John E. Smedley

Professor of Physics

Associations

Physics and Astronomy

Carnegie Science Hall, Room 332

207-786-6323jsmedley@bates.edu

About

Ph.D. Chemical Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder 1987; B.A. Colby College 1979

In addition to core physics courses, I enjoy teaching Musical Acoustics and the Physics of Sports for non- science majors. I also teach in the Program in Environmental Studies at Bates, with courses on Energy and Environment and Electric Grids. While I began at Bates with a research program in atomic physics, my primary research interests lie in the areas of renewable energy and musical acoustics. I have growing interests in physics pedagogy and inclusive excellence in the sciences and mathematics.

Every few years I teach Music s27, Exploring Jazz Guitar, an historical survey of the genre that features intensive listening, discussion of jazz theory, illustration of different players’ styles and techniques, and individual instruction on the guitar. This course stems from my interests as a jazz guitarist and composer.