Department of Physics & Astronomy, Rowan University •
201 Mullica Hill Road •
Glassboro, NJ 08028 •
609-256-4391 • klassen@rowan.edu
Objective
My goal is to educate the general college level student population
in the subjects of physics and astronomy. The problem solving skills acquired
in such courses are invaluable to students of all disciplines. It is also my
goal to help students overcome their fear of science in general, and physics
in particular, to better facilitate their understanding of the world around
them. I believe that the subject can be mastered by even the most math-phobic
students. My research goals are to continue my near-infrared monitoring
program of Mars searching for, tracking, and measuring the water content of
the condensate clouds. I plan to use these images to contribute to the
understanding of the Mars water and carbon-dioxide cycles and the total Mars
water budget. Along the way, I will try to characterize thenear-infrared
properties of the surface and airborne dust.
Education
Ph.D., Physics, 1997 • University of Wyoming •
Dissertation: Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy of Martian Volatiles
B.S., Astrophysics, and B.Math., 1989 •
University of Minnesota
Professional Experience
Associate Professor, 2003-Present •
Rowan University •
Algebra-based introductory physics, solar system, meteorology; continuation of
analysis of multi-spectral NIR images of Mars; supervised undergraduate
students with research projects; faculty senator;
Assistant Professor, 1998-2003 •
Rowan University •
Algebra-based introductory physics, solar system, meteorology; continuation of
analysis of multi-spectral NIR images of Mars; supervised undergraduate
students with research projects; departmental advising coordinator
Research Associate, 1997-1998 •
Cornell University •
Spectral imaging of Mars to search for mineralogic and volatile signatures,
public outreach
Instructor, 1997 •
University of Wyoming •
Calculus-based introductory physics
Research Assistant, 1991-1997 •
University of Wyoming •
Speckle interferometry of Io to search for volcanic hotspots, spectral imaging
of Mars to search for clouds and ground ices, 100+ nights setup and observing
with Wyoming Infrared Observatory 2.3m telescope
Mentor for undergraduate researcher, 1994 •
University of Wyoming •
Oversaw summer undergraduate researcher on mid-infrared imaging spectrometer
data analysis project
Teaching Assistant, 1989-1991 •
University of Wyoming •
Algebra-based introductory physics and cooperative learning astronomy for
secondary educators
Physics and Astronomy Tutor, 1990-1992 •
University of Wyoming •
Astronomy, algebra- and calculus-based introductory physics
Assistant Planetarium Director, 1990 •
University of Wyoming
Teaching Assistant, Spring 1988-Summer 1989 •
University of Minnesota •
Algebra/trig-based introductory astronomy and primary/secondary school outreach
Research Assistant, Summer-Fall 1986 •
University of Minnesota •
H-α image analysis of M101 to catalog giant HII regions by
position and integrated brightness.
Professional Affiliations
American Astronomical Society - Division for Planetary Sciences
American Geophysical Union
American Association of Physics Teachers
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
International Mars Watch — coordinator and newsletter author
(Nov 99 – present)