New Mexico State University - Swastika Yearbook (Las Cruces, NM)

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THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT I 26 ]

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Ill addition to the experimental programs sketchily described above, several members of the staff are doing excellent ontside work in theoretical physics. The research covered by these acti ities lies, for example, in electro- magnetic theory, quantimi field theory, plasma physics, and neutron diffusion. In addition to the original research which is expanding the frontiers of physical knowledge, the department has taken a keen interest in the de elopment of new teaching tools for physics. Some interesting work has been done in the study of water rocket behavior. A giant ruler is painted on the northeast corner of Gardiner Hall for this purpose. Here one can often find large silvered balloons for demonstrating the effects of electrostatic charges, along with de- vices for measuring the acceleration of gravity and air-supported devices galore. Air cushions are used to eliminate friction for many startling experiments in both beginning and advanced physics. Bill Davidson and Owen Moss paint the lines of a huge scale on Gardiner Hall. The scale will be used in studies of the kinemotics of falling objects and small water rockets. Here a student launches a water rocket alongside the new scale. High-speed motion picture techniques will be used in the motion studies of these rockets. The jet of water ejected by the rocket is clearly visible. Shutter speed was 1 300 sec. on this shot but the rocket has already accelerated to such a high speed that its image is blurred here. Fifteen seconds before what would have been a horrible accident . . . Don Michael, PhD candidate, scatters a laser beam off a low-temper- ature plasma. Shortly afterward, a small mirror, under too much pres- sure, exploded.

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1 Creative Writing Contest award winners: Gregory Trachta, David Denzler, Ho- ward Coleman, Robert Bruce Burns, Kathy McGaha, and William Frankfather pose with Dr. Tom Erhard. Dr. Erhard names award winners. During the past two years tlie English Department has sponsored the Creative Writing Contest for all amateur writers on campus — both graduates and under- grads. The First Annual Creative Writing Contest had approximately 60 entries; the second, approximately twice this number. Winners were more evenly distribut- ed this year than last, when Carolyn Greer, senior Eng- lish major from Carlsbad, swept the contest with firsts in almost every division and a cash total of $120. Big- gest money-winner this time was Monty Stanford, who made away with $55. Dr. Tom Erhard (alias Dr. Tom) is shown naming award winners. Mr. John Hadsell, mainly responsible for the success of the contest, was chairman of the judging committee both this year and last. Puerto Del Sol, founded three years ago mainly through Dr. Erhard ' s wish that NMSU have some sort of student literary publication, put out its traditional two issues per school year. David Denzler was editor, and Joann Washburn art supervisor. Students wait for contest winners to be announced. T