Welcome to the Physics Department

Physics is an integral scientific component of the liberal arts environment and contributes to the scholarly activities of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Miami in a fundamental manner. As a department, our mission is to enhance the goals and ideals of the University by providing an incisive and enriching education for our students, by making lasting contributions at the forefront of human understanding, and by communicating the excitement of scientific discovery to our fellow citizens.

ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS

Riley Blocker

Degrees from UM:

MS Physics 2022; PhD Physics 2023

Testimonial:

During my pursuit of my degree, I dedicated time to lectures and problem sets. The instruction was exceptional. However, I am grateful that these experiences were complemented by time outside the classroom and laboratory, made possible by the unique offerings of the physics department and The University of Miami. For instance, I enrolled in a semester-long scientific diving course offered by UM’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, which culminated in a week-long diving excursion in Bonaire. Subsequently, I applied the techniques I learned to scientific research dives in support of the Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY) off the coast of the island of Lanai in Hawaii. Furthermore, my research entailed the design and fabrication of an environmentally rugged optical camera system to measure the distribution of polarized light in the ocean. In this pursuit, guidance was always generously provided by the department’s machinist and electrical engineer. These experiences thoroughly prepared me for my postdoctoral position where I work on-site at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and now study the light in the ocean from a unique vantage point - space.

All Testimonials