Joseph Strandquist

Joseph Strandquist serves as Lecturer and Lab Manager in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Benedictine College, joining the institution in 2022 after completing his graduate studies. His dual role integrates instructional duties with laboratory oversight in Westerman Hall.

His educational background includes:

• M.S. in Physics from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2021)
• B.S. in Physics and B.A. in Philosophy from Benedictine College (2019)

Research focuses on coffee foam physics, investigating foam formation and stability through experimental fluid dynamics. This niche specialty bridges everyday phenomena with soft matter principles, conducted with undergraduate researchers in a dedicated Westerman Hall laboratory space. His approach emphasizes accessible experimental setups using commonplace materials while yielding insights into colloidal systems.

Scholarly output shows interdisciplinary range, with his 2022 Physical Review A publication on attosecond electron dynamics contrasting with current coffee research. This evolution demonstrates versatility across atomic-scale quantum phenomena and macroscopic fluid behavior, suggesting methodological adaptability between theoretical modeling and hands-on experimentation.

Mentorship occurs through undergraduate research collaborations in his coffee physics lab, though specific student outcomes aren't documented. His lab management position inherently involves training students in experimental techniques and safety protocols across departmental courses.

Operational activities center on Westerman Hall Room 315, where he maintains equipment for both instructional labs and original foam research. This space functions as an integrated teaching-research environment supporting departmental needs while advancing his specialty.