Pioneering scientist Joseph H. Hamilton to speak at Berea College Recognition Service for Mid-Year Graduates Dec. 9

Students participating in the service are expected to complete degree requirements at the end of December 2007 or January 2008.

Hamilton also will be receiving an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Berea for his professional achievements in the sciences.

Hamilton is the Landon C. Garland Distinguished Professor of Physics at Vanderbilt, where he has been a member of the faculty since 1958.  He also is an internationally recognized experimental nuclear physicist.  He is the founder and directs both the University Isotope Separator at Oak Ridge (UNISOR) and the Joint Institute for Heavy Ion Research, also at Oak Ridge.  They were the first major nuclear physics research facilities of their kind in the United States, and continue to bring scientists from around the world to Tennessee to do research.

During his career, Hamilton has won numerous awards for his teaching and research, including national honors for his scientific research and several recognizing his leadership in developing international scientific collaborations and cooperation. He has lectured around the world and written more than 900 research papers published in journals and books.  He is the co-author of 11 research books, an undergraduate modern physics textbook as well as “How Things Work” by National Geographic for middle and high school students.

In addition to presentations to academic and scientific audiences, Hamilton’s activities include 8-10 appearances annually for the past 15 years on public television, and for more than 20 years he has given invited lecture-demonstrations each year to several K-12 schools in his area to interest students in science.

Hamilton earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi College and his master’s and doctoral degree from Indiana University.  He has received honorary doctorates from Mississippi College and five universities.