Chad R Orzel Alumnus

Inducted June 15, 2013

Chad Orzel graduated from the Whitney Point Central School District in 1989 as valedictorian of his class. He went on to study at Williams College in Massachusetts, and earned his Ph. D. in Chemical Physics from the University of Maryland, College Park under Nobel Laureate William Daniel Phillips. Chad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Union College where he teaches and researches atomic physics and .

Chad's passion for science and physics transcends the classroom. He wants every person to be able to understand the principles of physics and realize their relevance to everyday life. He has written two books, How to Teach Physics to Your Dog, and How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog, in which he explains those concepts through conversations with his dog, Emmy.

Chad has authored and co-authored many articles which have appeared in scientific journals and publications. He has presented at conferences and been invited to speak nationally and internationally on a variety of physics related topics.

Chad feels that beyond a collection of facts, science is an approach to the world. Several years ago Chad shared the importance of "Thinking Like a Scientist" with Whitney Point's then graduating seniors. He emphasized that most problems in the world can be solved by applying the scientific process. He maintains the world would be a better place if more people thought scientifically because science is an empowering and optimistic approach to the world. It turns, "I don't know," into "I don't know...yet." He is currently working on his third book entitled How to Think Like a Scientist, to further explain this tenet.

Chad is active in professional organizations and community outreach. He is a member of the American Physics Society and has served as chair for their Committee on Informing the Public. He is a member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, and past president of the Union College chapter. He has been involved in Camp College and the Adopt-a- Program.

Chad's contributions to his chosen field are many. His efforts are not only directed at increasing scientific knowledge, but about using science to develop a pragmatic approach to the world and life.