Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy

Rickey D. McDaniel, chair
Cole STEM Building, Room 207A
Phone: (936) 468-3001
Fax: (936) 468-4448
P.O. Box 13044, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
Email: physics@sfasu.edu
Web: sfasu.edu/physics

Faculty

Regents Professors
W. Dan Bruton (2023-24)
Thomas O. Callaway (1998-99)
Harry D. Downing (2013-14)
Norman L. Markworth (2000-01)

Professors
W. Dan Bruton, Joseph A. Musser, Walter L. Trikosko

Associate Professors
James T. Adams, Christopher J. Aul, Robert B. Friedfeld, Hector A. Ochoa

Assistant Professors
Hacer Varol, Carl Ziegler

Lecturer
Collin J. Timmons

Objectives

The primary objective of the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy is to train and equip the next generation of physicists, engineers and astronomers for lasting careers in the physical sciences and engineering. The department values and strives to create a welcoming, engaging, inclusive and supportive environment to optimize student mentorship and foster learning.

Department Scholarships and Financial Aid

In addition to those opportunities provided through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships , the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy offers a number of scholarships to well-qualified students majoring in physics, engineering or engineering physics. Inquiries regarding scholarships should be directed to the chair of the physics, engineering and astronomy department. Beginning freshmen are advised to make application for a scholarship during their senior year in high school. Part-time employment opportunities within the department are usually available to physics majors and minors, astronomy minors, engineering physics majors, and engineering minors who have completed, with good academic records, a portion of their physics, engineering and astronomy courses.

Student Organizations

The Society of Physics Students at SFA has been extremely active since the 1970s. The club is a support organization involved with activities that serve the department, the university and the local public. These activities include public viewing sessions at the SFA Observatory, STEM Day and Physics Magic Shows for underprivileged children. Since 1990, the club has won 24 national Outstanding Chapter awards. Twelve to 16 students each semester attend the Society of Physics Students Zone 13 meetings held in conjunction with the Texas Sections of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the American Physical Society.

The Engineering Student Organization is a group of individuals who share an interest in engineering and participate in engineering projects stemming from the department, university and in public outreach settings. Activities include involvement with major engineering societies’ project-based competitions, like those held by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The organization also is home to student-led projects, study groups for engineering courses and opportunities to interact with faculty members on research endeavors.

Programs

• Electrical Engineering, BS
• Engineering Physics, BS
• Physics, BS

• Mechanical Engineering, BS

• Applied Physics Concentration

• Astronomy Minor
• Engineering Minor
• Physics, Minor

• Pre-Engineering