Forgotten butnot dead; Since a few years, it seemed that physics was at low ebb at La Sierra, far from its glorious of the past when the traditional program was taken. This junction in the history of the Physics Department cause some to question the quality of our program; From a struggling past of low students number, Physics raising its head to silence its critics to usher a new era of student development. With its recently hired new faculty, the physics department hopes to change its face here on LSU campus. With the number of students growing strongly over the last two years due to renewed recruiting efforts, physics is definitely risen again. Physics truly has a new make over with many things to come. Although the fact that presently, the Physics Department does not offer a traditional physics degree, our physics program is quite in-depth and designed to train better students, especially in the medical field. In the long term, we envision to be a model school in the community. With this and a earnest efforts, Physics hopes to bring its current program into one that actively engages its current students into research.
Our students are given a solid foundation that prepares them to compete nationally. This was the case when students from the physics department recently accompanied Dr. Horace Crogman to a National Conference. One of our student Robert Walker, President of the Biophysics Club, brought national recognition to La Sierra University for his academic achievement. On February 11-15, 2009 in Nashville, TN, this La Sierra University biophysics student, receive the Harry L. Morrison Scholarship for his academic performance here at La Sierra and his involve in summer research. This is a very competitive scholarship proving that we care for our growth and development of our students. Thus if you want to be apart of something big, fun and great at the same time come to the physics. Another student worth mentioning is Jason Slater who shared the Riggs Prize with Robert Walker for their involvement in research. This summer the department involved a group of students in its first summer undergraduate program research with was supervisor by Dr. Crogman. However, students work along with various faculty members in the department. We hope this will be an ongoing effort supported by the university. This department is bussing with activities.
Come and see, be apart of our Biophysics club. There is much to say about the Biophysics club, though small. It has been very active in the student life on campus, starting with their barbeque, end of quarter flag-football, and raffles. Moreover, their sponsored MCAT review by Dr. Geneston, and scholarship fundraisers are becoming the icons proving that the Physics Department is well and truly alive.
Dr. Rouse has challenged and engaged his two new faculty with the duty to give the department a more recognized and friendly face among the students at LSU. A number of feedbacks in the general opinion have reinforced this fact and shows that the department and the field of physics, are increasingly seen more positively by our peers.