Faculty and Staff

Who are we?

The physics faculty is a small but diverse group, dedicated to providing high quality undergraduate education and high-impact experiences.

Meet the faculty

Matthew Fleenor, Professor

B.S. University of Tennessee (Materials Science & Engineering)
M.S. University of Massachusetts (Applied Physics)
Ph.D. University of North Carolina (Physics & Astronomy)

Professional Interests: Astrophysics, Astronomy Education, STEM Identity, Representation

Phone: 540-654-5974

Office: Jepson 465

emailmfleenor@umw.edu

Varun Makhija, Assistant Professor

B.S. Drew University
Ph.D. Kansas State University
Postdoc: University of Ottawa / Canadian National Research Council

Professional Interests: Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics, Chemical Physics

Phone: 540-654-1376

Office: Jepson 464

emailvmakhija@umw.edu

Desmond Villalba, Assistant Professor

B.S. University of North Georgia
M.S. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Ph.D. University of Alabama

Professional Interests: Theoretical Particle Physics and Cosmology, Green Energy and Technology

Phone: 540-654-1430

Office: Jepson 463

email: dvillalb@umw.edu

William Alexander William Alexander, Adjunct Professor

B.S. Bethany College
M.S. Marshall University
Ph.D University of Virginia

email: walexand@umw.edu

Professional Interests: Astronomy Education Research, fiber-optic chemical sensors

Dave Fallest, Adjunct Professor

B.A. Beilot College
M.S., Ph.D North Carolina State University

email: dfallest@umw.edu

Professional Interests: Astrophysics; Soft Condensed Matter/Fluid Dynamics; Coach, U.S. Physics Team

Meet the administration and staff

 Janet A. Asper
Chairperson Department of Chemistry and Physicsjasper@umw.edu
540-654-1143
Jepson 441
angela-andrews Angela Andrews
Laboratory Specialistaandrews@umw.edu
540-654-1529
Jepson 201C
wwillard Wilma Willard
Office Managerwwillard@umw.edu
540-654-1182
Jepson 201F

Contact Us