Physics and Astronomy Faculty and Staff

I enjoy teaching the full range of physics and astronomy courses at UWEC as well as engaging in a diverse array of collaborative research projects with students.

Dr. Hendrickson is the Chair of the Physics & Astronomy Department.  He currently teaches the introductory physics courses/labs for both majors and non-majors, but loves teaching across the entire curriculum.  He has recently worked with undergraduate students on research projects involving a cloud chamber and an acoustic levitator.

Mr. Howard helps manage the Physics and Astronomy teaching labs and provides support for lecture demonstrations and undergraduate research. He also supervises the shops and digital fabrication lab. He designs and builds custom equipment and instruments for education and research and enjoys involving students with hands-on projects.

Dr. Miller works with satellites such as NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to better understand the high-energy radiation from hot stars.  He enjoys teaching across the physics curriculum, ranging from astrophysics to the science of musical sound.    

Sara assists the Physics and Astronomy and Computer Science department faculty and students with their inquiries, providing support for all department-related issues.  

Prof. Root is a Learning Center Specialist in the Academic Skills Center where she coordinates the Peer Tutoring program and teaches academic support classes. She is also a lecturer in the Dept. of Physics & Astronomy where she teaches the occasional introductory physics course.  She enjoys helping students navigate college life and find academic success.

Dr. Rybicki's research focuses on organic electronic and spintronics. Organic electronics examines how carbon-based devices can be used as next-generation sensors, light emitting diodes, and solar cells. Spintronics investigates how the spin of the electron can be used to transmit signals. This provides student collaborators the opportunity to learn how to fabricate, characterize, and model device behavior.