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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
19 Years of Skulls in the Stars?
I just got the notification from WordPress that today is the official anniversary of my blog launching — I’ve been doing this for 19 years now! I don’t have too much to say about it at the moment, as I’ll … Continue reading
New popular science book from me is happening!
A bit of personal news: I’ve signed a contract for my next popular science book with the University of Chicago Press! My tentative title — subject to change — is “Booms, Beer, and Blood: The story of conservation of energy,” … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Personal
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Talking falling feline physics in the NYT!
It so happens that the falling felines research that came out recently, and that I blogged about last week, has been getting a lot of news attention! A journalist at the New York Times contacted me for comments about the … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal, Physics
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Our new paper on invisibility physics!
So I’ve written a lot about the physics of invisibility on this blog and have even written a popular science book on the subject, but many people may not know that I also still occasionally do some research on invisibility … Continue reading
I am a 2026-2027 Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer!
Just wanted to drop a little personal news and add it to my record of stuff: I was chosen to be a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer for 2026-2027! I had applied early last year and though I was chosen I … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Personal
5 Comments
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
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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
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Skulls in the Stars 