Prescott-COAS-Annual-Report 2021-2022

Faculty Highlights

In the College of Arts and Sciences (COAS), our vision is to turn out well-rounded, self- reliant, independent and critical thinking graduates who will positively influence the community, country and globe. In commitment to that vision, our mission is to graduate students that are profession ready. We focus on student success by offering high-level access to faculty mentoring. These experiences and opportunities fortify our values, which include the acquisition of knowledge, open communication, diversity, inclusion, cutting-edge research, a passion for teaching and life balance. Our faculty engage in professional consultation and/or scholarly activities that inform their teaching, their discipline and enhance learning opportunities for our students.

Dr. Michele Zanolin

Dr. Michele Zanolin is a Professor of Physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2021 he was awarded the prestigious honorary title “Cavallieri Della Croce” (Knight of the Cross) in his home municipality of Collechio, Italy for his work in gravitational wave astronomy with LIGO. Part of his work with Prescott faculty and student researchers also studied tests of the foundational principles of General Relativity, such as Lorentz symmetry including gravitational wave observation and solar system tests like short-range gravity and lunar laser ranging. Dr. Zanolin’s additional research work on gravitational physics and cosmology has been astounding. Researchers in gravitational physics is exploring a wide range of applications of Einstein’s theory of gravity. Many physicists are interested in testing predictions of Einstein’s theory of gravity. One such prediction is that the universe is filled with gravitational waves: undulations in the fabric of spacetime. These waves are produced by enormous astrophysical events, such as the collision of two neutron stars or black holes. He earned both his undergraduate and Ph.D. at the University of Parma. Before Embry-Riddle, Dr. Zanolin was employed by MIT. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, volleyball, and spending time with his wife and their three children.

2021-2022 Annual Report | 7

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog