News Archive, Spring 2005

• World Year of Physics 2005
  In 1905, Albert Einstein wrote his legendary articles which provided the basis of three fundamental fields in physics: the theory of relativity, quantum theory and the theory of Brownian motion. The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics declared 2005 as the World Year of Physics to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this miraculous year, while raising the public awareness of physics. Arguably the most famous physicist, Einstein’s international renown will be the natural vehicle to attract public interest. We at Montclair State University participated in the World Year of Physics with an all day event on April 27. The following pictures of Dr. Dean Hamden’s Physics students show some of the activities from that day. The winners of the Einstein look alike contest are Mark Abrahim and Lindsey Newmann. Activities included Physics Idol, Water balloon projectiles, Egg catching contest, Defy gravity and win $1000 contest, Science Karoake. Visiting students from local high schools joined in our celebration.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• MSU student presents research at Capitol Hill
  On Tuesday, April 19, 2005, the Council on Undergraduate Research welcomed 60 undergraduate students from across the nation to Capitol Hill to present the results of their independent research in science, engineering, and mathematics. The students were competitively chosen from several hundred applicants. Marie McCrary, from the Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, was selected to present her research on "Epidemics in Multi-strain Disease Dynamics." This is joint work with her advisor Dr. Lora Billings. Marie displayed her research poster to Members of Congress, federal agency funding officers, and invited guests.
  
  
  
  
• Luba Lidman and Marie McCrary were two of the prizewinners at the January 2005 Joint National Meetings of the AMS and MAA in Atlanta. There were 126 students from colleges and universities across the country participating in the competion of undergraduate research. Luba presented her work with advisor Dr. Diana Thomas on "Ducci Maps." Marie presented her work with advisor Dr. Lora Billings on "Bifurcations in Multi-strain Disease Dynamics."
  
      - Marie getting ready for the session.    - Luba and Dr. Thomas with the poster.
  
      - Marie and her poster.     - Luba and Marie with their awards.
  To read more about the event, see the article by Mario Martelli in the MAA Focus journal.