Physics and Earth Science Faculty

Education
PhD (1990) Geology and Geochemistry, MIT
BS (1984) Geology, MIT

Research Interests
Dr. McKenna's current research centers on characterizing rates and causes of ecological change in salt marsh and near shore environments.

Courses Taught
EASC 131 Conversations with the Earth
GEOL 231 Physical Geography
PHSC 109 Introduction to Physical Science
PHYS 211 Principles of Physics I
PHYS 212 Principles of Physics II

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

Education

PhD (Geophysics), Indiana University-Bloomington
MSc (Geophysics), Indiana University-Bloomington
Dipl. R&D Management, University of the Philippines Open University
BS Geodetic Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman

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)
ASTR 218 (Principles of Solar System Astronomy)

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

Education
PhD Louisiana State University
MSc, BSc University of Delhi, India

Research Interests
Dr. Singh has a PhD in theoretical particle physics and is interested in everything from quarks to multiverses. She is also deeply interested in how students learn, and has developed several creative approaches to enhance the learning and enjoyment of physics at all levels. Dr. Singh is the coordinator of Framingham State University's Environmental Forum. Apart from the environment, her other interests include science fiction and world music.

Courses Taught
PHYS 111 Physics, Nature, and Society
PHYS 201 Introductory Physics
PHYS 212 Principles of Physics II
PHYS 272 Modern Physics

Research Interests
Professor Chon is an astronomer by training, and teaches a wide range of courses, from calculus-based Principles of Physics I to Stars and Galaxies. She is very interested in science literacy and the use of planetariums in informal education, and is an active member of the planetarium community at the national level. Professor Chon's current research is focused on science education, with particular attention to student misconceptions.

Courses Taught
ASTR 123 Practical Astronomy
ASTR 230 Stars and Galaxies
PHYS 211 Principles of Physics I