WSU Department of Earth, Environment & Physics

06/23/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Lavrentovich who has received a Physical Review E Reviewer Excellence 2025 Award! You can read more about Dr. Lavrentovich’s honor in the Spring 2026 edition of “Worcester State” magazine.
Image description: A photo of the article from "Worcester State" magazine with the title, "Physics Professor Maxim Olegovich Lavrentovich Receives Reviewer Excellence Award" with a photo of Dr. Lavrentovich.

06/22/2026

Looking for a career that is out of this world?

The W. M. Keck Observatory is hiring for several positions:

- Financial Planning & Analysis Manager
- Infrastructure Technician
- Mechanical Engineer I
- Mechanical Engineer II

Behind every scientific breakthrough is a team of talented people making it possible. From engineering and operations to finance and administration, every role contributes to our mission of advancing the frontiers of astronomy while responsibly stewarding people and place.

Explore what the cosmos has to offer: https://keck.pinpointhq.com/

06/16/2026

Over the past weeks, DEEP faculty, staff, and members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society moved a telescope and dome to campus. These gifts were donated by Mr. Russ Chaplis of Rutland, Massachusetts, a longtime member of Aldrich and avid amateur astronomer. This equipment will eventually have a permanent home on or close to campus and be used in WSU classes as well as public outreach.

📷: Andrew Burkhardt
1. The crew after the dome was disassembled.
2.-3. Kim and Nabin take apart the telescope.
4. Nabin and Bob inside the dome.
5. Bob taking apart the dome.
6. Bob waves at the camera with half the dome left.
7. Precious cargo - the telescope is belted in for the ride to WSU.

06/09/2026

We are hiring!

The City of Worcester is seeking applicants for Head Gate Keeper and Gate Keeper in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cemetery.

Learn more: worcesterma.gov/jobs

06/08/2026

Professor Anne Armstrong, Environmental Science Tech Liz Stone, and Environmental Science Major Morisson Bonilla ran a water quality station at the annual Coes Watershed Science Day. Columbus Park Preparatory 5th graders walked to Coes Reservoir and participated in a series of five stations focused on different elements of Watershed Science. Stations were led by Verdantas Labs, Clark University, The Worcester Lakes and Ponds Program, and WSU. As always, it was a blast working with the CPP students and our partners!

📷: Anne Armstrong
Image descriptions:
1. Morisson is ready for the program to begin.
2. Dr. Armstrong, Morisson, and Liz at the event.
3. Students taking part in activities at Coes Reservoir.

06/05/2026

Celebrating World Environment Day!
Image description: Red canoes can be seen in the distance on Patch Reservoir with the text, "June 5, World Environment Day, Worcester State University, Earth, Environment, & Physics, ."

05/29/2026

This weekend, look up for a view you only get once in a blue Moon! 🌕

The second full Moon in a calendar month is sometimes called a "blue Moon" (which has nothing to do with its color, FWIW).

Speaking of Moon colors… though depending on your view the Moon can appear more red, blue, brown, or even purple, the Moon's true color — varying shades of gray and white — depends on the elements and compounds present on the lunar surface, and the light they reflect back out into space.

The amount of light the Moon absorbs vs. reflects back to space is called its albedo. Basically, it’s a measure of how “shiny” the Moon is! ✨

Every planetary body in our solar system has its own albedo. Which do you think has a higher albedo – the Earth or the Moon?

Find out 👉 go.nasa.gov/3Rzk0gA

05/18/2026

Congratulations to our graduates! 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓🥳

📷: Nabin Malakar & Bill Hansen
Image descriptions:
1.-2. Students (top photo) and faculty (bottom photo) are eagerly waiting for commencement to begin on Saturday at the DCU Center.

05/14/2026

Looking for an internship?

An internship can be a launchpad to an exciting career!🚀

Don't wait until the final countdown to apply. We're accepting applications for Fall 2026 NASA internships now!

Find the opportunity that's right for you & apply. Details in this week's EXPRESS: https://conta.cc/4eF8F84

05/06/2026

On Tuesday, DEEP faculty and staff members celebrated department milestones. Congratulations to Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Stephens for receiving tenure; Dr. Lavrentovich, Dr. Reynolds and Kerry Popp for receiving promotions; and Dr. Armstrong for receiving the Alden Award!
Image description: Members of DEEP enjoying a meal together in Tatnuck Square.