Dr. Bunch’s research interests involve the development of optics-based products, optical instrument design, fiber optic components and systems, image acquisition and processing, and the development of a portable microfluidic analysis system to quantify and remove specific heavy metals through the use of a bio-regenerative detector.
Physics & Optical Engineering - Student Opportunities
The Physics & Optical Engineering department offers a variety of opportunities, including our Accelerated Math Physics program for incoming freshman, and undergraduate research projects.
In this section
Get a Jump on Your College Career
You may be eligible to get a jump on your classes and earn 13 hours of math and science credit—before the start of your freshman year—with our Accelerated Math Physics (AMP) program. Find out more about this 5-week accelerated program
Nanotechnology Research
Multidisciplinary teams of faculty and students are involved in a wide variety of micro and nano technology related projects and course work in the MiNDS Lab. Their work spans the fields of material science, chemical detection, optics, power generation and Bio-MEMS.
Asteroid Photometry Research
Our students are actively conducting research in the field of asteroid astrometry and asteroid photometry at the Oakley Observatory. In the process, they’ve discovered and named a total of 33 asteroids.
More Research Opportunities
We believe the best way to learn is by doing, so we you’ll be in the lab early and often, with lots of individual attention from your professors. Ourteaching, research, and MiNDs laboratories, and observatory, are stocked with modern equipment. Meet some of our faculty and learn more about their areas of expertise and current projects below.
Dr. Dominic Ludovici, Astronomy
Dr. Ludovici's research interests include small telescope research and instrumentation and non-thermal sources in the Galactic Center. He is the director of the Oakley Observatory where he oversees student astronomical research.
Dr. Galen Duree, Ultrashort pulse laser systems
Dr. Duree’sresearch interests involve optically induced waveguides, wavelength dense multiplexing using photorefractive material, and ultrashort pulse laser phenomena.
Sergio Granieri, Optical signal processing
Dr. Granieri’s research include optical signal processing, optical communications, and fiber optic components and applications.
Charles Joenathan, Interferometry, Holography
Dr. Joenathan’s research activities include the Interferometry, speckle technique, electronic speckle pattern interferometry, holography, fiber optic sensors, and optical metrology.
Scott Kirkpatrick, Nano materials
Dr. Kirkpatrick’s research interests include nano self-assemblies, carbon nanotube growth, micro-electrical-mechanical systems, vacuum deposition system design and development, and energy scavenging systems.
Dr. Renat Letfullin, Laser physics
Dr. Letfullin’s interdisciplinary research combines techniques from the fields of biophysics, nanomedicine, nanoscience, wave optics, laser physics, and aerosol physics, including optics of nanoparticles.
Dr. Sudipa Kirtley, X-ray absorption
Dr. Kirtley’s research topics include x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), spectroscopy in complex materials (biological, fossil-fuels) to elucidate chemical structures of hetero atoms, UV-V is absorption and fluorescence.
Department News
Learn about the latest happenings, student research, and more in physics & optical engineering a Rose-Hulman.
physics and optical engineering
Innovative Six Sigma Program Empowering STEM Careers
physics and optical engineering
Rocketry Propulsion Group Launches Collegiate Lander Challenge Effort
physics and optical engineering
Class of ’24 Graduates Honored for Scholastic Successes, Campus Leadership
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.
Facilities & Resources
We believe the best way to learn is by doing, so we place emphasis on lab work with a hands-on approach. Our teaching, research, and MiNDs laboratories, and observatory, are stocked with modern equipment. Here, you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on undergraduate research experiences that most schools reserve for graduate students.
Research Labs
Our photonics, fiber, acoustics, and semiconductor magneto-optics laboratories are equipped with leading edge technology for undergraduate and graduate research projects.
Teaching Labs
Our state-of-the-art introductory physics laboratories have modern equipment to help you master the concepts you learn in the classroom.
MiNDs Lab
Starting as a freshman, our MiNDs laboratory will give you opportunities in the area of semiconductor and micro/nano technology through courses and hands-on experiments in fabrication, characterization and modeling of micro/nano devices and systems. There are numerous professors performing state of the art research with undergraduates within the cleanroom year round.
Oakley Observatory
Located just east of the main campus, Oakley Observatory is equipped for teaching, as well as conducting research in variable star photometry, searching for supernovae or searching for comets.
Dr. Galen Duree
Dr. Duree, head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering, joined the faculty of Rose-Hulman in 1999. His areas of expertise include photorefractive phenomena, nonlinear optics, laser physics, ultra-short pulse laser phenomena. He authored the book Optics for Dummies an "approachable introduction to optical science, methods, and applications."
Contact Us
Department of Physics & Optical Engineering
Moench Hall CL106
5500 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803
812-877-8309
duree@rose-hulman.edu