Eberly News

Tagged with Physics
Weichao Tu Headshot

WVU physicist receives prestigious NSF CAREER Award

In the heat of the space race in 1958 between the United States and the Soviet Union, James Van Allen discovered Earth’s radiation belt. The belt is located at 500 to 60,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface and is populated with energetic “killer” electrons that create a hazardous environment for satellites and other spacecrafts operating within this zone.

Caitlin Ahrens

WVU geology, physics alumna named Outstanding Young American

The United States' division of  Junior Chamber International has named West Virginia University alumna Caitlin Ahrens one of its 2018 Ten Outstanding Young Americans. Ahrens will be honored at the organization's 80th annual black-tie awards ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 29 in Denver.

Imagine only knowing 15 people in the world, and as you discover more people, your knowledge expands. Scientists studying our galaxy face something similar as they make discoveries that build our understanding of the universe. 

Maura McLaughlin and Duncan Lorimer, professors of physics and astronomy at West Virginia University, have discovered a new pair of pulsars and have followed up on characteristics of another new duo. Their research will bring insights into the understanding of the how many of these systems exist and the rate in which they merge in our galaxy.

WVU professors bring the scientific community closer to understanding binary star mergers

Imagine only knowing 15 people in the world, and as you discover more people, your knowledge expands. Scientists studying our galaxy face something similar as they make discoveries that build our understanding of the universe. 

Rodney Elliott

Air Force veteran wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

As a child in Texas, Rodney Elliott dreamed of going to college and studying science but it was a dream deferred because of family finances. He joined the Air Force and, after a 20-year career, enrolled at  West Virginia University gaining accolades, not just from his professors, but by winning the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering—the Goldwater Scholarship. 

School of Social Work jumps to top 100 in latest U.S. News graduate rankings

The  School of Social Work at  West Virginia University shot up into the top third in the latest rankings of graduate programs by  U.S. News & World Report.


Paul Cassak, associate professor of Physics and Astronomy in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences has been named West Virginia University’s 2017-2018 Benedum Distinguished Scholar in Physical Sciences and Technology. This designation is intended to recognize and reward WVU faculty who exemplify distinction in research, scholarship or creative activity

Cassak named 2017-2018 Benedum Distinguished Scholar in Physical Sciences and Technology

Paul Cassak, associate professor of  Physics and Astronomy in the  Eberly College of Arts and Sciences has been named  West Virginia University’s 2017-2018 Benedum Distinguished Scholar in Physical Sciences and Technology. This designation is intended to recognize and reward WVU faculty who exemplify distinction in research, scholarship or creative activity. 

West Virginia University Center for Excellence in STEM Education received $100,000 from the Eberly Foundation to support WVUCE-STEM’s teacher education program, WVUteach, to produce additional STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) secondary education teachers. The funding will support a master teacher assistant, allowing nearly 100 additional students to enter WVUteach over the span of four years.

WVU Center for Excellence in STEM Education receives $100,000 Eberly Foundation grant to expand WVUteach program

Through WVUteach, the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in STEM Education is set to produce nearly 25 STEM teachers each year, accelerating the pace of placing certified teachers in vacant West Virginia classrooms. 

Caitlin Ahrens, West Virginia University geology and physics alumna, holds a patent in earthquake sciences and entered the graduate program in space and planetary science at the University of Arkansas in 2015. She was chosen as the 2018 Jaycees Outstanding Young West Virginian for her role as a NASA ambassador and advocacy for young women in science. Ahrens has given numerous talks, in person and on her radio show, “Scratching the Surface,” and is always looking for opportunities to bring excitement into the general public about space sciences. Sometimes she will even bring her personal meteorite collection for demonstrations. 

While Ahrens spends most of her time encouraging the public and especially young women to be curious about STEM subjects, in her spare time she knits for charity and collects minerals. She talked with us about her career goals and plans for the future.

WVU geology, physics alum named 2018 Jaycees Outstanding West Virginian

From the moment West Virginia University alumna Caitlin Ahrens picked up her first geology book in junior high, she never stopped exploring her curiosity. She graduated from WVU’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences in 2015 with bachelor of science degrees in geology and physics with an emphasis in astrophysics.

Gwen Bergner

WVU's Eberly College announces 2017-18 Outstanding Teacher Award recipients

The  Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University has named four recipients of the 2017-18 Outstanding Teacher Award: Gwen Bergner, Ned Flagg, Krystal Frazier and Carrie Rishel.

Paul Cassak

WVU’s Eberly College announces 2017-18 Public Service Award recipients

The  Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University has named three recipients of the 2017-18 Outstanding Public Service Award: Paul Cassak, Amy Herschell and Amy Keesee.