Kutztown University science professors recognized for cutting-edge work
Kutztown University’s students take courses with professors who are dedicated to student success while also being leaders in their fields.
Dr. Kunal Das, professor of physics, recently received a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for his invention of a new method for precision detection and sensing of rotation and magnetic fields.
This invention takes a completely new approach for conducting precision sensing of both rotation and of magnetic fields.
Until now, the stateof-the-art technology for extremely sensitive measurement of rotation and magnetic fields has relied upon the principle of wave interference, such as SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device). Das’ patent develops and utilizes a very different phenomenon called localization.
“This patent could lead to collaboration with companies for highprecision sensing with applications in gyroscopy and fundamental scientific measurements,” Das said. “This is a new idea, a new design and I really think it can take rotation sensing and field sensing in a very different direction than it has been in last several decades.”
Das has been awarded with four National Science Foundation grants amounting nearly $700,000 in research funding. He is a theoretical physicist working in the realm of quantum physics.
In addition, Dr. Erin Kraal of the Physical Sciences department was recently featured on the Scientia website, profiling her work in STEM pedagogical research.
Kraal and colleagues recently assessed “Student Produced Audio Narratives,” a teaching approach designed to improve the perceptions of students enrolled in introductory geoscience courses and increase their engagement.
This approach consists of a series of assignments focusing on various aspects of geoscience, including geology, hydrology, planetary science, marine science, oceanography, atmospheric and space science, climate science, geochemistry, petrology, paleontology and environmental sciences.
The assignments ask students to engage with these different topics by producing and narrating scientific stories related to them, then recording them using their mobile phones or other digital devices.
For more information on Kutztown University’s many STEM offerings and or any of its 130 programs of study, visit www.kutztown. edu.