Faculty & Staff News 2023
Unveiling the New Year's Link
Dr. Brandon Wagner of our Department of SASW, along with ASEC CEO Kelly Cleland, will
have their research highlighted in renowned medical journal, The BMJ. Their paper
reveals a surge in emergency contraception sales post-holiday celebrations.
Read more here.
Physics & Astronomy Continues Upward Trajectory
The Texas Tech Department of Physics and Astronomy was ranked No. 56 among U.S. universities in the recently released ShanghaiRanking Consultancy, one of the significant assessments that review and rate academic institutions from around the world. The department continues a trajectory that has steadily trended upward during the past 20 years.
The Need for Immediate Conservation Action
Recent research, led by Professor Tigga Kingston of Texas Tech University, issues
a stark warning on the distressing decline of Large Old World Fruit Bats (LOWFBs).
Collaborating with researchers from the University of Mauritius and the University
of Luxembourg, the study reveals a critical need for immediate global conservation
efforts to avert the extinction of these vital bat species.
Read more here.
TTU Professor's Invention is Part of Decontamination Advancements by the U.S. Army
Recent research highlights FiberTect's game-changing potential in non-aqueous decontamination, revolutionizing casualty decontamination processes. Developed by Dr. Ramkumar, a professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology at Texas Tech University, FiberTect's three-layer design, activated carbon core, and skin-safe properties make it a superior choice for modern threats, especially dry powders. The U.S. Army's findings show its efficacy and safety, paving the way for safer military and emergency response operations.
Webb Telescope Spots Rare Space Explosion
A team of scientists, utilizing an array of space and ground-based telescopes, including
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, and TESS, has
uncovered a remarkable gamma-ray burst, GRB 230307A. Michael Fausnaugh, an assistant
professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, played a key role in this research,
which was officially announced by NASA on October 25 and published in Nature.
Read the full article here.
Dr. Myoung-Hwan Kim Receives Emerging Inventor of the Year Award from Texas Tech University
TTU's Emerging Inventor of the Year 2023!
Recognized for groundbreaking work in physics and innovative research, Dr. Kim is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy at Texas Tech University. He recieved this award of his invention of the "long-wave infrared phase modulator,".
Click here to read more about Dr. Kim's invention.
TTU Dept. of Physics & Astronomy Professor Publishes New Book
Dr. Luis Grave De Peralta recent book, "Relativistic and Non-Relativistic Quantum Mechanics: Both at Once," has been published in English and Spanish, marking a significant contribution to the field. The book, released by Springer Nature Switzerland as part of the Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics series, delves into controversial ideas that Dr. Grave De Peralta further elucidates through engaging videos and cartoons on his YouTube channel
Passionate About Having an Impact
Cathey Durham, our former Director of Events & Alumni Relations, has embarked on an
exciting new journey with the Texas Tech University President's Office.
Cathey's dedication and contributions to A&S have been invaluable. While we're sad
to see her go, we know she will continue to shine in her new role.
Click here to read more about Cathey's impact on our campus.
Finding Fresh Approaches for Tried-and-True Antibiotics
Catherine Wakeman, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University, along with other TTU researchers are taking a closer look at drug-resistant organisms and how to attack them. The project is being funded by a four-year $1.4 million grant from the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, a branch of the National Institute of Health.
Looking Back at a Life Well Lived
Lorum Stratton turned 85 years old this month and spent some time reflecting on the 50 years he taught Spanish on campus at Texas Tech University and abroad.
Listening for "Sounds" from the Far Corners of Space
Benjamin Owen, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, receives a National Science Foundation grant to learn more about different types of gravitational waves.
Texas Tech Physicist Lands NSF Grant
Myoung-Hwan Kim, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
at Texas Tech University, has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant in
the field of materials research (DMR) related to quantum information science (QIS).
Myoung-Hwan Kim's research will look to resolve quantum computing challenges.
In Search of Electromagnetic Counterparts of Gravitational Waves
Texas Tech's Alessandra Corsi, associate professor of Texas Tech University's Department of Physics and Astronomy, will peer into some of the farthest recesses of space in search of gravitational waves. Corsi received a National Science Foundation grant to study cosmic collisions and their aftermath.
Remembering Dr. Jorge Zamora: Educator, Colleague, & Friend
Dr. Jorge Zamora, a distinguished scholar, educator, and cherished colleague, passed away at the age of 69 on July 12, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
Click here to read the article.
One Year, Rewarding Work and Lots of Progress
Reflecting on her inaugural year as the College of Arts & Sciences Dean at Texas Tech, Tosha Dupras reviews past accomplishments and anticipates future endeavors. Upon her arrival on campus over a year ago, Dupras assumed the role with a keen focus on addressing spatial concerns and staff vacancies.
Click here to read the article.
Scientists use Exotic Stars, Tune into Hum from Cosmic Symphony
The gravitational-wave signal was observed in 15 years of data acquired by the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) Physics Frontiers Center (PFC), a collaboration of more than 190 scientists from the U.S. and Canada who use pulsars to search for gravitational waves. The team of scientists includes Joseph Romano, professor in Texas Tech University's Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Nipuni Palliyaguru, a post-doctoral research fellow in the department.
Weather Patterns' Influence on Climate Explained
Sandip Pal, assistant professor of atmospheric sciences in Texas Tech University's Department of Geosciences, has been apart of a 5 year research project exploring the impact of weather patterns and storms on the spatial and temporal variability in greenhouse gases and climate change.
Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar Receives the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award
Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, professor in the field of fiber science and nonwovens in the Department of Enviormental Toxicology, has been honored with the prestigious INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. The accolade will be presented in July by the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA).
Click here read more about Dr. Ramkumar and his achievement.
Hayhoe Named Member of American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Katharine Hayhoe, a Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor and Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Public Law in the Public Administration program of the Department of Political Science at Texas Tech University, has been elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the organization announced Wednesday (April 19).
A Texas Tech astronomer is leading a team awarded a highly competitive Chandra program to study the stellar remnants in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Vallia Antoniou, an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Physics and
Astronomy at Texas Tech, has been awarded observing time on the powerful Chandra X-Ray
Telescope to explore some of the deepest recesses of the universe.
Texas Tech History Professor Receives Two Fellowships
Abigail Swingen, an associate professor in the Department of History at Texas Tech University, has been awarded fellowships for the next two academic years that will allow her to focus on completing her latest book.
Click here to learn more about Abigail's book.
Breaking New Ground in Energy Research
The race is on to discover a new energy source that will be safe, affordable and accessible, and Texas Tech University is right in the middle of this cutting-edge research. Robert V. Duncan, professor and president's distinguished chair in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and his team within the Center for Emerging Energy Sciences (CEES) lab recently received a grant to work with other teams at major research institutions in the United States in exploring alternative nuclear energy possibilities that promise to be safe and to produce no fuel-related nuclear waste.
Click here to read more about Dr. Duncan's research.
Looking Beyond the Horizon
Texas Tech's Thomas Maccarone has received a grant from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research to study possible impacts of one layer of the earth's ionosphere upon radio communications.
Click here to read more about Dr.Maccarone's research.
A Closer Look at St. Patrick's Day and What It Means
St. Patricks Day is celebrated nationally, usually by doing something like drinking green beer. However, many people are unfamiliar with the history of the holiday. Hear from assistant professor, Daniella McCahey, about the religious, secular, and nationalistic reasons for the American and Irish celebrations.
Click here to read the article.
Putting Out the Word About Fires
During the first five months of 2022, more than 800 wildfires scorched approximately
400,000 acres across Texas. Associate professor, Brian Ancell, is developing a tool
to help forecasters predict and communicate fire weather conditions.
Read more about Brian's work by clicking here.
Rise and Shine
Henry Shine came to higher education in a most unlikely way, arrived at Texas Tech by chance and made it his home. He made discoveries that put Texas Tech, his students and himself on the map He played important roles in some of the university's biggest turning points of the last half-century. And now, even decades after stepping away from the classroom, Shine is still helping future generations of scientists follow in his footsteps. Now, at 100 years old, he reflects on how higher education became his life.
Click here to read about the life and accomplishments of Dr. Shine.
Looking for Answers to Climate-Related Challenges
Sandip Pal, assistant professor of Atmospheric Science in the Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University, has been awarded a $590,000 grant from the Earth Science Division of NASA to observe and measure precipitation and aerosols in the area's atmosphere.
Click here to read more about Dr. Pal's project.
Texas Tech's Carol Korzeniewski Named AAAS Fellow
Carol Korzeniewski, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at
Texas Tech University, has been elected a fellow in the prestigious American Association
for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the organization announced today (Jan. 31).
Click here to read more about Dr. Korzeniewski's and her AAAS membership.
Recognition for a Lifetime of Contributions
Seshadri Ramkumar, a professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology and The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech University, has been awarded a gold medal and honorary membership in Textile Association (India) (TAI), which is the world's largest association in the field of fiber and textiles.
Ramkumar is being recognized for a lifetime of contributions and service in helping lead the growth of the textiles sector in India. Through approximately 20 years of work, he helped India strengthen its place in the textile sector to the point where it was self-reliant in personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in his career, he was named a TAI honorary fellow.
Read more about Dr. Ramkumar's receiving this honor by clicking here.
Texas Tech's Corsi Reaches for the Stars
Alessandra Corsi, physics and astronomy professor, has become one of the world's top astrophysicists through her pioneering gravitational-wave research. As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, read the story of this extraordinary woman at Texas Tech who is making history through her research, discoveries and tenacity. Read the full profile on Alessandra by clicking here.
Neutron Star Cosmic Fireworks Shed Light on Old Black Hole Mystery
Texas Tech University's Alexandra Tetarenko, a NASA Einstein Fellow, is among an international scientific team that discovered a neutron star that consumed matter in a manner previously only observed in black holes. The group's discovery has helped identify key new ingredients needed to explain the behavior of matter near these astrophysical objects. Their findings were published Wednesday (March 1) in the journal Nature. Read more about this discovery here.
History Chair Featured in Dust Bowl Comparison Story
On Feb. 26, Lubbock saw one of its worst dirt storms in recent memory, as sustained winds of 50+ MPH cast a brown haze across the city. So, this brought up the question: But how did this compare to the Dust Bowl days of the 1930s? Hear from the Department of History Chair Sean Cunningham on the answer to this, as he was featured in a recent KLBK new story. View the video here.
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