Dr. Ken Podolak

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Teaching physics is the most rewarding job I can imagine. Being able to be in front of a class or in a research lab and to share this passion is something I take great pride in. I also enjoy sharing physics puns or jokes to keep the class engaged while having fun.

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to work on research projects under my guidance. Students will learn how to create their own materials, characterize their properties, and disseminate results in peer reviewed publications and at conferences. I accept students at any level of experience.

• Education
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Penn. State University, 2008
  • M.Ed. in Education, Penn. State University, 2005
  • B.S. in Physics, Rochester Institute of Technology, 2002
• Teaching Areas
  • Introductory physics
  • Modern physics
  • Intermediate laboratory
  • Solid State physics
  • Tutorials in lectures and techniques in intermediate physics labs
• Research Areas
  • Tailoring ferromagnetic materials to measure surface plasmons and magnetic effects
• Recent Publications
  • K.R. Podolak, V.A.W. Wickramasinghe, G.A. Mansfield, and A.M. Tuller, “Manipulating Chladni Patterns of Ferromagnetic Materials by an External Magnetic Field.” Sound & Vibration 55, 235 (2021).
  • K. Podolak and C. Lamsal, “Selecting Your Reference Potential Energy in a Vertically Hanging Spring.” The Physics Teacher 56, 569 (2018).
  • K. Podolak, E. Buckser, Z. Qudsi, I. Salvamoser, and K. Tiwari. “Plasmon Resonance Studies of Iron Coated Gold Films With and Without an Applied Magnetic Field.” AIP Advances 7, 105319 (2017).
• Awards & Honors
  • SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service (2023)
  • SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2016)