What do you know about physics? Is your perception of the science more driven by intense study or pop culture? Do you imagine socially awkward scientists holed up studying black holes? Dr. David Cornelison, head of Missouri State University’s department of physics, astronomy and materials science, shares some insight into what physics is and what it is not.
To increase the number of graduates in science-related fields to keep populating the workforce and advancing technology, the foundation for science has to be solid and laid early. Since science education for elementary age children has been a source of concern for many years, Cornelison started Phys Biz wherein his faculty went into 2nd and 4th grade classrooms in the Springfield Public Schools teaching experiments – to make physics understandable and fun.
Getting hands-on is key to research and discovery throughout a scientist’s life. Seeing an opportunity at the Jordan Valley Innovation Center – which houses many corporate entities in research and product development as well as MSU’s Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences and the Center for Applied Sciences and Engineering (also known as CASE) - Cornelison’s department is moving three faculty into JVIC in downtown Springfield to provide research support.
