Jeffrey Braun, PhD
Chair, Department of Physics

Jeffrey Braun has taught a wide range of introductory and upper level physics courses, including astronomy, at the University for more than 20 years. In every course he tries to relate the physical laws and principles to the real world, whether it involves coefficients of friction in personal injury lawsuits, production of rainbows and sun pillars, or experimental evidence for the big bang.

Professor Braun has directed student research projects in many areas, including measurement of the lifetime of metastable states in helium, observation and analysis of the rotation rate of asteroids, laser detection of ultrasound pulse propagation, and high resolution spectroscopy of rubidium isotopes.

The focus of Professor Braun's career has been the teaching of physics, and he has twice chaired the American Association of Physics Teachers' national Committee on Undergraduate Education. His physics study guide, now in its third edition, has been used by numerous colleges and universities, including Williams College, Ohio State University, University of Evansville and Middlebury College.