Contact Michael Monce
Education
B.A., University of Colorado; M.S., Colorado State University; Ph.D., University of Georgia
"I believe that in science a student must be able to directly participate in doing science. That is why I believe that research performed at this College is an extension of our teaching. I always encourage students to work with me on [my] projects. Over the past fifteen years there have been about ten students who have worked with me; some of whom have published their work in prestigious journals. It is that record I am most proud of."
Professor of Physics
On sabbatical spring 2010
Joined Connecticut College: 1981
Specialization:
- Atomic and molecular physics
- Ion-molecule collisions
- Ion-atom collisions
Professor Monce's teaching interests span from introductory courses to senior level quantum mechanics. He leads a two-semester sequence of laboratory work in experimental physics and a semester of advanced laboratory instruction.
His area of expertise lies in atomic and molecular physics, particularly atomic collisions.To perform this work he uses a 1 million volt ion accelerator housed on campus. Specific investigations involve excited states formed in the collision process.
The latest work involves digital imaging of the collisions with specific investigations into proton-sulfur dioxide collisions. This system has relevance to the environment around Jupiter. This work is currently supported by a grant from NASA. Monce is also involved with new projects using the ion accelerator to look at the composition of materials. This has applications in archaeology, and also ecology. More about ion accelerator laboratory research.
Monce actively encourages students to work on his projects. Much of the work he has conducted with students has been presented at professional meetings, appeared in Physical Review A, and The Journal of Geophysical Research, in which the students were first authors.
He has reviewed grant proposals for the NSF, and served on the Physics Standard Setting Advisory Board Committee for Connecticutþs Department of Education. He advises students who are interested in teaching careers in physics. He is also a fellow at the Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology at Connecticut College.
Visit the physics department site.