Skip to main site navigation Skip to main content

Virtual Tour | Visit Campus | Contact Us | Apply Now

Utica University Logo
  • Academics
    • Programs
    • Online Programs
      • Online Business Programs
    • Honors Program
    • Graduate Study
    • International Ed & Study Abroad
      • Study Abroad
    • Exceptional Faculty
    • Research & Experiential Learning
      • Experiential Learning Courses
    • Student Support and Success
    • Schedules, Catalogs, and Resources
    • Institutes and Centers
    • Utica University at Florida
      • Tuition and Fees: ABSN Program
      • Accepted Students
    • Current Offerings
    • Program Details
    • Themed Pathways
    • Planning Sheet
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
    • Understanding Financial Aid
      • Value
      • Excelsior, Explained
      • University Scholarships
      • Annual Awards
    • Applying For Financial Aid
    • Tuition and Fees
      • Utica Campus Programs
      • Online Programs
      • ABSN Program
    • Net Price Calculator
    • Pioneer Passport
  • Admissions
    • First-Year Admissions
    • Transfer Admissions
      • Articulation Agreements
    • Graduate Admissions
      • Graduate Inquiry Form
    • International Applicants
      • International Inquiry Form
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Visit
      • Utica University Campus
      • Virtual Tour
      • Why Not Fly?
    • Apply Now
    • Contact Us
    • Accepted Student Info
    • High School Counselors
    • High School Bridge Program
  • Community
    • Living on Campus
      • Res Life and Student Living
      • Campus Engagement and Student Activities
    • Satellite Locations
    • The Utica Area
      • Hotels and Restaurants in the Utica Area
    • Utica Stories
    • About Utica
  • Athletics
    • Intercollegiate Athletics
    • Esports
  • News & Events
  • Alumni
  • Giving
  • Apply Now
  • Directory
  • About
  • Library
  • Logins
Utica University
Five students taking part in a physics activity in the library.

Physics Department

  1. Directory
  2. Physics Department

What We Do

The Department of Physics at the Utica University has developed a strong, positive teaching and research environment that is welcoming to all physics students. We are also committed to serving the community with outreach programs for schools and the general public.

Phone
(315) 792-3028
Email
artsandsciences@utica.edu
Department Type
Academic
Office Location
286 Gordon Science Center

Physics Department

  • Physics Stories
  • Society of Physics Students

The Physics Department at Utica University encompasses several programs:

Physics B.A.    Physics B.S.   

Physics (minor)    3-2 Engineering

Utica University's physics major offers a robust introduction to the science of the physical world, from the basic structure of atoms and matter to the complex interactions of galaxies. Our program provides students with an opportunity to explore the fundamental nature of the physical universe. With an accomplished faculty and an individualized learning environment, the Utica University physics program is an excellent choice for students considering careers in research, teaching, engineering, and jobs in industry that demand a strong foundation in physical science.

We also offer research opportunities in the areas of Space Physics and Physics Education.

FOLLOW THE PHYSICS DEPARTMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook Icon

Vision

At the Department of Physics at Utica University, we value and nurture each student in our programs. We empower students to build thriving careers grounded in a deep understanding of physics knowledge and related skills. We are committed to fostering robust reasoning abilities while developing effective communication, persistence, and dedication to inclusive collaboration. Our graduates emerge as versatile problem solvers, equipped not only with the technical expertise to excel in diverse fields but also with the interpersonal skills and resilience to navigate an ever-evolving global landscape.

Outreach

The Physics Department at Utica University offers a variety of outreach activities to libraries and schools in the Greater Utica area. We also contribute to the Young Scholars Liberty Partnership Program (YSLPP) at Utica University.

Undergraduate Research

Students have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty on a variety of topics such as solar-terrestrial interactions, space weather, and physics education. Students have received grants and fellowships to support their research. Students are encouraged to publish their research in national and international journals and attend conferences.

Student Learning Goals (B.S.)

  • Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge of classical mechanics topics
  • Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge of Electricity and Magnetism topics
  • Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge in Quantum and Modern Physics

Student Learning goals (B.A.):

  • Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge, including hands-on experience, of classical mechanics topics
  • Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge, including hands-on experience, of Electricity and Magnetism topics
  • Demonstrate conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge, including hands-on experience, in Quantum and Modern Physics

Summer Research Opportunities Program at Utica University

Physics Research Presentation

The Department of Physics at Utica university offers a summer research opportunity for high school students and undergraduate students during the summer 2024. The successful candidate will do research on Sun-Earth interactions with Prof. Hava Turkakin. This research opportunity is supported by National Science Foundation
(NSF).

General Requirements

  • Undergraduate applicants should be Physics majors or minors.
  • High School applicants should be starting their junior or senior year of high school during the application period, and have completed at least one physics course with a minimum score of 85% or higher (students who took an AP Physics course will be preferable).

Interested students should email Prof. Hava Turkakin at haturkak@utica.edu with attachments of a statement of purpose letter and high school transcript.

Contact Us

Mary Dobek

Mary Dobek

mfdobek@utica.edu

Erin McCarthy

Erin McCarthy

eemccart@utica.edu

Physics Faculty

Hava Turkakin stands near a poster and looks at the camera.
Hava Turkakin, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of Physics
Professor Jonathan Gaffney, with glasses, beard and hair to his shoulders, dressed in a red shirt, stands in his classroom.
Jon D. Gaffney, Ph.D.
  • Associate Professor of Physics
Brandon Fleming
Brandon A. Fleming, M.S.
  • Adjunct Professor of Physics
Javad Nia
Javad Nia, Ph.D.
  • Assistant Professor of Physics

I would like to see logins and resources for:

For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.

Utica University Logo
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube
  • Academics
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Admissions
  • Community
  • Athletics
1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502
Map & Directions
(315) 792-3006
Contact Us
  • Institutional Effectiveness
  • Bookstore
  • Disability Learning Support
  • Student Right to Know
2024-2025 College of Distinction2024-2025 Private College of Distinction2024-2025 Business College of Distinction2024-2025 Education College of Distinction2024-2025 Nursing College of Distinction2024-2025 Career Development College of Distinction2024-2025 Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction2023-2024 Military Friendly (Silver)