Physics Faculty
Lorne Davis, Jr., professor of physics, department chairperson, George Kieffer Fellow in Science, Ph.D. in physics from Texas A&M University. Published work spans physics, engineering, geology, computing, and biomedicine. Eleven patents in noninvasive, nondestructive measurements on rocks, soils, and the flow of fluids in porous media.
Dr. Davis is experienced in industrial R&D project management. International consulting experience with industry and government includes applications of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and x-ray computed tomography (CT). Teaching experience in physics and engineering.
Shawn Hilbert, assistant professor of physics, Ph.D. in physics from the experimental atomic, molecular, optical, and plasma division of the physics department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a B.S. from Lebanon Valley College.
Dr. Hilbert's Ph.D. research focused on ultrafast electron pulse propagation. His current research interests lie in quantum mechanical analogies using acoustics, physics involving lasers, and the physics of sports. Teaching experience in physics.
W. Lee Powell Jr., assistant professor of physics, advisor to the Society of Physics Students, Ph.D. in physics from Texas Tech University, M.S. in physics and B.S. in physics and English from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Webpage Dr. Powell is an observational astronomer and CCD photometrist, with research interests in the stellar populations and structure of the Milky Way Galaxy, particularly the halo and its sub-structure. His recent work focuses on pulsating variable stars. Dr. Powell is also interested in student-centered learning environments and innovative teaching techniques, and is the NASA Center for Astronomy Education (CAE) Texas Regional Teaching Exchange Coordinator. Teaching experience in physics and astronomy.
