Deonna F. Woolard

Deonna F. Woolard is a Professor and Department Chair of Physics at Randolph-Macon College. She holds a PhD in Physics from The College of William and Mary (1999) and has pioneered research in stress concentration analysis in metals/composites (collaborating with NASA Langley) and bridge structural integrity (with VDOT/UVa). She expanded the department to offer Engineering Physics, Engineering, and Astrophysics programs.

Education:

• PhD in Physics, College of William and Mary, 1999
• MS in Physics, College of William and Mary, 1994
• BS in Physics, Bethany College, 1992

Research focuses on materials science applications in aerospace and civil engineering, with recent work published in Journal of Undergraduate Reports in Physics. Teaching spans fluid mechanics, engineering dynamics, and advanced physics laboratories. Awards include the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Professorship and Thomas Branch Teaching Award.

Advising emphasizes undergraduate research collaboration, with notable projects on galactic rotation curves. Active in curriculum development for engineering and physics programs.