Department of Physics, Astronomy, GIS, Geological and Environmental Sciences
2023 Ward Beecher Science Hall | Main Office: (330) 941-3616
Welcome to the Department
Welcome to the Department of Physics, Astronomy, GIS, Geological and Environmental Sciences (PAGGES). We take pride in offering distinctive, hands-on learning experiences that prepare our students for dynamic careers in science. Our department is founded on the belief that students learn best by actively engaging in the same kinds of work performed by physicists, astronomers, geologists, and environmental scientists.
Our department is home to two outstanding public resources:
🔭 Ward Beecher Planetarium
Equipped with a 40-foot dome and 4K digital projection. Visit Site →
💎 Mineral Museum
The Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum features a world-class collection of rare minerals and fossils. Visit Site →
Both facilities are free and open to the public and are partially operated and maintained by our students—providing excellent opportunities for hands-on learning and outreach experience.
Advanced Research Facilities
Students benefit from access to the Ohio Supercomputer Facility and high-end research instrumentation:
- Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
- X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) System
- Magnetron Sputtering Deposition
- HeCd Laser Photoluminescence
- ICP Spectrometer & Chromatography Systems
- DJI Matrice 600 Drone (Infrared/Optical)
- Ground Penetrating Radar
- 24-Channel Refraction Seismograph
- Proton Magnetometer
- High-Resolution GPS & Total Station
Departmental Mission Statement
The Department is committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience by actively engaging undergraduate students in meaningful research. This approach reflects our core philosophy of learning through research.
Our courses are designed to:
- Provide comprehensive training for graduate studies, industry careers, or teaching.
- Offer foundational instruction for engineering and pre-professional students.
- Introduce non-science majors to the real-world applications of physical sciences.