By Karrie Sue Hawbaker, Editor

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the February issue of The Photon! Despite a little bit of a late start, thanks to our fair share of ice and snow here in Maryland, the Spring 2004 semester is well underway.

I hope you enjoy this issue of The Photon. Dr. Michael Fuhrer wrote this month's faculty research article, providing our readers with an update from the nanoelectronics field. This update includes the extremely well-received results that he and his colleagues recently published. Students, don't miss the alumni spotlight on a 2000 alum who has landed himself a position as an assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire. He offers great advice for those of you with your eyes toward a career in academia. And speaking of students, a big congratulations to all of you Winter 2003 graduates! Just in case you missed it, our January Supplement contains information and photos from the campus and the college commencement ceremonies for you and your families to enjoy.

Good luck to everyone this semester! As always, if you have any questions or comments about this issue, please contact me at 301-405-5945 or karrie@physics.umd.edu.

Best regards,