Physics & Engineering

Want to know more about a particular topic? Want to go beyond the textbook and into the real world? If so, then you may be interested in conducting research in physics or engineering!

Many of the Department's faculty advise students on research projects and independent study. WCU has opportunities for students to receive course credit, or be funded, while conducting research with a faculty member. We can also advise you on external opportunities such as internships and NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs). If you're interested in a faculty member's research, contact him/her to learn more about how you could get involved.

Learn more about Research Opportunities

The Physics & Engineering Department offers the following scholarships and awards:

• Robert M. Brown Endowed Scholarship
  Robert M. Brown ‘38 established the Robert M. Brown Endowed Scholarship for Physics in December 1996.
• Benjamin Faber Scholarship
  The Benjamin Faber Scholarship was established in his honor by his family. Benjamin Faber was a dual major in Physics and Mathematics, and the scholarship is awarded annually to a student in each department. The scholarship is not only based upon achievement in Physics, but also for demonstrated collegiality and generosity to fellow students, a hallmark of Ben Faber’s time with us.
• Dr. Michael F. Martens Award
  This award was established by a bequest of the estate of Dr. Martens, a faculty member of the Department of Physics. The award is for achievement in Physics and is given to a Physics major in any of its programs regardless of the number of credit hours taken in Physics.
• Faculty Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Physics
  Given by the Faculty of the Department for achievement in physics, and to recognize the potential for future excellence in the field.
• Russell K. Rickert Award for Undergraduate Student Research
  The Dr. Russell K. Rickert Award for Undergraduate Student Research recognizes up to two students for excellence in undergraduate research. The award is given at the end of a student’s time at West Chester University. Awardees must have demonstrated a sustained and significant commitment to undergraduate research.
• The Dr. Gary Pascuzzo Scholarship
  This scholarship is given to one or more students in SCI 102 who are engaged in and excel in the course, who show promise to transfer the knowledge gained in the course to their own classroom, and who embody the gentle and kind spirit that was characteristic of Dr. Pascuzzo.
• The Richard and Jeanette Merion Scholarship 
  This scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior or senior Physics, Chemistry or Biology major for academic excellence, with preference given to a ROTC participant. Selection of the recipient is made with the consultation of the Chairs of the three academic departments.
• The Yarosewick Family Scholarship
  This scholarship will support a fourth-year science major pursuing a B.S. Ed. who has a GPA of at least a 3.2 (in physics, chemistry, biology and earth/space science).  The recipient should demonstrate exceptional promise as a science teacher and community environment.
• The Roger and Diane Casagrande Scholarship
  This scholarship is awarded to either communication Studies majors and/or to those in the Physics/Engineering program. Besides fulfilling a minimum GPA requirement, recipients of the scholarship must have a record of considerable campus and community service.

 In addition, the WCU Chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, the Physics Honors Society, inducts new members every Spring Semester.

Research and apply for other scholarship opportunities.