CV – Keith A. Sturgess, Ph.D.
KEITH A. STURGESS
Personal Information:
Current Residence:16 Reynolds RoadCurrent Position:Assistant Professor of Physics
Kinderhook, New York 12106School of Science and Math
College of Saint Rose
Telephone: Office: (518) 485-3771Email: Office:
Home: (518) 697-9831Home:
Family Information:married, no childrenSecurity Clearance: Top Secret (granted 08/2003)
Professional Societies:
American Physical Society
American Association of Physics Teachers
Society of Physics Students (Sigma Pi Sigma)
Sigma Xi Science Research Honor Society
Education:
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL, Ph.D., Major: Physics, Minor: Space Science June 1993
FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, B.S. Summa Cum Laude in Science Education/Physics June 1983
Research Experience:
Assistant Professor of Physics, College of Saint Rose, Department of Science and Math 2006 – present
Physics education research investigation into which teaching methodologies are most effective in teaching non-physics major science majors. Also assisting in the development of an interdisciplinary science curriculum for elementary education majors using the knowledge gained from physics education research. Member of the college’s strategic planning committee and undergraduate academic committee.
Assistant Professor of Physics, United States Military Academy, Department of Physics 2004 – 2006
Spent June 2005 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory investigating the particle size distribution created during a nuclear explosion. We examined fallout patterns as a function of particle size, wind speed and direction, and the resulting accumulated dose rate at various distances from ground zero. This is ongoing work and a continued collaboration is planned. Also, assisting with physics education research investigating the causes for the difference in mean performance on the introductory physics final exam for various companies of cadets.
Assistant Professor of Physics, United States Military Academy, Department of Physics 1999 - 2002
Researching effectiveness of reverse-tapering of Free Electron Laser undulators to increase gain while reducing energy spread in electrons. Researching effectiveness of "Peer Instruction" techniques in a Modern Physics course, specifically, trying to document an increase in concept understanding while not sacrificing problem solving abilities.
Physicist, Army Research Laboratory, Sensors Division 1993 - 1997
Member of multi-disciplinary government/civilian research consortium that used Ultra-Wideband Synthetic Aperture Radar to study its effectiveness as a foliage and ground penetration radar. Characterized clutter, target, and noise returns from the radar and compared to EM wave propagation predictions. Oversaw all on-site research being conducted on the phenomenology of ground penetration radar. Designed and supervised major data collection campaigns at Aberdeen Proving Ground and Yuma Proving grounds. Supervised research being carried out under contract at several universities, industry laboratories, and federally funded research and development laboratories. Supervised and directed visiting graduate student researchers. Assisted in program management duties for a 5 million dollar annual budget.
Doctoral Student, Naval Postgraduate School, Department of Physics. 1989 - 1993
Dissertation: A Study of the Amplification of Laser and VLF Waves Using a Simple Pendulum Model. Advisor: Dr. William Colson. Research topics focused on analytical and numerical investigations of Free Electron Laser theory. Theoretical research on start-up issues of compact FELs led to the redesign of a then ongoing multi-million dollar laser construction program. Presented papers at the annual International Free Electron Laser Conference in 1991 and 1992. Presented lectures to graduate students in elementary physics, space physics, and free electron laser theory.
Publications:
1) Keith Sturgess and William Colson, An Analytic Description of Longitudinal Modes in Free Electron Lasers, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, A318, (1992) pp. 576-581.
2) Keith Sturgess, David Frost, and William Colson, Short Pulse Evolution in the Boeing APLE oscillator, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, A331, (1993) pp. 650-653.
3) William Colson, Bernard Gately, Daryll Caudle, and Keith Sturgess, Analogies between the free electron laser and whistler mode amplification in the ionosphere, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, A331, (1993) pp. 522-526.
4) Keith Sturgess, A Quantum Limitation on the Start-up of Free Electron Lasers, Presented at the 1994 Army Science Conference, Proceedings of the 1994 Army Science Conference.
5) Vincent Sabio, Lynn Happ, and Keith Sturgess, Army Research Laboratory Ultra-Wideband Synthetic Aperture Radar: System Overview and Results of Resonance Based Target Recognition Studies, Presented at the 1994 Army Science Conference, Proceedings of the 1994 Army Science Conference. (Awarded best technical paper of the session)
6) Keith Sturgess, Matthew Bennett, Marc Ressler, Ted Grosch, Army Research Laboratory Ultra-Wideband Boom-SAR: System Overview and Minefield Detection and Recognition Results, presented at the Symposium for the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP ‘95) April 24 - 27, 1995 in Orlando, Florida.
7) Lynn Happ, Marc A. Ressler, Keith Sturgess, Matthew Bennett, Lawrence Carin, and S. Vitebskiey,Army Research Laboratory ultrawide-band testbed radar and comparisons of target data with models, Proc. SPIE Int. Soc. Opt. Eng. 2496, 42 (1995)
8) Dennis J. Blejer, Carl E. Frost, Steven M. Scarborough, Karl A. Kappra, and Keith Sturgess,SAR imaging of minelike targets over ultrawide bandwidths,Proc. SPIE Int. Soc. Opt. Eng. 2496, 54 (1995)
9) Stanislav Vitebskiy, Keith Sturgess, Lawrence Carin, Short-Pulse Plane-Wave Scattering from Buried Perfectly Conducting Bodies of Revolution, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, (1996), pp. 48-63.
10) Keith Sturgess, Lynn Happ, Mary Collins, James Kurtz, Results of a Remote Sensing Experiment Using a Low Frequency Ultra-Wideband SAR to Investigate the Phenomenology of Landmines, Proceedings of IGARSS ‘96, (1996), pp. 1145-1148.
11) Benny C. Wong, Ian J. Chant, Graeme N. Crisp, Karl A. Kappra, Keith Sturgess, Alan R. Rye, and Kelly D. Sherbondy,Suggested soil characterization techniques and surrogate targets for ultrawideband radar mine detection experiments, Proc. SPIE Int. Soc. Opt. Eng. 3079, 555 (1997)
12) Keith Sturgess, Problem Based Learning in the Science Education development of Elementary Education Majors, AAPT conference proceedings, (2008)
** Note: papers (4) - (12) are postdoctoral research
Curriculum Design Experience:
Assistant Professor of Physics, United States Military Academy, Department of Physics Aug – Oct 2005
Designed a new course for the physics department called Applied Quantum Physics. This course is a junior-level physics course to follow a traditional Modern Physics course and will look at the application of the Modern Physics covered, and will be a laboratory course as well, including 8 of the classic experiments from Modern Physics.
Assistant Professor of Physics, United States Military Academy, Department of Physics Oct – Dec 2005
Represented the United States Military Academy in Afghanistan from October through December 2005 and was directly responsible for establishing the physics department for the National Military Academy of Afghanistan to include hiring faculty, designing curriculum, and building and procuring an introductory physics laboratory. Designed, scheduled and executed a new instructor training course for the faculty at the Afghan Military Academy.
Teaching Experience:
Assistant Professor of Physics, College of Saint Rose 2006 – present
Physics 190: University Physics I (Mechanics) and lab Fall 2006
Physics 190: University Physics I (Mechanics) and lab Spring 2007, 2008
Physics 191: University Physics II (E&M) and lab Spring 2007, 2008
Science 100: Physical Science for Elementary Education Majors and lab Fall and Spring 2007, 2008
Assistant Professor of Physics, United States Military Academy 2004 - 2006
Physics 203: University Physics I (Mechanics) Fall 2004
Physics 203: University Physics I (Mechanics) Spring 2005
Physics 365: Modern Physics Fall 2005
Physics 366: Applied Quantum Physics Spring 2006
Assistant Professor of Physics, United States Military Academy 1999 - 2002
Physics 201: University Physics I (Mechanics) Fall 1999
Physics 202: University Physics II (E&M) Spring 2000
Physics 365: Modern Physics Fall 2000
Nuclear Engineering 387: Nuclear Reactor Analysis Spring 2001
Physics 365: Modern Physics (Course Director) Fall 2001
Nuclear Engineering 387: Nuclear Reactor Analysis (Course Director) Spring 2002
Course Descriptions
PHY190/ PHY191: The first course of a three-semester sequence in physics, concentrates on the mechanics of motion. Topics include linear motion and projectiles, circular motion and forces, friction, work, energy and momentum. Applied topics include rotational motion, harmonic motion, gravitation and fluids. The second course in physics concentrates on waves and microscopic level systems. Topics include waves and sound, thermodynamics, electrostatics and DC circuits.
PH 201/203: This is the first term of a two-semester introductory calculus-based physics sequence. It is a comprehensive study of nuclear phenomena, waves, geometric and physical optics, and mechanics designed to provide a solid foundation in physics principles and problem-solving techniques for all cadets. The course consists of an in-depth study of radioactivity, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, geometric optics, lasers, and the laws of motion as applied to simple physical systems undergoing translational and rotational motion. An integrated laboratory program introduces basic experimental techniques and serves to stimulate intellectual curiosity by connecting physics to the design and function of simple military hardware.
PH 202/204: This is the second course of a two-semester introductory calculus-based physics sequence. It is a comprehensive study of mechanics and electromagnetism designed to provide a solid foundation in physics principles and problem-solving techniques for all cadets. The course includes a detailed study of the principles of conservation of energy and momentum for translational and rotational motion, and orbital mechanics. It concludes with a study of electrostatics, magnetic fields, and circuits. An integrated laboratory program introduces cadets to the principles of experiment design, error analysis, and technical writing.
PH365: This course introduces special relativity and the fundamental concepts of quantum physics with application to atomic physics and nuclear physics in order to prepare cadets for advanced study of science and engineering, especially quantum mechanics, statistical physics, nuclear physics, solid state physics, laser physics, medical radiation physics, and nuclear engineering. This course will also be of interest to any cadet who wishes to gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world or of the technology of the 21st Century.
PH366:This course uses the experimental and laboratory skills developed in PH386 to explore the applications of the 20th Century developments studied in PH365. The topics covered will vary but may include molecular structure, the properties of solids including metals and semiconductors, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics.
NE387: This course provides the student with an understanding of the fundamental physical principles involved in nuclear fission and the operation of nuclear reactors. Starting with a brief study of relevant topics from modern physics, the course covers neutron interactions with matter, fission, neutron diffusion, neutron moderation, and the criticality of various reactor types. This course is essential for the nuclear engineer and is an excellent choice for the applied scientist.
Leadership Experience:
Acting Director, Systems Simulation and Validation Division, Office of Stockpile Assessment and Certification, Defense Programs, National Nuclear Security Administration (2003 – 2004) Program manger, technical expert in nuclear weapons design.
Joint Strategic Plans Officer (Nuclear), U.S. Forces, Korea J5 Plans (2002 – 2003) Technical expert in nuclear weapons effects and employment, primary advisor to the commander responsible for the defense of South Korea.
Battalion Executive Officer (1998 – 1999) Second in command of a 750-person unit. Coordinate logistic, personnel, maintenance support, with a budget of over $30 million for equipment and facilities valued at over $300 million.
Battalion Operations Officer (1997 – 1998) Third in command, and responsible for all plans and operations conducted by a 450-person unit. Created training strategies and plans, and resourced with personnel, time, equipment, and money.
Artillery Battery Commander (1987 – 1989) Commanded a unit consisting of 70 soldiers, six towed 105mm howitzers, and 14 combat support vehicles and equipment valued at 1.9 million dollars. Prepared detailed training plans, presented instruction, reviewed and critiqued all other instructors.
Service:
Department of Physics student summer internship coordinator2000 – 2002, 2004 – 2006
Department of Physics advisor to Sigma Pi Sigma2000 – 2002
Department of Physics budget and property accountability officer2004 – 2006
Department representative on the Academy Laboratory Equipment Committee2004 – 2006
Director, USMA – Newburgh, NY Jr. High School mentorship program2000 – 2002
USMA Academic Counselor2000 – 2002
USMA Varsity Softball team’s academic representative2000 – 2002, 2004 – 2006
Regional volunteer for Australian Shepherd rescue2003 – present
National Board of Directors for Australian Shepherd Rescue2006 - 2008
Awards:
Professional Development Grant, College of Saint Rose2007, 2008
Research Grant, United States Military Academy Office of the Dean2000
Elected full member, Sigma Pi Sigma1999
Best Paper in Session, Army Science Conference1994
References:
- Colonel David Bedey, Deputy Head of the Physics Department, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996; phone: 845-938-3905, email:
- Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Musk, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996; phone: 845-938-3905, email:
- Dr. Richard Thompson, Dean of the School of Math and Science, The College of Saint Rose, 432 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203, phone: (518) 458-5396, email:
1