Community
My favorite thing about our department is the closeness that we all experience with one another.
– Allyse Appel, Class of 2014
![Jay-Dittmann](https://www.valpo.edu/physics-astronomy/files/2015/03/20120913-Jay-Dittmann-9-798x768.jpg)
Successful Alumni
In 2012, Jay Dittman ’92 and his research team discovered a new elementary particle. The findings may revolutionize the world of physics.
![Allyse-Appel](https://www.valpo.edu/physics-astronomy/files/2015/03/20141212-JLH-Allyse-Appel-007-1-1024x768.jpg)
Engaged Students
Allie Appel ‘15 transferred to Valpo because of its excellent physics department. Years later, she’s still loving it just as much as her first day.
![Observatory](https://www.valpo.edu/physics-astronomy/files/2014/07/20140916-TA-Observatory-003-1024x768.jpg)
Inspirational Professors
Professor Bruce Hrivnak, Ph.D., was one of the first astronomers to see proto-planetary nebulae. Now students join him in researching these stars