IWU announces the appointment of Dr. Warren Rogers as the new Blanchard Chair in Physics, a position that David Blanchard— an IWU graduate who worked in the U.S. space program— endowed to promote physics and the integration of faith and science at IWU. As the new Blanchard Chair, Rogers will work to attract students to the new Physics program, lead the development of undergraduate research in the Physics department and catalyze partnerships in the sciences. Rogers will start his new position on Aug. 15.
Currently serving at Westmont College, Rogers received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Harvey Mudd College, a PhD from University of Rochester and conducted post-doctoral research at the University of Washington. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society Fellow and received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Physical Society (APS) Division of Nuclear Physics. Over the years, Rogers has conducted nuclear physics research at premier labs such as the Nuclear Structure Research Lab at the University of Rochester, the 88-Inch Cyclotron at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab, the National Superconducting Cyclotron Lab at Michigan State University and the LANSCE facility of Los Alamos National Lab.
“I am thrilled and delighted to have the opportunity to join the IWU community,” said Rogers. “I have always harbored a keen passion for teaching and mentoring young men and women in physics, and IWU is the ideal place to continue living out that passion, in a Christ-centered liberal arts community that supports education of the whole person.”
With a passion for experimental nuclear physics, Rogers is planning on including his undergraduate students in research opportunities that will be based at both IWU and Michigan State University.
"Dr. Rogers not only brings countless years of experience to his new position at IWU, but also an unmistakable passion for the field of physics," said Dr. Keith Newman, Chancellor, IWU - Marion. "We know he will be a valuable addition to the Division of Natural Sciences, and we are excited to see how his passion will inspire IWU students to learn, grow and change the world."