Recent Program Features

As an undergraduate student, Paul had had the opportunity to perform research on various thin film materials. He found this to be interesting work to me, and he soon discovered that there are many industrial applications for a variety of thin films. It seemed a like a great career path to follow, but he thought he needed further experience in the field first.

After looking into the Minnesota State University, Mankato program, Paul was really impressed by the diversity of research interests and disciplines of the faculty. Specifically, he was really drawn to the thin film solar cell research background of Dr. Hai-Shang Wu and his active fabrication and characterization lab. The department’s connections to research facilities at near-by Iowa State University and University of Minnesota was really intriguing. For these reasons, Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Physics program was an obvious choice for him.

Saying of the program itself, "I really enjoyed about my experience at Minnesota State University, Mankato was the interactions and relationships I had with my professors and fellow students. The faculty was extremely sharp and demanding, but they were student-focused. They wanted all of their students to succeed and continuously went the extra mile to bring out the best in us. My fellow graduate students were also amazing people. The Physics Department fostered a really close knit environment where we all were invested in each others success.

Of the skills he learned at Minnesota State University, Paul says "It is not hyperbole to say that most everything I did at Minnesota State University, Mankato contributed to my career today. In my course work, I was constantly pushed in complex problem solving. The skills acquired on how to approach and ultimately solve complex problems can be deployed in any line of work. My teaching experience gave me a great outlet to work on person to person communication and presentation skills. I gained and sharpen the lifelong valuable skill of presenting to large groups of people and also teaching them individually. When I have to give presentations or manage interpersonal relationships in my career today, I use many of these same skills. The last experience I will touch on would be my research experience. By building and characterizing vacuum deposited thin films in Dr. Wu’s lab at Minnesota State University, I was able to gain invaluable experience and skills that are directly transferable to my day-to-day work in thin film manufacturing. I am confident I would not be in the career I am in today without the opportunities provided to me by the Minnesota State University, Mankato Physics program."

Nicole graduated in 2019 with her BS in Physics and moved immediately in physics post-baccalaureate research. Affiliated with with University of California-San Diego, but working with a large research team at University of California-San Diego and Princeton University, Nicole is currently studying various aspects of climate. IN this research, she says her favorite parts are understaning "the real-world impact that comes with understanding our current state, how we got to it, and predicting the changes to come."

One of the most valuable lessons she learned during her time at Minnesota State University was that science is more productive "when we do it together." This drive for collaboration pushed her to network within the field more broadly, ultimately helping her to earn her current research positions. 

Happy New Year, Mavericks!

We are glad you are back and are ready to start the Spring Semester. Below are a few important reminders:

Spring Semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 11, and all academic buildings, the dining center and residence halls will be open. Classes will be offered this semester through online, remote, FlexSync and in-person delivery.

Please note that FlexSync in-person components will start the semester delivered remotely.  I have asked faculty to reach out to you with more details explaining how to attend your first class session. If you have not yet heard from a faculty member, please do not hesitate to send a message to them before your class is scheduled to start.

As you plan your return to campus or the Mankato area, please keep the health and well-being of yourself and those around you in mind:

• Observe a 10-day “lay low” period with reduced in-person contact.
• Get tested before returning, or in the week following your return. There are several locations in the Mankato area for testing listed on our website.
• Consider downloading the Minnesota Department of Health’s free COVIDawareMN app, which will notify you if you’ve been near someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and anonymously notify anyone you’ve been near if you test positive.

Of course, the pandemic situation remains fluid and changes can be expected over the next several weeks. Please know that we will keep you posted as guidelines issued by the local public health officials evolve.

Again—welcome back! I hope you are looking forward to a great Spring Semester.

Sincerely,

Richard Davenport
President

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Despite the national events I wrote to you about earlier today and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I hope that you were able to enjoy a break over the holidays and that you are feeling refreshed and ready for the start of the Spring Semester. Happy New Year; we are glad that you are back!

Spring Semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 11, and all academic buildings, the dining center and residence halls will be open. Classes will be offered this semester through online, remote, FlexSync and in-person delivery.

Please note that FlexSync in-person components will start the semester delivered remotely. Faculty, if you have not already reached out to your students to explain how to attend the first day of your class, please do so as soon as possible.

The campus continues to be highly de-densified while many services resume this week as students return for classes. If you have questions about your work location or schedule, please consult with your supervisor. And, as more students, faculty and staff begin to return to campus, please keep the health and well-being of yourself and those around you in mind:

• Observe a 10-day “lay low” period with reduced in-person contact.
• We encourage you to get tested before returning, or in the week following. There are several locations in the Mankato area for testing listed on our website.
• Consider downloading the Minnesota Department of Health’s free COVIDawareMN app, which will notify you if you’ve been near someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and anonymously notify anyone you’ve been near if you test positive.

Of course, the pandemic situation remains fluid and changes can be expected over the next several weeks. Please know that we will keep you posted as guidelines issued by public health officials evolve.

Again—welcome back! I hope you are looking forward to a great Spring Semester.

Sincerely,

Richard Davenport
President