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John Gerz If you are reading this, it means that you are interested in taking a college level physics course. There are a few reasons that physics might be in your academic future. If you aspire to be become an engineer (aeronautical, biotech, chemical, computer, electrical, mechanical, structural, etc.) calculus based physics is required, and Physics 105 is a great preliminary course to prepare you. If you are considering a medical career (doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, dentist, nurse practitioner, etc) again Pl 05 and maybe P106 could fulfill your physics requirements. In other areas (architecture, mathematics, life science, hard science, etc ) College Physics may not be required, but would be recommended as a prep course for calculus based physics. I have an eclectic background I spent eleven years in the music business. This included distribution (at MCASUniversal), wholesale, and retail. In 1981 I went back to school, I originally planned to become a chef. I have about 20 units in the Food Service Program at GCC. At this time I worked in a number of restaurants in the Glendale area. It paid the bills, but the luster for cheffing faded. At the same time I was recommended to work in the Math Science Center at a tutor This lasted for two semesters. It was at this time that I saw the light! While I loved to cook, the organization needed was not one of my strengths. But I did seem to have some facility to teach math and science, so I changed my major. While still Supporting my self in food service, I was offered day job as the Physics Lab Technician in December 1987 A year or so later, I began to teach the College Physics Laboratories I received my bachelor's degree in Physics about the same time from Cal. State L.A. I took a couple of quarters off, then started my masters program in Mathematics. This too was at CSITLA, but the budget cutbacks forced me to transfer to Cal. State Northridge, where I received my masters in 1994 Even though I'm not a chef, I do love to cook American traditional, Thai, and Italian are my favorites. My years in the music industry opened my ears. I'm a veteran to over 500 concerts and club gigs. My favorite shows were Genesis at the Roxy in'73, The Doors at the Hollywood Bowl in'69, Fear at the Stardust in '81, Orb in Hollywood 1995, and Pink Floyd in 70, 72, 75, '81 The Wall), '87, and '94. Movies are a passion I love the work of James Cameron), which is why I've owned a laser disk player for 9 years. I also collect comic books, and I'm a Macintosh fanatic. For the last two years I've been dating a wonderful person (Leslie), who has opened my eyes to yoga, the Zone Diet, and getting out of town every now and then : I am proud to work in the physics program at GCC. Rick Guglielmino, Jean Lecuyer and I have worked together for over 10 years. Each of us works in their own specialty, but there are number of things where we have collaborated. First, we were one of the first physics departments in the country to integrate supplementary instruction and collaborative learning into our curriculum. For those students that partake in these programs, a better understanding of physics is the result Second, we were one of the first science departments to integrate computers into the laboratory curriculum, thus helping our students towards academic and employment goals I am particularly proud of this since I've been in charge of the lab since 1988. One of my favorite quotes is from Peter Gabriel when he was in Genesis; you gotta get in to get out. Paraphrasing, you have to get into school to finish school. As for me, I'm bald. I'm loud. I've got an attitude But if you need help, I'm there! John Gerz Glendale College Physics Department |