J. David Nichols, C.Phil., Physics

Professor Nichols received his B.S. in physics from Harvey Mudd College and did his graduate work in physics in the Center for Astrophysics and Space Science at UCSD. His studies included analyzing satellite data to understand spacecraft charging, studying currents in the magnetosphere and the physics of auroral arc formation. Additionally, he participated in the design of an instrument designed to track coronal mass ejections and other transient solar wind phenomena.

He also did graduate work in theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. David joined the PLNU faculty in 1989 and continued until 1993. He taught a variety of courses on both the physics and engineering sides of the catalog. Following this stint at PLNU he spent thirty years in industry, mostly doing software engineering. David’s strengths include numerical analysis, data reduction, and image processing. It is fortunate that he worked in small groups, allowing him to examine the problems of interest starting with the basic physics, moving on to data analysis and software development, all the way to direct customer support. He spent a number of years working on software to analyze neural activity by blending MRI and EEG/MEG data to track events within the brain. He also had the opportunity to work on the software for a laser-based infrared microscope. It allows the user to acquire a spectrum at each pixel location, exposing information regarding the chemistry of the sample being imaged.

Professor Nichols’ interests extend beyond the academics of science and engineering to history, theology, and other topics. In addition to studying and teaching, he enjoys hiking in the mountains with his family, eating and talking with friends, and staying active in his local church.