Degrees:
Ph.D., Harvard University
M.S., Michigan State Univ
B.S., Michigan State Univ.
Mark P. Silverman joined the Trinity physics faculty in 1982. A principal part of his scientific interests involves the investigation of uniquely quantum processes (interference, entanglement) and the examination of various nuclear decay processes (alpha, beta, electron capture) for evidence of violations of currently known physical laws. Another facet of his experimental research concerns the scattering of light from media with unusual optical properties. One outcome of these experiments is the development of a polarimetric method for imaging objects embedded in visually opaque media. Among his theoretical interests is the investigation of the final equilibrium states of stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel and have collapsed to compact objects of enormous density. Besides formal studies of a scholarly nature, Dr. Silverman enjoys just "messing around" and has investigated the uncommon behavior of common things such as physics devices (Vortex Tube, "Voice of the Dragon" tube, "World's Simplest Motor"), twirled keychains, exploding glass (Prince Rupert's drops) and all kinds of optical, thermal, and fluid phenomena observable in one's kitchen.
In addition to teaching all the courses of a traditional physics curriculum, he has created and taught special-interest courses like "Cosmic Evolution and the Search for Life in the Universe," "Role of Controversy in Science," and "Power for the People: the Insatiable Quest for Energy."
Dr. Silverman was the first occidental professor invited to be Visiting Chief Researcher at the Hitachi Advanced Research Laboratory (Tokyo) and has held a number of other distinguished positions such as the Joliot Chair of Physics at the Ecole Superieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles (Paris) and the George A Jarvis Chair of Physics at Trinity College.
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