Department of Physical Sciences

Faculty

Max W. Reams (1967)
Professor of Geology; Chair, Department of Physical Sciences

B.A., B.S., 1961, M.S., 1963, University of Kansas

Ph.D., 1968, Washington University

M.P.C., 2000, Olivet Nazarene University

Larry G. Ferren (1975)
Professor of Chemistry

B.S., 1970, Ph.D., 1974, University of Missouri

University of Iowa

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Douglas Armstrong (1985)
Professor of Chemistry

B.S., 1963, Indiana University

Ph.D., 1968, University of Iowa

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Charles Carrigan (2004)
Associate Professor of Geology and Chemistry

B.S., 1996, Olivet Nazarene University

M.S., 2000, Vanderbilt University

Ph.D., 2005, University of Michigan

Willa Harper (2005)
Professor of Chemistry

B.S., 1991, Olivet Nazarene University

Ph.D., 2002, Northern Illinois University

Priscilla Skalac (2005)
Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences

B.S., 2002, Olivet Nazarene University

M.A.E., 2002, Olivet Nazarene University

Kevin Brewer (2006)
Professor of Geology

B.S., 1980, University of Nevada, Reno

Ph.D., 1994, University of Nevada, Reno

The Department of Physical Sciences exists to provide instruction in Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, Geography, and general Physical Science. Students develop logical thinking through application of scientific methodology. Harmonious integration of the physical sciences with personal faith is emphasized.

Career opportunities are very good in Chemistry and Geology, specifically:

Chemistry graduates are very successful in the industrial chemicals field, as well as education. Many have gone on to earn Ph.D. degrees.

Geology graduates enter a variety of fields, including consulting, environmental, water resources, engineering, government agencies, petroleum and mineral industries, service industries, missions and education. Crises in energy, water, mineral resources, and earth hazards, as well as increased environmental concerns, place geologists in high demand. Olivet's program is a balance of theory, lab skills and techniques, field work and research. Department resources include a rock lab; collections of rocks, minerals and fossils; map and library holdings; many field and lab instruments for gathering geological data; telescopes and planetarium. Sixty percent of Olivet's geology graduates have earned graduate degrees.

The Department of Physical Sciences serves several groups of students:

1. Those interested in Chemistry who plan to enter the workplace directly, go on to graduate school, teach chemistry or gain necessary background for their career or general knowledge.
2. Those choosing Geology as a career choice with entry directly from college, to enter a graduate program, to teach Earth and Space Science, or gain background needed for their own interests or majors.
3. Those choosing Geography as a career choice to enter the workplace or graduate school.
4. Those choosing Forensic Science for a career who will be employed in the field or entering a graduate program.
5. Those choosing Geological Engineering for a career in the field or entering a graduate program.
6. Those majoring in Elementary Education, Nursing, Biology, Engineering and other areas of study.
7. Those satisfying a laboratory General Education requirement (any of the introductory lab courses in the department).