Physics Faculty

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School of Science

Behrend College
 

Darren Williams

Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College


School of Science
Station Road; Erie PA 16563-0203
phone: 814-898-6008
fax: 814-898-6213
email: dmw145@psu.edu


Education
A.S. Physics, Jamestown Community College, 1990
B.S. Physics, The University of Pittsburgh, 1992
Ph.D. Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Pennsylvania State University, 1998


Research Interests
I am primarily interested in the origin and evolution of planet/satellite systems, and particularly in the climatic and dynamic factors which affect whether a planet or moon can support life. My research fits best in the category of astrobiology, a new field that has received considerable professional and public attention lately with the recent discoveries by other astronomers of Jupiter-sized planets around nearby stars. These discoveries have opened up many exciting areas of research on the origin of planets and life that can be tackled by faculty and students at Behrend College.

Most of my work involves theoretical modeling of planetary climates and spin-orbit dynamics using computers. Students are invited to work with me on any research project, and have the opportunity to do so using the the campus computer labs and available software to simulate hypothetical planetary systems or to analyze model data. An attempt is made to engage all interested students in meaningful research at a level appropriate for their backgrounds and abilities. Some of the research that I am either working on or thinking about at the moment includes:

  • Climates of Earth-like planets
  • Dynamical stability of satellite systems
  • Origin of planetary satellites
  • Habitability of extrasolar planets
  • Frequency of impacts on planet and satellite surfaces

Links
NASA Astrobiology
Astronomy at Behrend College


Research Publications
Listing


Classes
Penn State ANGEL Website



Last Revised: 24 January 2005