Physics & Astronomy Student Shines at National Forum

Arcata – Arcata student and physics major Liam Furniss recently represented Humboldt State University at a national conclave where he introduced results of his experimental research of dark energy in the Gravity Research Laboratory at HSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
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Furniss gave an oral presentation of his research paper, titled “Dark Energy, Extra Dimensions and the Gravitational Inverse-Square Law,” at the 22nd annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR 2008) at Salisbury University, Maryland. His paper, written with the guidance of Assistant Professor of Physics C.D. Hoyle, Jr., has been accepted for publication later this year in the conference’s Proceedings.

Furniss’s work typifies the first-hand research and national exposure Humboldt State University provides to undergraduates, who rarely enjoy such experiences. Furniss was the only HSU student to attend this year’s conference, which is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study through its annual national forum. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, the NCUR gathering of young scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and all precincts of the academic curriculum.

Some 2,800 students and professors from 350 universities across the country attended this year’s conference.

For information about HSU gravitational research, contact Dr. Hoyle at 707/826-3235, 707/826-3279 (fax) or cdh33@humboldt.edu.