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In Search of Unifying Themes
by Jaimie Leopold | July 8th, 2009
Richard Taylor, professor of physics at the University of Oregon, Eugene, is interested in diverse systems; he specializes in experimental condensed matter and optical physics, doing research in quantum chaos and fractals in nano devices as well as the visual science of fractals.
Taylor bridges the extreme divides between nanotechnology, art, biology, architecture and psychology, bringing these seemingly disparate fields of interest into his research. For example, he applies fractal theory to solve puzzles in nano electronics in the human visual system, and he's also interested in mediating stress found in everyday life through improving the structures around us. Currently he is applying fractal theory in enhancing the design of a new building at University of Oregon. This design will support the practical need for science labs while stressing the human perceptual need for fractal elements in the built environment.
Taylor says he enjoys helping his undergraduate students develop an interest in science, adding that "when the professor treats the subject like a fascinating story and enjoys what he's talking about, the students respond."
Engaging colleagues and students in cross-disciplinary instruction is another key to successful science education, he maintains. Thus Taylor is developing instruction for a course based on the study of light and color as a vehicle to demonstrate the interactions among technology, nature and art.
Taylor notes that the identification of a unifying theme, such as the need to understand the human visual system, aids in fostering connections across the disciplines that inspire new research. Also, this unifying theme approach, he argues, lends itself to efforts among educators to increase awareness among everyday people of the relevance of science to their lives. "In the last 50 years science has lost its position of relevance. People don't understand why they should have a connection to science. They don't see that it's a language we can use to communicate with the world around us. Working across the disciplines that are found in nature allows for the development of a common language."
When collaborating on interdisciplinary projects, Taylor says he pays close attention to the development of shared language, adding that it is essential for productive research, as well as the subsequent communication of findings.
Because research and the communication of its results ultimately impact health, architecture, art, education and so many other facets of our lives, he says, the bottom line is that science is a fundamental part of civilization.
Taylor urges early career scientists to keep their eyes open, embrace the possibility of making mistakes while staying flexible and taking advantage of opportunities. The CSA is the perfect award for risk taking scholar, teachers.