By: Sonya Carper

The physics department has some exciting upcoming events as well as some academic accolades being recognized and honored this semester. 

Sigma Pi Sigma, the national honor society for physics students, is planning to pin its newest members at a ceremony later this semester. 

The SPACE Club is working toward finishing their build of two payloads set to launch by NASA from Andoya Space Center in Norway. The mission will conclude in November of this year as several students will be traveling to take part in the countdown.  The students have been working to build a Langmuir Probe and a Spectrometer that will blast off into the ionosphere from the northern hemisphere to study the atmosphere in low Earth orbit, particularly the density of protons and the colors of the auroras. 

Four students were asked to take part in the lecture series and give presentations for faculty members while representing the entire physics department. Peyton Slider, Sonya Carper, Jacob Dawson, and Alex Thompson have all graciously accepted the invitation. 

West Virginia Wesleyan College will be hosting a “Space Day” on March 30, 2025. The event will take place in the auxiliary gym from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. This is a no-cost activity that will introduce the students and community to some cool Science activities. The department is inviting everyone to come out for a day of STEM and explore the possibilities. 

Gavin Albritton, Cullen Cairns, Dakota Carpenter, Sonya Carper, Jackson Crouso, Lethaniel Foster, Ethan Fraley, Jake Hotka, Carlie Ice, Sante Klosterman, and Lis Shala have all been awarded NASA undergraduate affiliate scholarships for the 2024-2025 calendar year. 

Sonya Carper and Dakota Carpenter were selected by WV NASA Space Grant Consortium to represent them as NASA WV student outreach ambassadors. They were awarded scholarships and countless other opportunities. The National Council of Directors meeting in DC and High School Physics Day at Marshall are two upcoming events.

There are a few students that the professors, Dr. Tracey Delaney and Dr. Albert Popson want to recognize for their hard work.  

The first is Sneha Sundaraneedi, a sophomore majoring in Applied Physics with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. Sneha is very involved on campus and holds several leadership positions: Vice President of the Space Club, International Student Organization, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Sophomore Council, and the Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Club as well as a member of the Women’s Tennis team. “Sneha is also a TA in the Physics department and a wonderful addition to the department.” Dr. Popson said.  Outside the classroom, “she is extremely passionate about aerospace and is looking forward to traveling to Andoya Space Center in Norway.” Sneha says. 

Another wonderful addition is Jacob Dawson. He is a senior, double majoring in Political Science and Business Administration with a minor in Applied Physics. Jacob is involved with Greek Life and is a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. “I have held multiple leadership roles within my fraternity.” He said. 

He is on the esports team as a member of the Social Media Team and the Rocket League Team. “He has helped develop high school esports to help WV teens have a pathway to receive collegiate scholarships. Jacob is the President of the Space Club and has accepted a materials internship at JLG Industries in Shippensburg, PA.” Jacob said.

Photo Credit: Jacob Dawson and Sneha Sundaraneedi