Associate Professor
Office: Hemenway Annex 346K
Phone Number: 508-626-4741
Email: lmckenna1@framingham.edu
Larry McKenna is an Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Science at Framingham State University, where he is currently Chair of the Department of Physics and Earth Sciences. McKenna trained as a geologist and geochemist at MIT, earning his Ph. D. in 1990 (when average surface temperatures were a full 1 degree Fahrenheit cooler than today!), and has been at FSU since 2008. He is currently finishing his climate change textbook, Conversations with the Earth, for Oxford University Press. His current research interests center on the intersection between climate change, policy, and “agency,” the ability to affect one’s future. He notes, to his surprise, that when he first started working on climate change, the primary challenge was convincing people it was caused by human actions; now the primary challenge is convincing people it’s a problem that can be solved. When asked if there is one thing he wishes he could impart to everyone about climate change, he said, “Yes-there’s positive news here. We still have the power to stop the worst consequences of climate change. We have agency. And we can do it-we must do it-in our lifetimes.” McKenna and his wife live in Jamaica Plain, MA and have two smart, wonderful and mathematically-inclined daughters. Education PhD (1990) Geology and Geochemistry, MIT Courses Taught ASTR 128/218 Solar System Astronomy
BS (1984) Geology, MIT
EASC 101/201 Conversations with the Earth
EASC 450 Seminar in Earth System Science
ENVS 202 Data Analysis for Scientists
ENVS 451/452 Senior Thesis in Environmental Science I/II
ENVS 333 Digital Field Work; Drones, Data and AI
GEOL 108/208 Physical Geology
GEOL 233 Environmental Geology
PHSC 109 Introduction to Physical Science
PHYS 211 Principles of Physics I
PHYS 212 Principles of Physics II
PHYS 272 Modern Physics
Assistant Professor
Office: Hemenway Annex 346E
Phone Number: 508-215-5857
Email: sammu@framingham.edu
PhD ( 2011) Physics, University of Rhode Island MS ( 2004) Electrical Engineering, University of Houston BS ( 2002) Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Andhra University, India Dr. Adhibhatta is interested in enhancing students’ knowledge by using several practical approaches to learning at different levels. She is particularly interested in adopting novel methods of teaching both in the lecture and laboratory, that makes Physics and Engineering fun and informative. ASTR 230 : Stars and Galaxies PHSC 109 : Introduction to Physical Science PHYS 212 : Principles of Physics II PHYS 201 : Introductory Physics EGNR 101 : Introduction to Engineering EGNR 201 : Engineering Mechanics
Visiting Lecturer
Office: Hemenway Annex 346H
Phone Number: 508-626-5007
Email: ggalgana@framingham.edu
Education PhD (Geophysics), Indiana University-Bloomington Research Interests Dr. Galgana studies the deformation of the surface of the Earth and other planets (i.e., Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics). His favorite tools of the trade are satellite images and high-precision Global Positioning Systems, which are both used to map out and measure movements of the crust. Dr. Galgana models the Earth's dynamic processes in order to understand how these patterns relate to earthquakes and fault behavior, as well as how planetary volcano deformation patterns reflect what is going on underneath them and how edifices progressively evolved in time. Courses Taught ASTR 128 (Solar System Astronomy)
MSc (Geophysics), Indiana University-Bloomington
Dipl. R&D Management, University of the Philippines Open University
BS Geodetic Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman
ASTR 218 (Principles of Solar System Astronomy)
Assistant Professor
Office: Hemenway Annex 346L
Phone Number: 508-626-4762
Email: ajohnston3@framingham.edu
Education PhD (2020) Environmental Science, University of Massachusetts Boston MS (2018) Environmental Science, University of Massachusetts Boston BS (2012) Biology, Bates College Research Interests Dr. Johnston’s current research centers on paleoclimate reconstruction of the Gulf of Maine using archaeological mollusk shells. Variations in growth rate, stable isotopic, and trace elemental composition of bivalve shells can be used to reconstruct the past environmental conditions of the Gulf of Maine during the recent Holocene (past 5000 years). Courses Taught EASC 101- Conversations with the Earth, An Introduction to Earth Systems EASC 108/208- Meteorology/Principles of Meteorology GEOL 233- Environmental Geology EASC 490- Independent Study in Earth System Science