Hence, deep understanding must be the central aim of teaching. It is the sense of pride and achievement in understanding our physical world that carries the most lasting effect to a student of physics. My philosophy is that the demonstration and the development of critical thinking skills form the root of teaching physics. When you teach a student to think critically you are giving that person the tools to understand physics and develop the sense of satisfaction that comes with it. Supplying the facts and formulas that form the basis of physics knowledge is important, but interpreting, conceptualizing, demonstrating, and understanding these facts and formulas is where the emphasis should lie.
Recent research focuses on understanding optical properties of clusters using light forces.
I have recently started collaborating with biophysicists in the department to develop a simple optical tweezer, using a diode laser, to study molecular motors. It is a medium-sized liberal arts school that offers the best parts of a small scholarly community and many of the features of larger schools. For example, students and faculty have many opportunities to get to know each other, faculty take a deep interest in teaching the students and in student progress and achievement. Students can observe firsthand the serious study involved in graduate school or in a professional school of business, law or medicine. The emphasis on communication, writing, and thinking skills builds the needed foundation for success in life.