News & Events

Department of Physics and Astronomy professor James Sherman, center, is presented with the 100 Scholars Award and inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Mentors during the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies Faculty and Student Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (Photo by Kyla Willoughby)

Dr. James Sherman receives 2025–26 Williams School of Graduate Studies awards
Apr 14, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies has announced the recipients of their 2025–26 awards. T...

A man wearing goggles holds a card in front of a sensor.

Physics students contribute to advanced optical research
Apr 8, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — Students in Appalachian State University’s Biophysics and Optical Sciences Facility (BiyOSeF) are contributing to a range ...

Sustainable, Physics‑Inspired Culinary Education (SPICE) Lab

Earth-Month Cook‑In to close out spring Cooking with Purpose series on April 12
Mar 30, 2026

BOONE, N.C. —The Appalachian State University College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Office of ...

Dr. Daniel Caton

‘Remembered for the lights:’ Professor Caton’s life amongst the stars [faculty and student featured]
Feb 19, 2026

In the heart of Pisgah National Forest rests Wiseman’s View, a panoramic setting overlooking the scenic sights of the Linville Gorge Wilderness. Acc...

Dr. Zachary Russell

Dr. Zach Russell discusses NC Innovation research on Spectrum News
Jan 13, 2026

Two NC Innovation grant recipients explain how their research is moving from the lab into the real world. Dr. Zachary Russell of Appalachian State Uni...

Jess Horton, of Charlotte, will graduate on Friday with a bachelor's degree in physics with a concentration in interdisciplinary science and minors in both chemistry and mathematics.

CAS Senior Spotlight: Jess Horton
Dec 9, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — Jess Horton’s path at App State has been one defined by resilience, discovery, and an evolving passion for science. Horton, of Charl...

Dr. Zachary Russell, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at App State, center, works with student researchers Ethan Humphries, a senior physics major from Kings Mountain, and Hunter Corman ’24, an engineering physics graduate student from Morehead City, pictured in the background, in the Ion Innovations Scientific Instrumentation Development Lab in Boone to assemble 3D-printed components for rapid prototyping of microscope designs. Russell has been awarded a $2.3 million grant fro

AI-powered microscopy aims to save North Carolina farmers millions [faculty featured]
Nov 20, 2025

Intestinal parasites quietly take a heavy toll on livestock across North Carolina and the Southeast. The losses aren’t small — they cut deep into ...

Two-time App State alumnus and former U.S. Army Special Operations Ranger Dan Blakeley ’15 ’18, who served in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, speaks at the university’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, held Nov. 11 in the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds

App State alumnus Dan Blakeley ’15 ’18 helps veterans find their voice
Nov 17, 2025

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to honor the men and women who have served in ...

CAS Corps member Cade Tischer is a senior applied physics major from Cary. Photo submitted

Physics major Cade Tischer joins CAS Corps
Oct 30, 2025

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of CAS and to create, promote and execute oppo...

Dr. Dan Caton

Lights Over Linville: Brown Mountain’s Enduring Mystery [faculty featured]
Oct 21, 2025

Daniel Caton has spent most of his life explaining the night sky. As an astronomy professor at Appalachian State University, he can tell you which dot...