About me
Definition: PHYSICS /’fiziks/ noun the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy, including mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms
I was born to Janet & Bill Koeth, and grew up in Piscataway NJ. I am married to Michelle Koeth, who branded me as the “physics playboy,” we currently live in Northern Virginia. I have been blessed with a great family and a life that has permitted me to pursue my interests.
From day one I have had a deep interest in the physical sciences which has led to many great experiences. From attempting simple photon-photon scattering experiments at age 5, to discovering 100 millicuries of lost Radium-226 at age 13, earning an amateur radio license soon after, earning a B.S. in Physics, working as a health physicist, building a 1.2 MeV cyclotron, earning a Ph.D. in Physics, collecting and restoring old Tektronix oscilloscopes, holding “high voltage weekends” with like minded friends, to measuring trace amounts of cosmogenic elements in our atmosphere, I am always immersed in and appreciating the beauty of our natural world. I have enjoyed all of this so much that I want to share it with anyone that wishes to learn and marvel at the world that surrounds us.
My hobbies, which this site will document, are particle accelerators, nuclear spectroscopy, amateur radio, restoration vintage Tektronix scopes, collecting antique radiological detection instruments as well as memorabilia of the birth of the atomic age. Hunting for everyday objects in which radioactive materials were used, and going on “nuclear tours.”
Since I am not actually a man of infinite means, I do have a day job, and I can proudly say it is the best job I have ever had !
Professionally I am an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Maryland. I am the Director of the research Nuclear Reactor and Radiation Facilities and on the Faculty of the Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics where I am the PI on a Non-Linear Beam Optics Experiment at the University of Maryland’s 10 keV Electron Storage Ring (UMER) for the study of space charge dominated beams.
Additionally, I hold Guest Scientist at Rutgers University where I teach an accelerator physics course every spring using the Rutgers 12-Inch Cyclotron the that several friends and I built. I earned both my Ph.D. and B.S. degrees in Physics at Rutgers University. My thesis work in electron beam manipulations (a horizontal to longitudinal emittance exchange) was performed at Fermi National Accelerator Lab’s A0 Photoinjector under the supervision of Dr. Helen Edwards.
I have appointments or affiliations at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), Fermi National Accelerator Lab, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, Thomas Jefferson Accelerator Facility (JLab).
Science has always run through my veins. The follow photos chronicle my blessed life experiences. I put these up to be an inspiration to any young person that has a love for science: do not be dissuaded if you find yourself being the only person around you interested in science & technology. There are many others like you out there ! Look for them. We want to hear from you. Parents, if your child expresses an interest in science, do what you can to foster that desire. Take them to science museums, take them to nearby college research labs, buy them old electronics to take apart. These little acts can have immense impacts on their life. Finally, for all that is good in the world, buy them a Geiger counter from eBay !
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