The Doors of Physics Professors

Overall, the content on the doors of the physics staff was nothing surprising. As with most teachers, their doors include pictures or articles related to their field along with related humor. Still, extrapolated trends present more information about the physics department staff from their doors. One such trend is that most of the staff is interested and involved in particle physics. This can be seen from posters of well-known particle physics laboratories, laser table labs, and articles about staff involvement in neutrino research at the subterranean particle detector in Japan (involved in Nobel prize winning projects). Another commonality is their sense of humor. Most of the posted comic strips are about “lay” persons poor understanding of physics and math. These are clear from the included pictures. Yes, I took pictures. 

However, there is content that stands out from the rest of the department. One staff member posted data plots from experiments (clearly an experimentalist and not a theorist). Someone else posted nature pictures, and a little bit of political humor. These unique expressions say more about the individual because of what they put on their door. In short the doors are pretty accurate representations of staff interests. In the physics wing you can find a wall with all staff photos including their name and specialty. Comparing the two shows that many are involved in particle physics research, and theoretical. Comparing this to the doors one can also tell who is an experimentalist and who is a theorist. A theorist is someone who postulate possible hypothesis or phenomenon, and the experimentalists are the ones in the lab usually proving or disproving said postulates. 

Switching gears to a “Key-Point” summary of “Open Letter to Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi.”

The letter by Nathan Brown is written in response to campus events at UC Davis. Directed to Linda Katehi, Mr. Brown writes that she is not fit for UC administrative work due to what transpired. The author starts his letter by stating his position and value at UC Davis, and briefly stating Linda is not. The writer then elaborates why he is writing the letter to her. Because Nathan Brown was “outraged” by the situation, holds Linda accountable for the fallout, and requests her resignation. Mr. Brown then describes the situation that lead up to the letter. Peaceful protesting of tuition hikes and police brutality, organized by the author, was the target of police brutality, and it was ordered by Linda Katehi. Explaining the pain that staff and students involved had endured, Mr. Brown calls Linda out for the unnecessary call to arms. Adding how even some of the staff assaulted are nationally respected writers. The author continues to explain how another peaceful protest was organized in response to these events, and how they were also treated in the same manner by UC administration. Nathan Brown concludes his letter by stating how despite Linda’s professed value in student safety she is a direct threat, and demanded she resign for her actions.