By Karrie Sue Hawbaker, Editor

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the May issue of The Photon! This month, several members of our physics family have been recognized for their outstanding work. Dr. Jordan Goodman, professor and chair of the Department of Physics, is the 2004 recipient of the Kirwan Award for Undergraduate Education for his continuous dedication to teaching, mentorship and curriculum reform. Ms. Kari Aldridge, assistnat director for business and finance, received this year's Dean's Outstanding Exempt Employee Award in recognition fo her many years of exceptional professionalism and service to the Physics Department. And, Dr. George Sterman (Ph.D., 1974), director of the C.N. Yang Institute of Theoretical Physics at Stony Brook University, has been awarded the Physics Distinguished Alumnus Award for his many contributions to the field of particle physics, especially in the area of quantum field theory. Dr. Jainendra Jain, the Erwin W. Mueller Professor of Physics at the Pennsylvania State University, was awarded the the CMPS Distinguished Postdoc Alum Award for his impressive work in the field of condensed matter theory.

Many congratulations to all of this year's award winners. The Department is very proud of your great work!

Hope you enjoy this issue of The Photon!

Best regards,