-
The author of Skulls in the Stars is a professor of physics, specializing in optical science, at UNC Charlotte. The blog covers topics in physics and optics, the history of science, classic pulp fantasy and horror fiction, and the surprising intersections between these areas. -
Category Archives: Personal
My appearances on Artologica and BBC Crowdscience!
Recently I’ve made a couple of appearances outside of my blog talking about science and I thought I would share them here! First, I collaborated with my artist friend Michele on a post talking about the optics of shimmering interference … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Personal
Leave a comment
My search for boardgames for seniors
I’m now in my mid-50s and my parents are in their 80s and are starting to experience the age-related cognitive problems that most of us will eventually encounter if we live that long. My dad in particular has very poor … Continue reading
18 years of Skulls in the Stars!
I’m pretty bad with anniversaries, so I’m glad that WordPress reminded me! Today marks 18 years of blogging at Skulls in the Stars. What started as a fleeting experiment became a pretty significant part of my life. 18 years… wow. … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
2 Comments
A retrospective on my first published scientific paper
I’ve had a pretty long career in physics, optics in particular, at this point: I have published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and have written 5 books. Looking back to the start of my journey in science, I don’t think I … Continue reading
RIP Cookie, 2010-2025
I haven’t posted in a while because I have had a lot of stuff going on in my life. That culminated today in having to put my kitty Cookie to rest after her seizure episodes returned with intensity and would … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal
7 Comments
Invisibility demos at UNC Charlotte STEAM Innovation Expo!
This past Sunday, I participated once again in the annual UNC Charlotte STEAM Innovation Expo, in which faculty, staff and partners present science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics demonstrations and as well as demos highlighting the links between them. Last … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
Leave a comment
My “Why I Love Horror” story!
The other day, I happened to see that my social media friend and super talented horror author Brian Keene is a contributor to a book of essays called Why I Love Horror, coming in September of this year. The book … Continue reading
Donate to support kitty Mitzi’s cancer surgery!
Hi all, my kitty Mitzi goes into surgery tomorrow to remove a cancerous growth on her nose. My impression from the surgeon and oncologist is that the outlook looks good for her, with no spread of the cancer elsewhere yet. … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal
Leave a comment
Now a Bookshop.org affiliate!
Hi all, this is just a short message to note that I decided to become a Bookshop.org affiliate! For those not familiar, Bookshop.org is a relatively new (2020) online bookshop whose mission is “”to financially support local, independent bookstores” as a … Continue reading
Physical copies of Electromagnetic Optics are now available!
This post is primarily aimed at optics students and researchers, so feel free to ignore otherwise! I wanted to let folks know that my textbook on Electromagnetic Optics is now available in physical copies through sites like Bookshop.org! Here are … Continue reading
Posted in Optics, Personal
Leave a comment
Skulls in the Stars 