Faculty Profile
Brett Pearson
(he/him/his)Professor of Physics and Astronomy (2007)
Contact Information
Tome Scientific Building Room 221
717-245-1049
Bio
Professor Pearson’'s research interests center on using ultrafast laser pulses to measure and control molecular systems, with a particular focus on applications in non-linear microscopy and spectroscopy. The optics lab in the department has an ultrafast laser oscillator and pulse shaper, and students have assisted with both the development of the laser system and the ensuing experiments. In 2019 Professor Pearson co-authored the book "Time-Resolved Spectroscopy: An Experimental Perspective."
Education
- B.A., Grinnell College, 1997
- M.S., University of Michigan, 2003
- Ph.D., 2004
2025-2026 Academic Year
Fall 2025
PHYS 141 Physics for the Life Sciences
Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 131 and 141.
PHYS 313 Comp Interfacing & Lab Instrum
A study of the interfacing techniques needed for data acquisition and the control of laboratory equipment. An introduction to the LabView programming environment and how it can be used to automate typical laboratory tasks, for example, the control of linear or rotational actuators or the measurement and analysis of audio signals. Prerequisite: 213 or permission of instructor. Offered occasionally.
PHYS 550 Independent Research
Spring 2026
PHYS 142 Physics for the Life Sciences
Introductory, non-calculus physics, principally for life science and pre-med students. Topics include acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Three one-hour lectures and one three-hour lab per week. Because of the similarity in course content, students will not receive graduation credit for both 132 and 142. Prerequisite: 141 or 131.
PHYS 492 Adv Laboratory Capstone II
In this capstone experience, students will work in groups to study several advanced physics topics in detail. Potential topics include muon decay, microwave diffraction, the speed of light, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, and the Hall effect. The course emphasizes collaborative research, investigative techniques, oral and written communication.Prerequisite: Physics major senior status. The physics major requires either the two-semester sequence of 491 & 492 OR two semesters of PHYS 550.