The Faculty of the Astronomy Program
The Astronomy Program at Alfred University is run by the Physical Sciences Division. which is composed of the Physics and Geology departments. The faculty who participate in the observatory come with a combination of backgrounds and interests, but share an enthusiasm for astronomy.
Below is a brief summary of the training and interests of the faculty. For more complete information on each, simply click on their names.
David R. DeGraff. Assistant Professor of Astronomy. Ph. D. in Astrophysics, specializing computational astrophysics of active galaxies. Current astronomical interests - multifractal studies of the lobes of radio galaxies. Also, author of several published science fiction stories.
Henry Nebel. Professor emeritis of Physics. Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics. Current research interests - Atmospheric Physics/radiative transfer. Current astronomical interests - astrophotography and solar eclipses.
John Stull. Professor emeritus of Physics and the founder of the modern A.U. observatory. Ph. D. in Ceramic Engineering. Inventor of the Stull-Ealing linear air track used in physics instruction around the world. Built or rebuilt all of the major instruments at the Observatory. Current astronomical interests include photometry of cataclysmic variable stars, cometary and asteroid impacts.
G. David Toot. Associate Professor of Physics and Director of Stull Observatory. Ph.D. in Astrophysical, Planetary and Atmospheric Sciences, specializing in physics of solar activity. Current astronomical interests - multiwavelength studies of solar flares.
J. Scott Weaver. Professor of Geology. Ph.D. in Geology, specializing in theoretical Petrology and Geochemistry. Current astronomical interests - Asteroids, impacts/extinctions, telescope automation.
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