Katy Rodriguez Wimberly, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, was selected as one of 21 astronomers nationwide for the 2026 cohort of the prestigious American Astronomical Society Harlow Shapley Visiting Lecturers Program. This initiative supports faculty in sharing their research through engaging, accessible talks while inspiring curiosity about the universe.
Carol Hood, who taught in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, served as the director of the Murillo Family Observatory for many years. While she is now the new associate dean in the College of Natural Sciences, astronomy and astrophysics remains her first love.
High energy physics is a broad discipline with opportunities for students and scientists from other areas to contribute.
Laura Woodney, Carol Hood and Matteo Crismani (physics and astronomy) were mentioned in article about their department’s new name, and Paloma Villegas (sociology) led a team that published a study on the stigma of food insecurity faced by college students in the Inland Empire.
The new name, Department of Physics and Astronomy, better reflects its rich array of star-studded courses, programs, faculty and resources.