By Karrie Sue Hawbaker, Editor

Dear Readers,

Welcome back to another year at Physics at Maryland! We're very glad to welcome so many new faces. (Check out Dr. Goodman's article for more about the new members of our Physics Family.) And, despite the congested traffic and crowded hallways, we're glad to have all you students back with us for another year. There's something very exciting about the promise and possibility of our freshman starting what is, quite possibly, the most drastic transition of their lives (no pressure, I promise) and of our seniors, anxious to finish that last year and leap into this "real world" of responsibilities that include waking up before noon (unless, of course, you're going to graduate school)! All gentle teasing aside, the Department is gald to see you all and is excited to start a new year.

I hope you enjoy the contents of this back-to-school Photon. We have a great superconductivity research update from Professor Anderson and an article on Herbert Edelstein, an alumnus with quite an intriguing career path. We also have great news from several of our faculty members aobut an array of summer activities. Our last issue, the Summer 2004 Photon, contains much more of this kind of news, so, if you missed it, please check it out.

Once again, lots of luck for a successful semester!

Best regards,