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B Cameron Reed, Ph.D.

Chair and Professor of Physics
Joined Alma College Faculty in 1992
Dow 134
(989) 463-7266
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I have been on the Alma faculty since 1992. My teaching experience includes the full spectrum of undergraduate physics from freshman-level algebra-based PHY 112 to senior-level quantum mechanics. My research interests are primarly in the area of galactic structure (hot, blue stars) with occasional forays into areas such as quantum and nuclear physics. I have published over 80 papers in peer-reviewed physics and astronomy journals.

Education

  • B.Sc. University of Waterloo (Canada) Physics 177
  • M.Sc. Queen's University (Canada) Physics 1979
  • Ph.D. University of Waterloo (Canada) Physics 1984

Research Interests

Astronomy, Galactic Structure, Quantum Physics, Nuclear Physics, History of Nuclear Weapons. Over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Recent Courses Taught

  • Nuclear Physics & Weapons.  FYS 012.

Selected Book Publications

Selected Articles

  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  "Spreadsheet for Linear Least-Squares fits With Errors in Both Coordinates."  Physics Education.  2010.
  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  "Bullion to B-Fields: The Silver Program of the Manhattan Project."  Michigan Academician.
  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  "The Bohr-Wheeler spontaneous fission limit: an undergraduate-level derivation."  European Journal of Physics.  2009. 30. 763-770  2009.
  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  "A brief primer on tamped fission-bomb cores."  American Journal of Physics.  (2009) 77(8), 730-733  2009.
  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  "Centrifuges and the Manhattan Project."  Physics in Perspective.
  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  "Rudolf Peierls’ 1939 Analysis of Critical Conditions in Neutron Multiplication."  Physics & Society.  2008. 36. 4
  • See More...

Selected Reviews

  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  Review of Five Days in August: How World War II Became a Nuclear War, by Michael D. Gordin.  Physics & Society.  2008. 37. 1. 14-15
  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  Review of Nuclear Weapons: What You Need to Know, by Jeremy Bernstein.  Physics & Society.  2008. 37. 2. 20-21
  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  Review of Physics of Societal Issues: Calculations on National Security, Environment, and Energy, by David Hafmeister.  Physics & Society.  2007. 36. 3. 14-15
  • B Cameron Reed, Ph.D..  Review of Bomb Scare: The History & Future of Nuclear Weapons, by Joseph Cirincione.  Physics & Society.  2007. 36. 3. 14-15

Recent Presentations

  • "Arthur Compton’s 1941 Analysis of Explosive Fission in U-235: The Physics.."  American Physical Society.  St. Louis, MO.  12 April 2008.
  • "Leaping the Fission Barrier: A Sophomore-Level Model."  American Physical Society, Ohio Section.  Oakland (MI) University.  October 2004.

Awards, Honors, Recognitions

Professional Memberships

  • International Astronomical Union
  • American Association of Physics Teachers
  • Sigma Xi
  • American Physical Society
  • American Astronomical Society

Service to the College

  • Promotion review for Dr. Joe Beckmann, fall 2004
  • Faculty Forum: "A Nuclear Tourist," Nov. 5, 2004.
  • Academic Standards Committee (Fall 2004)
  • MCS Search Committee 2004/05
  • Alternate, Faculty Girevance Committee (continuing)

 

Alma College students report levels of educational experiences and faculty interaction that exceed the national norms by significant amounts, according to the findings of the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement. In the 2006 study, Alma students reported a level of interaction with faculty that ranked among the top five percent in the nation.

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Student Profile

Terra Teague

Terra Teague
Graduation: 2008
Major: Business Administration
From: Monroe
Interests: Business Simulations, Athletics

Terra’s Spring Term experience in China is a tremendous help understanding the relationship the U.S. has with one of its largest trading partners. The business administration major from Monroe has seen first hand the economic effects on southeast Michigan of low-cost imports and Chinese monetary policies.

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