• Robert Cadmus - Optical astronomy, observational studies of semiregular variable stars, stellar spectroscopy and photometry.
• William Case - Fundamental questions of quantum mechanics; electromagnetic theory; linear and non-linear dynamics of simple mechanical systems.
• Charles Cunningham - Low temperature physics, solid state physics, magnetic properties of superconducters.
• Charles Duke - Gamma-Ray Astronomy with the Whipple Collaboration.
• Mark Schneider - Experimental studies of the weak nuclear force, beta decay angular correlation measurements, fundamental properties of anti-matter.
• Paul Tjossem - Experimental atomic and molecular physics, non-linear laser spectroscopy, trace atom and molecule detection.
• Sujeev Wickramasekara - Theoretical high energy physics.
• Jacob Willig-Onwuachi - Medical imaging

Participation in research activities is an important part of an undergraduate physics education. Grinnell students have a wide range of opportunities to participate in research of their own or to work with faculty and other scientists both on and beyond the campus. The benefits of such work include:

• More exposure to the methods of research
• Additional understanding of the underlying science
• Development of independence and creativity
• Insight into career decisions
• Close collaboration with research scientists
• Development of a record of research for graduate school admission or employment
• Experience that strengthens letters of recommendation

• On-campus summer research
• Off-campus summer research
• Academic year student projects
• Academic year research participation

Each of these modes of research participation has its own advantages relative to the others. On-campus research strengthens a student's connection to their major department and allows a faculty member to write a letter of recommendation that presents a more complete picture of all of a student's strengths while off-campus research exposes Grinnell students to new places and people as well as areas of research that are not represented at Grinnell. Off-campus research opportunities are a bit riskier in terms of having a good experience overall because one often knows little about the program or people involved beforehand.