Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science Department
Dr. Robert Whitaker
Teaching
Each semester I teach a section of PHY 101 and PHY 123. In the Fall I also teach PHY 501; in the Spring SCI 505.
Research
An important aspect of my research involves student understanding of physics concepts. In conjunction with this is the development of instructional approaches to enhance this understanding. My most recent research has been on the history of devices to draw various classes of curves--"harmonographs". I am currently researching various other historic apparatus.
Service
In addition to committee work, I coordinate an activity for the local Science Olympiad and judge in the Ozarks Regional Science Fair.