College Physics

Jerry D. Wilson, a native of Ohio, is Emeritus Professor of Physics and former Chair of the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. He received his B.S. degree from Ohio University, M.S. degree from Union College, and, in 1970, a Ph.D. from Ohio University. He earned his M.S. degree while employed as a Materials Behavior Physicist by the General Electric Co.

As a doctoral graduate student, Professor Wilson held the faculty rank of Instructor and began teaching physical-science courses. During this time, he coauthored a physical-science text that is now in its 10th edition. In conjunction with his teaching career, Professor Wilson continued his writing and has authored or coauthored six titles. Having retired from full-time teaching, he continues to write, producing, among other works, The Curiosity Corner, a weekly column for local newspapers that can also be found on the Internet.

Anthony J. Buffa received his B.S. degree in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and both his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In 1970, Professor Buffa joined the faculty at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he is currently Professor of Physics, and has been a research associate with the Radioanalytical Facility of the department of physics since 1980.

Professor Buffa's main interest continues to be teaching. He has taught courses at Cal Poly ranging from introductory physical science to quantum mechanics, has developed and revised many laboratory experiments, and has taught elementary physics to local teachers in an NSF-sponsored workshop. Combining physics with his interests in art and architecture, Dr. Buffa develops his own artwork and sketches, which he uses to increase his effectiveness in teaching physics.