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Winter 2021

Planetary model in Discovery Park.

Note from Head

John Finley
Department Head of Physics and Astronomy John P. Finley

Greetings Boilermakers!

Well, what a difference a year makes. The last time I wrote you was at the end of 2019. We had a nice holiday season, and I was on the road in early 2020 visiting and touching base with some of you. Then, BANG, the pandemic kicks in and we all go into some form of lockdown. We had several events planned where we could meet and share our reflections, the march APS meeting in CO and the April APS meeting in DC, but both meetings were canceled. They were 2 of the early casualties and I must admit I was shocked when news of the march APS meeting being canceled was shared as it is the largest society meeting we have in our business. Well, needless to say, this has been a challenging year for all of us in many ways. At Purdue we have managed to get through 2 semesters with students on-campus for the fall. It was a bumpy ride but we got through it without any major hang-ups. Despite the pandemic we still managed to move the department forward and our faculty, postdocs and students continue to be recognized for their achievements.

Prof. Laura Pyrak-Nolte was the recipient of the Reginald Fessenden Award from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, became a fellow of the American Geophysical Union, and was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Good year Laura! Chris Greene was the winner of the Herbert Newby McCoy Award, the highest honor in the sciences awarded by Purdue. Prof. Manfra was promoted to a distinguished professor. Well done all and kudos to all the faculty as our research portfolio continues to grow. 

As we enter a new year, and a vaccine is becoming available, I think I can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It is reasonable to assume that we will be back to normal by 2022 and travel bans and group restrictions will become but a memory. That will afford me the opportunity to meet more of you at some of our scheduled events and on focused road trips.

As I sit here writing this the search for my replacement is in its last stages, and this could be the last time I write you as head. However, these are never easy negotiations, and they can drag on for a long time. Therefore, I will not sign off as if this is my last note as it may not be. If it is my last time writing you I cannot over state how much it has been my pleasure to serve the department in this capacity. The highlight is always meeting with you, our alums, to hear your stories and share with you the progress we are making in the department. I have always been impressed with the passion you all have displayed for Purdue Physics and Astronomy. So, I bid you adieu and hope to see you down the road. You may now imagine a picture of me riding off into the sunset with music playing softly in the background, or not. 

Boiler Up!
John P. Finley
Department Head of Physics and Astronomy