BLACKSBURG, Va., June 23, 2010 – Joseph Slawny, professor in the Department of Physics in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the "professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.
A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1979, Slawny contributed significantly to the understanding of physics through his work on statistical and mathematical physics. He helped to increase the international visibility of Virginia Tech through numerous visits to prestigious institutions in Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Slawny also supported scientific research as a frequent reviewer for national and international journals.
As a professor, Slawny taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses ranging across the physics and mathematical physics curriculum. He also advised numerous students on doctoral dissertations. Slawny also contributed to the department, the college, and the university through years of dedicated service on numerous committees.
Slawny received his master’s degree from the University of Warsaw and a Ph.D. from the Weizmann Institute of Technology.
Written by Krystyne Hayes. Hayes, of Front Royal, Va., holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.