Physics & Astronomy

Physics & Astronomy

Department of Physics & Astronomy

The Physics and Astronomy department at Rowan University fosters a high-energy environment designed to challenge and stimulate each of our students. A strong assortment of laboratory experiences not typically found at the undergraduate level, including 2 full semesters of hands-on research with a faculty mentor, complement the student-centered classroom experience.

Our program, housed in Science Hall, has twelve distinct research facilities, allowing for student-faculty collaborative research. These facilities include labs for magnetic properties, computational physics and astronomy, physical properties, microscopy, biophysics optics, thin film deposition, condensed matter laser trapping, laser spectroscopy, biomaterials, and biophysics.

In academics, our department has regularly compared well against our region and the nation. In a recent compilation of statistics, our department was noted as a “Top Educator”; we produced, on average, 30 graduates per year which is 6th in the nation among Bachelor’s Degree Institutions.  In another recent study, we were listed as 7th in the nation in degrees earned by Underrepresented Minorities. Closer to home, our department has the 3rd highest number of degree earning students in New Jersey compared to all institutions that submitted data.

The department participates in the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC), a nationwide project that has the mission of improving and promoting the education of future physics teachers.

Our graduates pursue exciting careers in industry and education, or continue their studies through graduate programs.

Turning nanomaterials into smart sensors and devices

Dr. Dongmei Dong is turning nanomaterials into smart sensors and devices for applications ranging from fuel cells to PFAS detection

Lost Weekend Planetarium Experience

The Edelman Planetarium is bringing Phoebe Bridgers’ Lost Weekend to the dome with immersive laser and night-sky visuals for a unique experience

Makaylab Grandal (left) presents her poster during the College of Science & Mathematics' Student Research Day

Rowan biophysics senior heads to competitive medical physics Ph.D. program

Makaylab Grandal's undergraduate research helped launch her next academic chapter.