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About Seth Ashman

Dr. Seth Ashman received his Ph.D. and master degree in physics from Lehigh University and bachelor’s of science degrees in physics and secondary education from Bloomsburg University.  He joined the Providence College faculty in 2013. His research focuses include high-resolution spectroscopic investigations of diatomic molecular alkali vapors including Na2, NaCs, and NaK and computing the lifetimes of excited molecular states.  He teaches the general physics I and II courses, quantum mechanics, classical dynamics, and the occasional astronomy course.  Dr. Ashman is also the faculty senate representative for the engineering-physics-systems department, and a member of the departmental affairs subcommittee.   
 
He has published several articles characterizing molecular potentials and describing collisional effects in diatomic molecule – noble gas systems.  Most recently he has been involved in research projects comparing experimentally measured and calculated lifetimes of excited molecular states, and collaborating to develop a technology-intensive educational solution allowing students outside the traditional classroom setting to conduct a full collection of hands-on general physics laboratory experiments.  Dr. Ashman strives to forge collaborative relationships and aspires to make lasting contributions to the physics, education, and local community.   

Positions

2013 - Present Assistant Professor of Physics, Providence College ‐ Engineering, Physics and Systems
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2010 - 2013 Assistant Professor of Physics, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point ‐ Physics
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2006 - 2009 Teaching Assistant and Lab Instructor, Lehigh University
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Curriculum Vitae

Disciplines

Research Interests

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Honors and Awards

  • “Lab Without a Lab”, NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) – Proposal in preparation – Due in Fall 2017
  • Providence College Information Technology Development Program (ITDP) 2017 Summer Institute – Proposal to develop curricular materials for General Physics I utilizing open source textbook University Physics by OpenStax and other open educational resources
  • “RUI: Improving Double Minimum Potential Energy Functions of Alkali Diatomic Molecules”, Submitted to NSF Fall 2016, awaiting decision
  • Rhode Island Space Grant - $15000 awarded (2015-2016)
  • Rhode Island Space Grant - $4000 summer research stipend awarded to UG student Emma Burgess (2016)
  • Selected as Providence College Summer Scholar in 2015 — award provides a summer stipend allowing focus on research in summer months
  • CAFR grant award, “Comparison of fluorescence and polarization spectroscopy of atomic rubidium” - $8692 (2014- 2015)
  • CAFR grant award, “Travel funds to offset costs of visiting Wesleyan University for weekly collaboration visits” - $6684 (2015-2016)
  • Cottrell college science award (Research Corporation) — not funded (2013-2014)
  • Selected as one of three scholars from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point for Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars program for 2012-2013 academic year
  • Cottrell college science award (Research Corporation) — Invited to submit full application — not funded
  • Co-PI on NSF proposal, “All optically controlled, remotely actuated negative index metamaterial based ultraminiature sensor for remote environmental monitoring” – not funded
  • Co-PI on NSF proposal, “Exploring thermal transport processes controlled by light” – not funded
  • Successfully funded for two competitive internal University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point research grants
  • Lehigh University Teaching assistant award, 2007
  • Lehigh University Dean’s fellowship, College of Arts and Sciences - pays tuition and stipend for one year, (2005-2006)
  • Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Outstanding achievement in physics award, 2002
  • Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Outstanding senior in physics award, Sigma Pi Sigma (ΣΠΣ) inductee - national honor society for physics, Spring 2000
  • Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Kozloff Award Recipient - award granted for independent research projects, Spring 2001
  • Vice president (2001-2002) and Secretary (2000-2001) of SPS - Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania chapter

Courses

  • General Physics I (EPS 101)
  • General Physics I Lab (EPS 101L)
  • General Physics II (EPS 102)
  • General Physics II Lab (EPS 102L)
  • Astronomy (EPS 117)
  • Applied Quantum Mechanics (EPS 448)
  • Classical Dynamics (EPS 401)
  • Research (EPS 295, 296, 395, 396, 495, 496)

Education

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August 2010 PhD, Physics, Lehigh University
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January 2007 MS, Physics, Lehigh University
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May 2002 BS, Physics, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
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May 2002 BS, Secondary Education with physics specialization, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
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Publications (11)

Conference Presentations (17)