Josh

Josh is an independent theoretical physicist. He earned a BA in physics from Williams College, an MPhil in history and philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge, and an MSci and a PhD in physics from the University of California, Davis. He subsequently held postdoctoral fellowships at Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen and Bard College and a visiting assistant professorship at Bucknell University. At the University of California, Davis, he taught discussion-lab sections for the nonmajors' introductory physics course. At Bard College he taught introductory physics, mathematical methods of physics, and quantum mechanics. At Bucknell University he taught problem sessions and laboratories for introductory physics, a non majors' course on timekeeping, and quantum mechanics. Josh has also advised eight undergraduate research projects and three senior undergraduate projects. Four of these collaborations have resulted in publications, and four of his students have pursued graduate degrees in theoretical physics, one of whom is now a staff researcher in theoretical astrophysics and one of whom is now a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical nuclear physics. When teaching physics, Josh aims foremost to instill a thorough comprehension of the concepts underlying the physics that his students are learning. He wants his students to understand how physics describes a breathtaking array of phenomena on a foundation constructed from merely a few core concepts. He matches rigorous instruction with an easygoing temperament, prodigious patience, and inclusive sensitivity. Josh most enjoys teaching physics in one-on-one and small-group settings. In these settings students learn more thoroughly by actively engaging and applying physics concepts, and he teaches more effectively by addressing the specific needs of particular students.