Physics and Astronomy Faculty and Staff

Dr. Sandesh Bhat is passionate about understanding how systems work, particularly the mechanics and processes behind human movement. Currently, his research centers on robotics for upper extremity assistance and rehabilitation. Dr. Bhat is enthusiastic about collaborating with students at UW Eau Claire and with healthcare partners to develop assistive technologies that enhance recovery and improve quality of life.

Dr. Ford enjoys teaching the full range of physics and astronomy courses at UWEC as well as engaging in a diverse array of collaborative research projects with students.

Dr. Hendrickson is the Chair of the Physics & Astronomy Department.  He currently teaches the introductory physics courses/labs for both majors and non-majors, but loves teaching across the entire curriculum.  He has recently worked with undergraduate students on research projects involving a cloud chamber and an acoustic levitator.

Mr. Howard helps manage the Physics and Astronomy teaching labs and provides support for lecture demonstrations and undergraduate research. He also supervises the shops and digital fabrication lab. He designs and builds custom equipment and instruments for education and research and enjoys involving students with hands-on projects.

Dr. Miller works with satellites such as NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to better understand the high-energy radiation from hot stars.  He enjoys teaching across the physics curriculum, ranging from astrophysics to the science of musical sound.    

Dr. Rybicki's research focuses on organic electronic and spintronics. Organic electronics examines how carbon-based devices can be used as next-generation sensors, light emitting diodes, and solar cells. Spintronics investigates how the spin of the electron can be used to transmit signals. This provides student collaborators the opportunity to learn how to fabricate, characterize, and model device behavior. 

Dr. Rohit Singla is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire whose work focuses on assistive robotics, shared autonomy, and human–robot interaction. He leads the Human-Centered Assistive Robotics Laboratory (HCAR Lab), where he develops experimentally grounded, undergraduate-accessible research in control, haptics, and human-centered robotic systems.