Doug Harper

Doug Harper is a Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western Kentucky University (WKU), where he has served since 1991. He holds certifications as a National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Architect, Developer, and Associate Developer, and has integrated LabVIEW extensively into physics education for 25+ years.

• Academic Positions: Professor (2003–present), Associate Professor (1996–2003), Assistant Professor (1991–1996)
• Education: PhD in Physics (1991), MS in Physics (1989) from Vanderbilt University; BS in Physics and Mathematics (1986) from WKU

His research focuses on computational physics and pedagogical tools for data acquisition and numerical integration of differential equations. He developed open-source LabVIEW applications like Physics Lab Assistant and Virtual Physics, enabling students to design experiments and simulate classical mechanics problems.

Key contributions include:

• Physics Lab Assistant: Customizable data acquisition/analysis software for physics labs
• Virtual Physics: Numerical integrator for differential equations in mechanics

Scientific Awards

• National Instruments Elite Educator (2014)
• Madole Family Professorship (2007)
• Multiple teaching awards (2004) and academic scholarships/honors (1982–1986)