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Associate Professor of Physics, Union College

I am an associate professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Union College. I have also written two popular books explaining modern physics through imaginary conversations with my German Shepherd mix, Emmy (How to Teach Physics to Your Dog, and How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog). My most recent book, Eureka: Discovering Your Inner Scientist, explores the surprising connections between great scientific discoveries and everyday hobbies like crossword puzzles, card games, and sports. I also maintain a physics blog, Uncertain Principles, as part of the ScienceBlogs blog network.

Experience

  • 2007–present
    Associate professor, Union College
  • 2001–2007
    Assistant Professor, Union College
  • 1999–2001
    Postdoctoral associate, Yale University

Education

  • 1999 
    University of Maryland, College Park, Ph.D. in chemical Physics
  • 1993 
    Williams College, BA in Physics (with honors)

Publications

  • 2014
    Eureka: Discovering Your Inner Scientist, Basic Books
  • 2012
    How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog, Basic Books
  • 2009
    How to Teach Physics to Your Dog, Scribner