David Robertson

"While required to work as a teaching assistant in graduate school, I found that, unlike most of my peers, I enjoyed sharing my love of math and physics with a non-technical audience, as well as the interactions with the students."

David Robertson has taught mathematics, physics, and astronomy at Principia College for the last eight years. Currently, he is teaching courses in trigonometry, algebra, statistics, precalculus, calculus, and mathematical applications. As a physics professor, he taught courses in descriptive astronomy, the physics of musical sound, quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and the introductory physics sequence for majors. Prior to working at Principia, Robertson taught physics at independent schools in Reno, Nevada, and Los Angeles, California. His experience outside of academia includes working as a management consultant applying decision tree models to major corporate ventures and a stint as a background pianist for the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco, California.

Scholarly Interests

Robertson's research interests have focused on astrophysics, specifically radiation from supermassive black holes and X-ray imaging of the Sun.

Contributions to Field

• Publication of a paper on X-ray imaging of the Sun
• Presentation on atomic physics and laser spectroscopy at Argonne National Lab

Awards

• Lewis Prize for highest rank in undergraduate class (3.96 GPA)
• Rhodes Scholar semifinalist (State of Wisconsin)
• Bruce J. Brackenridge Prize for outstanding physics major

Memberships and Affiliations

• Phi Beta Kappa
• American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)