Gratefully Acknowledging an Art Donation
We gratefully acknowledge the donation, by UofT Physics alumnus Mr. Jeremy Brett, of three Physics-related paintings by Robert Blonski, a Polish-Canadian artist resident in Warsaw, Poland. Part of Blonski’s "Reflections" series, inspired by Quantum Physics and Jungian Psychology. Blonski’s “symbolic” painting approach features textured landscapes on the canvas that highlight co-existing polarities in nature, like light and darkness. The paintings evoke polarities central to Quantum Physics such as the dual particle/wave nature of light. We plan to mount the paintings in our new Multipurpose Room on the third floor of MP, to help centre the room in the context of our department’s scientific work.
Jeremy is an alumnus of our Physics (Geophysics) program who graduated in 1992. After obtaining an M.Sc. in Geology at the University of Toronto (1995) he pursued a successful career as a Geophysics Consultant involved in mineral exploration using his extensive expertise in data imaging, synthesis, interpretation, deposit models and structural geology / tectonic frameworks. We will be in touch with Jeremy in a future issue of Interactions to learn more about his life after his Physics degree. In the meantime, we want to again thank him sincerely for his generous donation.
Physics Library Relaunch Event on October 3
With the Physics Library closed for renovations since June 2024, we pushed to meet a re-opening of the space this Fall semester. First proposed in 2009, the project has now become reality, with the space redesigned into a quiet library, collaborative area, and two meeting rooms. We are happy to see how popular the spaces have been this past month.
On October 2nd, we celebrated the grand opening of the Collaborative Research and Learning Centre (Physics Library) with remarks from Chair Paul Kushner, joined by former Chairs Michael Luke, Kim Strong, and Professor Emeritus Stephen Morris, who were all key members in making this renovation Each speaker gave us perspective on the history and timeline of this project, helping us appreciate how the renovated space has come to fruition. It was great to see students, faculty, and staff joined us to enjoy the event and our ice cream cart!
We would like to give special thanks to all who made this renovation possible: former Physics Librarian Dylanne Dearborn, Professor Stephen Julian, the members of the library committee through the years, the Office of the Vice-President and Provost, Faculty of Arts & Science, and architect firm Gow Hastings. Further thanks to all the people involved in the planning and execution this past year - Jenny Hung, Kate Slotek, Karen Nguyen, Janice Lee, Nazar Pryhara and his construction team, and especially to our Chief Administrative Officer Peter Hurley, whose knowledge of the department greatly contributed to the design and execution of the construction of the space.
We invite everyone in the Department of Physics to visit and make full use of the new space!
Emeritus Lunch held on May 23
The annual event had emeritus faculty hearing about what is new in the Department and sharing stories.