NEAL SUMERLIN'S WEB PAGE

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Neal Sumerlin, Ph.D.
Professor, School of Sciences
Director, Lynchburg College Observatory
Lynchburg College
Go to Blackboard (for Dr. Sumerlin's students)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experience/Background
I have taught at Lynchburg College since 1976. My graduate research was in several areas of nuclear chemistry: nuclear spectroscopy using a linear accelerator to create new isotopes; atmospheric studies using radioactive fallout as tracers, and nuclear geochemistry, investigating isotopic ratios in gaseous fission products found in various terrestrial minerals and in meteorites. I have an abiding interest in astronomy, specifically in the use of chemical tools to examine the early history of the solar system and of the earth.

Degrees and Certifications

·       B.S. in professional chemistry
1972 Ouachita Baptist University

·       Ph.D. in nuclear chemistry
1977 University of Arkansas

Professional Interests/Research
My research interests have to do with using computer modeling to look at element creation in stars and with the general topic of stellar nucleosynthesis.  I am always interested in collaborating with students who find this subject as interesting as I do.

My current teaching responsibilities have moved me away from chemistry and into astronomy, and that is by my choice.  A few years ago, I spent a sabbatical creating two new courses at Lynchburg College.  PHYS 181 (Solar System Astronomy) and PHYS 182 (Stellar Astronomy) both meet the laboratory science requirement for general education.  My intention was to create courses that would be both informative and fun for the vast majority of Lynchburg College students who are not science majors.  If my students are enjoying them half as much as I am, we’re in good shape!

 

Much of my time and effort over the past several years has been focused on bringing an observatory to the Claytor Nature Study Center (http://www.lynchburg.edu/claytor.xml) that can take advantage of the wonderful dark skies there.  We dedicated the new observatory on October 20, 2007.  Go here (http://www.lynchburg.edu/observatory.xml) for more information.

 

Information on Courses Taught in 2008-2009

Fall semester: PHYS 181, Solar System Astronomy, 2:30-3:45 TR; 7:00-9:00 T

                         PHYS 182, Stellar Astronomy, 1:00-2:15 TR; 7:00-9:00 R

                          

Spring semester: PHYS 181, Solar System Astronomy, 1:00-2:15 TR; 7:00-9:00 R

                               PHYS 182, Stellar Astronomy, 2:30-3:45 TR; 7:00-9:00 T

                                                           

 

Personal Info/Interests
I enjoy astronomy with my telescope (as well as just with my naked eyes), reading (mostly history, science, and current affairs, but not exclusively.  I read a lot.), music (classic rock, blues, almost all kinds), computers (usually), and any activity with my family (I have been married to the same woman for 34+ years; we have a 25-year-old son and a daughter who is a college junior in 2008-2009.)

 

You may contact me either via E-mail: sumerlin@lynchburg.edu (preferred)

Or by phone: (434) 544-8378