FAQ

1. What is CASPER
CASPER (the Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics & Engineering Research) is a Baylor University research center. CASPER faculty conduct both theoretical and experimental research within one of five research groups. CASPER is a true interdisciplinary center with faculty from various departments and schools at Baylor University as well as other Universities around the world. The Center also has an active outreach program, offering educational opportunities for undergraduates.

2. Where is it located and what degrees are offered?

CASPER is currently located in multiple facilities. Theoretical research at Baylor University is conducted in both the Baylor Science Building located on the Baylor campus and the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) off campus. Experimental research is conducted in the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) off campus. Astronomy educational outreach is conducted at the Paul & Jane Meyer Observatory.

CASPER offers the B.S./B.A through the Ph.D. in all disciplines associated with the Center. CASPER also offers student study / exchange programs with many of its partner universities.

3. Who are the primary people involved and what do they do?
CASPER's Director is Dr. Truell Hyde, Professor of Physics) and its Associate Director is Dr. Lorin Matthews (Professor of Physics). The Hyde lab is staffed and supervised by Mike Cook, Ken Ulbari and Jorge Carmona Reyes (CASPER).

4. What type of research do you do?
CASPER conducts fundamental research across a large number of theoretical and experimental research areas. Specific information about each of these can be found under the Research section of the website.

5. Why is CASPER unique?
Within the Center, education and research are intentionally integrated with graduate and undergraduate students at the forefront of every endeavor. CASPER's outreach programs expand this to include students from other universities as well as local school teachers through the CASPER Educational Research group. This unique approach has proven invaluable in fostering integrative learning and discovery at all levels.

6. What type of Outreach does CASPER do?
CASPER has a variety of outreach programs (funded through various funding agencies) active at any given time. Specific information about these can be obtained by sending an email to the Director.

7. What is the Physics Circus?
The Physics Circus is a past program within CASPER that was funded by the US Department of Education. In its prime, it reached approximately 2000 students per year through science theatre, a laser-light show and hands-on science experiences. The CASPER Physics Circus in the Classroom curriculum and integrated Discovery Kits extended the CASPER mission into the K-12 classroom. Additional information on this effort can be found under the legacies program section of this website.

8. How do I get more information about CASPER?
Visit the website at:
https://www.baylor.edu/CASPER/

Email us at:
Truell_Hyde@baylor.edu

Send us a Letter at:
Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics & Engineering Research
One Bear Place #97283
Baylor University
Waco, TX 76798-7283

Call us at:
(254) 710-6717.

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