Science Friday at Miami University
Physics major Tiago Schaeffer had the opportunity to present the Physics Department activities and research to Ira Flatow, host of Public Television’s Science Friday, a weekly call-in talk show. Mr. Flatow visited research labs and interviewed several researchers during his visit to campus. Science Friday, known simply as Sci Fri, prerecorded the Miami University show in Hall Auditorium on April 21 during a live performance. The show will be broadcast on Friday, April 27th from 2-4pm on WMUB- 88.5 and WVXU- 91.7.
Tiago said, “I was ecstatic to be invited to meet a figurehead of the scientific journalism community, and to talk with him in a more casual setting. The departments’ student representatives introduced themselves and each of the students talked one on one with Ira Flatow about our research. He was very interested in our work and asked great questions about the research.” After that, the group had breakfast and casual conversation about the future of science with President and Dr. Crawford and other faculty.
Tiago added, “I went to the show, which was quite interesting and informative, keeping a good balance between covering the details of the topic and keeping it short and to the point. Afterward, I attended an after party at the President’s house, where I was able to have another great conversation with Ira Flatow, as well as many other faculty members. I wholly enjoyed the experience, and was honored to be selected as the Physics Department representative.”
Recent Department News 
Macklin Quantum Information Sciences Group News
► There are about 100 undergraduate majors in the Physics Department with 16 full time faculty members.
Miami University's retention rate of 89% ranks it among the best in the nation for students returning for their sophomore year. A major in the physics department is assigned an adviser in their first year who will remain their adviser throughout their undergraduate education.
Miami University has an active chapter of the Society of Physics Students. Regular activities include weekly meetings, outreach, field trips, and fun, with two annual picnics and monthly pizza and movie nights.
The Miami University Astronomy Club meets regularly during the academic year. With a Questar, several other telescopes, and a remote observatory, students can observe in all types of weather.
Undergraduates have the opportunity to conduct research beginning in the first year. Undergraduate and graduate students often work side by side to achieve their research goals.
Undergraduates in physics have the opportunity to present research findings at national meetings. Pictured are faculty member Perry Rice and his student, Ethan Stanifer, at the Frontiers in Optics conference in Orlando, FL.
