Physics (5th Edition) – James S. Walker – eBook

Author(s)

James Walker

Dr. James Walker obtained his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Washington in 1978. He then served as a post-doc at the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of California at San Diego before joining the physics faculty at Western Washington University. Professor J. Walker’s research interests include chaos,  statistical mechanics, and critical phenomena. His many publications on the application of renormalization-group theory to systems ranging from absorbed monolayers to binary-fluid mixtures have appeared in Physical Review, Physica, Physical Review Letters, and a number of different publications. He has also participated in observations on the summit of Mauna Kea, in search of proof of extra-solar planets.

Dr Jim likes to work with all students in many levels, from judging elementary school science fairs to writing research papers with graduate college students and has taught introductory physics for many many years. His enjoyment of this course and his empathy for university students have earned him a repute as an enthusiastic, innovative, and effective instructor. Dr. James' educational publications include “Reappearing Phases” (Scientific American, May 1987) in addition to articles in The Physics Teacher and American Journal of Physics. In recognition of his contributions to the teaching of physics at Western Washington University, Jim was named the Boeing Distinguished Professor of Science and Mathematics Education for 2001–2003.

When Jim's not teaching, writing, conducting research, or developing new classroom demonstrations and pedagogical materials, he enjoys amateur astronomy, bird and dragonfly watching, eclipse chasing, unicycling, boogie boarding, juggling, and kayaking. Walker is also an avid jazz pianist and organist. He has served as ballpark organist for a number of Class A minor league baseball teams, including the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. Dr. Walker can play Take Me Out To The Ball Game in his sleep.