Physics Department
Dr. Richard W. Peterson
Professor of Physics, President of AAPT 2005-2006
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Dr. Peterson received his Ph.D. in physics at Michigan State University and had a postdoctoral position in optical plasma diagnostics at Los Alamos National Laboratory. At Bethel, he has worked with students in developing new methods of performing fast laser and holographic measurements. He often teaches Applied Optics at 3M Center in St. Paul and has served as principal investigator in a 3M and Imation project to perfect optical quality control techniques for magnetic media surfaces--and was co-inventor for two patents. Dr. Peterson was awarded the national 1998 American Physical Society's (APS) Prize for best research at an undergraduate school in the U.S. and was elected a Fellow of the APS in 2005. During 2005-06 he served as national President of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). He served six years as Secretary of AAPT and received the AAPT Award for Distinguished Service. He enjoys the development of new apparatus for teaching physics (six prizes in national competitions), and he loves to share these demonstrations with young and old. Dr. Peterson has received the Bethel Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2006, he was chosen as the first-ever Bethel University Professor--the highest award given to a Bethel faculty member. |
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