Robert Fairchild

Robert Fairchild is a Professor of Physics at Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) since 2001. He served as Chair of the Department of Physics from 1996-2017, Acting Chair from 1990-91, and held administrative roles such as Director of Computer Services (1980-1988). He has been the Radiation Safety Officer since 1988 and a Liaison Officer for Dual-degree Engineering (1988-) and Pre-Architecture (1993-2019).

Education:

• Ph.D., Applied Physics, Cornell University, 1975
• M.S., Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1993
• B.S., Physics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1971

Research Interests: Robert Fairchild’s work spans the intersection of physics with energy and environmental challenges, computer systems (hardware, software, interfaces), electronics, experimental physics, and radiation protection. His expertise in radiation safety is reflected in both his research and his long-standing role as Radiation Safety Officer.

Teaching: He has taught courses including Energy and the Global Environment, Principles of Physics I and II, Computer Architecture and Interfacing, Introduction to Health Physics, and Classical Mechanics.

Professional Affiliations & Certifications: A member of the American Physical Society, American Association of Physics Teachers, Health Physics Society, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Pi Sigma, he holds the Comprehensive Certification by the American Board of Health Physics (1996-2016) and contributed to the Nebraska-Píaui Partners of the Americas initiative.

Service & Community Involvement: He volunteers with the State of Nebraska’s Radiation Emergency Response Team and is affiliated with the First Baptist Church of Lincoln and American Baptist Churches of Nebraska.