Beth Parks is an American physicist. She is a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Colgate University. She serves as the editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Physics since September 1, 2020.[2][3] In addition to her research, Parks supports physics education through multiple channels.[4]
Her research has used time-domain terahertz spectroscopy to study single-molecule magnets[7][8][9] and GHz resonators made from carbon nanotubes. She also has ongoing projects to quantify insulation in buildings and to make solar trackers appropriate for developing nations.[10] Her design mounted solar panels so that they were balanced with a leaking bucket of water. The panels pivoted to face the sun as the leaky bucket reduced in weight during the day.[10]
Parks has taught physics at the university level for over 20 years. In addition, she co-authored the textbook, Modern Introductory Physics.[13] She is editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Physics, which is the American Association of Physics Teachers’ journal focusing on university-level physics education.
She has explored different methods of teaching physics. For instance, the introductory course on Atoms and Waves was taught in both a standard format and in a "flipped" style. The flipped classes used videos, multiple choice questions, followed by additional clarification videos. Even students in the standard class watched the videos and 85% of the students said they would choose another flipped class.[1]
Parks has taught classes in Fundamental Physics, Atoms and Waves (introductory course for physics & astronomy majors), Mathematical Methods for Physics, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, and Solid State Physics. She has also taught courses in broader subjects such as Comparative Energy Policy: U.S. and U.K., Renewable Energy, Environmental Studies Senior Seminar, and Energy and Sustainability.[14]
Modern Introductory Physics, 2nd edition, C. H. Holbrow, J. N. Lloyd, J. C. Amato, E. Galvez, and M. E. Parks, Springer, 2010. ISBN978-0387790794, ISBN0387790799
"Research-inspired problems for electricity and magnetism," Beth Parks, American Journal of Physics 74, 351 (2006).March 27, 2006 Virtual Journal of Nanoscale Science and Technology http://www.vjnano.orgArchived 2016-09-01 at the Wayback Machine
"Photon quantum mechanics and beam splitters," C.H. Holbrow, E. Galvez, M. E. Parks, American Journal of Physics, 70, 260 (2002).
"Editorial firsts," Beth Parks, American Journal of Physics 88, 791 (2020).
"Seeking solar rays and illumination in Uganda", an article based on Parks' experience on the Fulbright was published in the Colgate Scene in 2016. [16]
"Climate teaching tidbits," K. Forinash, R. Tobin, B. Whitten, R. Wolfson, B. Parks Am. J. Phys. 91, 755–756 (2023) [17]
^"Why Aren't More Theories Named After Women? Teaching Women's History in Physics ," Beth Parks, The Physics Teacher, Vol. 58, pp. 377 – 381, September 2020
^"Linewidth of single-photon transitions in Mn12-acetate," Beth Parks, Joseph Loomis*, Evan Rumberger, David N. Hendrickson, and George Christou, Physical Review B, 64, 184426 (2001).
^"Inhomogeneous broadening of single photon transitions in molecular magnets," Beth Parks, Joseph Loomis*, Evan Rumberger, En-Che Yang, David N. Hendrickson, and George Christou, Journal of Applied Physics, 91, 7170 (2002).
^"Effect of mechanical stress on the linewidth of single photon absorptions in Mn12-acetate"
Beth Parks, Lea Vacca*, Evan Rumberger, David N. Hendrickson, George Christou, Physica B, 329-333 pt. 2, 1181-2 (2003).
^"Spatio-temporal variation in the concentration of airborne particulate matter (PM10) in Uganda," Silver Onyango, Beth Parks, Simon Anguma, Qingyu Meng, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019.
^"Validation of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Height Estimated from the MODIS Atmospheric Profile Data at an Equatorial Site," Silver Onyango, Simon K. Anguma, Geoffrey Andima, and Beth Parks, Atmosphere, 11, 908, 2020.
^Modern Introductory Physics, 2nd edition, C. H. Holbrow, J. N. Lloyd, J. C. Amato, E. Galvez, and M. E. Parks, Springer, 2010.