support the diversification of faculty research portfolios.
Class of 2017: Zachary Bednarke thrives at the intersection of science and music
Apr. 25, 2017—After hours of thinking about theoretical physics, senior Zachary Bednarke relaxes by playing his trumpet. While running through scales on the instrument, he is also, technically, still doing schoolwork.
Physics colloquium: From exoplanets to personalizing clothing
Dec. 1, 2016—Data scientist Dave Spiegel presents a physics and astronomy colloquium, “From Exo-Worlds to Health Monitoring to Clothing Personalization,” Dec. 8.
Vanderbilt physicists Keivan Stassun and Kalman Varga elected APS fellows
Oct. 18, 2016—Two Vanderbilt physicists, Keivan Stassun and Kalman Varga, have been elected fellows of the American Physical Society.
The Limits of Free Speech?
Oct. 10, 2016—Watch video of a panel discussion about the limits of free speech, especially on college campuses. Moderated by John M. Seigenthaler, former news anchor for NBC, MSNBC and Al Jazeera America. Panelists include: Haka Mitchell, Executive Director of Rocketship Nashville; Norman Tolk, Vanderbilt Professor of Physics and liaison for the VU Young Republicans; Paul Lim,...
Vanderbilt panel: ‘The Limits of Free Speech?’
Oct. 5, 2016—John M. Seigenthaler will moderate a panel discussion titled "The Limits of Free Speech?" Oct. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Vanderbilt Central Library's Community Room.
Celebration honors nine endowed chair recipients
Sep. 28, 2016—Nine faculty members who hold endowed chairs were honored and donors were thanked during a festive celebration Sept. 26 at the Student Life Center.