Jose Albarran / Roundup
The use of a bicycle wheel in a physics demo and mathematics as a favorite subject combined is what created a developed interest in the field of physics for new professor Lee Loveridge at an early age.
Loveridge, who began teaching physics and physical science at Pierce College this semester, has a strong educational background with a doctorate in physics from the University of California, Los Angeles; a master’s degree from U.C. Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University.
He has taught at Los Angeles City College, Cyprus College, Cerritos College, Chapman University and Long Beach Polytechnic High School.
“I wanted to be a part of the physics department at Pierce because I like the emphasis made in physics research and would like to continue the development of the program here,” Loveridge said.
“I realize that physics is not necessarily an interesting subject for most students,” he continued, “which is why I have implemented an interactive learning environment in my classes and hope that students learn through this active engagement.”
Liberal arts major Sonia Lopez, 19, appreciates Loveridge’s approach.
“Science isn’t necessarily my favorite subject out of all the classes I’m taking, but professor Loveridge is very helpful and makes the class fun. I like that he gets the class involved with different kinds of experiments that require you to work in groups.”
Despite the budget cuts suffered at the community college level due to the economic crisis in this country, William Duxler, Ph. D., chair of physics and planetary sciences, believes Loveridge is a fitting addition to the department.
“He has an impressive resume with exceeding qualifications to teach as a professor here at Pierce,” Duxler said. “He is also good natured and easy to work with and I like that he has already begun to participate in the department meetings.”
Loveridge enjoys sailing, bike riding and spending time with his children when he is not teaching. He also likes to keep himself up to date with ongoing physics research.
“Alternative energy is a big interest of mine,” he said. “Though it is hard to find a job for this, there is countless of other jobs that require a strong foundation of physics and are well paid—engineering being one of them.
“This is why I try to encourage and motivate many of my students to become physics majors,” he said.
Before he realized he wanted to teach, Loveridge took part in modeling orbital and sub-orbital aerospace government contract work.