Princeton physicist focuses on God, future research projects at Baylor

By Jade Mardirosian
Staff Writer

An internationally renowned physicist presented a colloquium Monday at Baylor on his research, which he will relocate to the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative facility beginning in 2012.

Dr. Marlan Scully, who is currently a faculty member at Princeton University and Texas A&M University. He is known for his work in theoretical optics, quantum optics, laser physics and bioengineering.

Dr. Truell Hyde, vice provost for research, introduced Scully and explained he was most excited “he will be speaking with us today as a Baylor faculty member.” Hyde said in a Baylor press release that Scully “is a truly renaissance researcher” and Baylor is looking forward to his continued research offerings.

Scully, who has been named distinguished research academician of science and engineering at Baylor, said he is excited to be at Baylor, where he is able to speak openly about God.

“I don’t have to beat around the bush at a place like Baylor,” Scully said. “Being a Christian and being a scientist is part and parcel of the same things. Truth is what God is all about and truth is what we are seeking. The BRIC facility is very exciting as it brings the opportunity to work with people here at Baylor and across the state and around the world.”

During the presentation, Scully said numerous areas he is currently working in.

These include quantum erasure, anthrax detection research and Agri-photonics.

“There is a new field which has been dubbed Agri-photonics, which can do things these days with lasers like monitor the health of plants,” Scully said.

“This is one of the things we are focusing on in the future at Baylor.”

In addition to his various research endeavors, Scully has published textbooks on quantum optics and laser physics and has more than 700 research articles that have been published in numerous journals, including Nature and Science.

Nancy Yu, a graduate student in physics, said she decided to attend the lecture after reading some of Scully’s research work.

“It’s an interesting lecture,” Yu said. “After reading his research, which was very interesting, I wanted to hear him speak in person.”

The BRIC is the first project of the Central Texas Technology and Research Park, which encompasses approximately 21 acres on South Loop Drive.

Although the building is not yet complete, the BRIC has already been recognized on a global scale.

The BRIC project was recently selected as one of eight worldwide finalists competing for CoreNet Global’s 2011 H. Bruce Russell Global Innovators Awards.