Dr. Gerard P. Gilfoyle

Professor of Physics
D-104 Gottwald Science Center
Office: (804) 289-8255
Fax: (804) 484-1542

http://facultystaff.richmond.edu/~ggilfoyl/GPGHome.html
My research is focused on the experimental program at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory to explore the quark nature of matter with a recent excursion into nuclear arms policy. I have also developed inquiry-based laboratories for introductory physics and undergraduate quantum mechanics.

We now know that particles called quarks are the basis for the atoms, molecules, and atomic nuclei that form us and our world. Nevertheless, how these quarks actually combine to form that matter is still a mystery. I used the unique capabilities of the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab to make some of the first measurements of little-known electric and magnetic properties of the deuteron. In the past, scattering experiments were confined to reactions where the debris from the collision was in the same plane (usually horizontal) as the incoming and outgoing projectile. With CLAS we can measure particles that are scattered out of that plane and are sensitive to effects that have been often ignored up to now. These measurements will open a new window into the atomic nucleus.

Since 1999 I have been actively involved in science policy.  I have worked on methods to secure fissile material in Russia for the US Department of Defense and on identifying new technologies for homeland security with the American Physical Society's Task Force on Countering Terrorism.  I am now developing a course on science and security with the Political Science Department.

Research:
Electro-nuclear physics
Computational methods
Nuclear non-proliferation and science policy
Active learning strategies in introductory and advanced physics courses

Education:
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Awards:
University of Richmond Distinguished Educator Award (2003)

Defense Policy Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (1999-2000)