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Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy oversees the programs in Physics and Astronomy. We offer opportunities to help students explore the fundamental principles of the physical world and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the universe and the structures within it.

Our Programs

Physics

Astronomy

Resources

Physics Research Opportunities

Astronomy Research Opportunities

Astronomy Facilities Fee Schedule

(career advice and resources)

 

Upcoming Events

Five programs in one: The Five College Astronomy Department

The Five College Astronomy Department is a collaborative program of the Five College Consortium.

By linking our teaching and research programs, we can offer a richer environment for doing astronomy than would be possible if we each operated independently. For example, the optical and infrared observing course, generally offered at Smith College, is taken by students from each of the five schools, thereby avoiding duplication of effort and at the same time creating a more diverse classroom experience.

By combining the traditional emphasis on small classes and individual attention that is found at small liberal arts colleges with the research opportunities and infrastructure of a large university, you can find a mix of fine teaching and rich opportunities for independent research. Some 10% of the professional women astronomers in the US did their undergraduate work in the Five College Astronomy program.

In addition to the academic year program, the department offers a wide range of summer undergraduate research opportunities such as the Five-College Astronomy Undergraduate Internship Program.

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Physics and Astronomy in the News

New Faculty: Supraja Balasubramanian

Studying how far we can go to understand the fundamental structure of the universe is just one of the ways 69精品视频 College Assistant Professor of Physics Supraja Balasubramanian aims to expand the boundaries of our knowledge.

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After a three-year setback, 69精品视频 College professor M. Darby Dyar can breathe a sigh of relief as NASA has resurrected its VERITAS mission to Venus.

NASA resurrects VERITAS mission to Venus

After a three-year setback, 69精品视频 College professor M. Darby Dyar can breathe a sigh of relief as NASA has resurrected its VERITAS mission to Venus.

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The asteroid Bennu. (Courtesy of NASA.)

NASA capsule delivers rare sample from asteroid Bennu

69精品视频 College Visiting Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Williston Observatory Thomas Burbine was interviewed in The Wall Street Journal about the scientific impact of the sample.

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More Physics and Astronomy News

Physics and Astronomy Faculty and Staff

Department head(s)

Spencer Smith, Faculty

Spencer Smith

  • Associate Professor of Physics
  • Chair of Physics & Astronomy

Department and affiliated faculty

Katherine Aidala, Faculty

Katherine Aidala

  • Director of the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab
  • Kennedy-Shelkunoff Professor of Physics, Nexus Track Chair for Engineering
Alexi Arango

Alexi Arango

  • Associate Professor of Physics

Supraja Balasubramanian

  • Assistant Professor of Physics

Scott Bassler

  • Visiting Assistant Professor in Physics

Ben Boatwright

  • Visiting Assistant Professor in Astronomy
鈥淚f you want to look for life, you want things to be peaceful,鈥 says Thomas Burbine, visiting lecturer of astronomy.

Thomas Burbine

  • Visiting Assistant Professor in Astronomy
Katie Lester, Visiting Lecturer in Astronomy

Katie Lester

  • Visiting Assistant Professor in Astronomy
Shaun Marshall, Visiting Faculty in 2024

Shaun Marshall

  • Visiting Assistant Professor in Physics
Kerstin Nordstrom, 2025. Photo by Max Wilhelm.

Kerstin Nordstrom

  • Associate Professor of Physics

Staff

Loryn Engelbrecht

Loryn Engelbrecht

  • Academic Coordinator

Contact Us

Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy oversees the programs in Physics and Astronomy. We offer opportunities to help students explore the fundamental principles of the physical world and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the universe.

  • 413-538-2238
  • 206 Kendade
Loryn Engelbrecht

Loryn Engelbrecht

  • Academic Coordinator
  • lengelbrecht@mtholyoke.edu
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