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Shringmuti D Sams

Dr. Walter

English 300 Scientific Writing

6 April 2024

Research Project: Charles McGruder, III

Charles H. McGruder III is an astrophysicist known for his contributions to the study of dark matter and his advocacy for diversity in physics. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Astronomy from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Heidelberg in Germany. McGruder has held various academic positions, including as a visiting professor at Western Kentucky University (WKU) and a professor at Vanderbilt University and Fisk University. He is currently the William McCormack Professor of Physics at WKU.

McGruder's research interests span a range of topics, including extrasolar planets, gamma-ray bursts, and the construction of robotic imaging telescopes. He has utilized advanced telescopes such as Gaia, WISE, and Sloan Digital Sky Survey for his observational studies. McGruder is particularly noted for his investigations into dark matter, focusing on its scattering properties and potential implications for our understanding of the universe.

Gamma-Ray Burst

extrasolar planets: a planet outside the Solar System.

In addition to his research endeavors, McGruder has been actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusion in physics. He served as the president of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) and has been instrumental in advancing physics capabilities in Africa. Through his advocacy and mentorship, McGruder has worked to create opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the field of astrophysics.

Draft Lead Section with Inline Citations:

Dark matter

Charles H. McGruder III is an astrophysicist known for his contributions to the study of dark matter, a hypothetical form of matter that is thought to make up approximately 27% of the universe's mass-energy content, and his advocacy for diversity in physics. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Astronomy from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Heidelberg in Germany (Source 1). McGruder has held various academic positions, including as a visiting professor at Western Kentucky University (WKU) and a professor at Vanderbilt University and Fisk University (Source 2). He is currently the William McCormack Professor of Physics at WKU (Source 3).

McGruder's research interests span a range of topics, including extrasolar planets—planets outside the Solar System—gamma-ray bursts, and the construction of robotic imaging telescopes. He has utilized advanced telescopes such as Gaia, WISE, and Sloan Digital Sky Survey for his observational studies (Source 4). McGruder is particularly noted for his investigations into dark matter, focusing on its scattering properties and potential implications for our understanding of the universe (Source 5).

In addition to his research endeavors, McGruder has been actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusion in physics. He served as the president of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) and has been instrumental in advancing physics capabilities in Africa (Source 6). Through his advocacy and mentorship, McGruder has worked to create opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the field of astrophysics. In recognition of his exceptional achievements, McGruder has been featured in numerous publications and interviews, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the realm of astrophysics and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists worldwide.

Works Cited

Feder, Toni. "Black Voices in Physics: Charles McGruder and Chima McGruder." Physics Today, American Institute of Physics, 23 Oct. 2020, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/PT.6.4.20201023d.

Fikes, Robert. “Careers of African Americans in Academic Astronomy.” The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, no. 29, 2000, pp. 132–34. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2678866. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

McGruder, Charles H., III. Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Western Kentucky University. "Education." Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101. https://www.wku.edu/bucks/mcgruder.php.

Roberson, Stephen. "February 13, 2020." Saturday, December 12, 2020. National Society of Black Physicists. National Society of Black Physicists, 2010 Massachusetts Ave. NW Suite 512, Washington, DC 20036, USA. https://nsbp.org/blogpost/1904681/362811/February-13-2020.

Zierler, David. "Charles McGruder (BS '65), Astronomer, Astrophysicist, and Dark Matter Explorer." Interview conducted on June 17, 2023, at Caltech. Caltech Heritage Project. December 3, 2021. https://heritageproject.caltech.edu/interviews-updates/charles-mcgruder.