Work with atoms earns UA professor physics honor

The American Physical Society, or APS, distinguished J. D. Garcia, a University of Arizona physics professor, as the sole recipient of the 1998 Edward A. Bouchet Award, which honors minority physicists for their contributions to physics research.

"I am pleased that my colleagues on a national scale have recognized the excellency of my work," Garcia said.

The award stemmed from Garcia's work in predicting the direction that electrons travel after complex collisions of atoms with atoms and atoms with solids.

Garcia will mount the podium to address the APS members with his acceptance speech at a spring, 1998 meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

"We at the U of A have a resource in the Tucson community that is unique," he said. "We have one of the strongest scientific bases in the community."

Garcia stressed the importance of this scientific base for the enhancement of community knowledge in applied physical science.

"I believe very strongly in helping the community and having my views expressed as well," Garcia said.

Garcia has ties with a local political party and holds a seat on a local scientific committee for unified physics exploration.

"I have also established relations with community organizations, because I am proud to represent my minority community," Garcia said. "I think it's much easier for minority students to identify with someone who looks the same as they do."

In addition, he will be invited to talk at various academic institutions in connection with the award.

According to a news release, Garcia received the $3,000 citation "for his contributions to the theory of quantum methods, including the application of time dependent calculations to the understanding of complex collisional processes; and for providing an effective role model for all students, demonstrating that balancing service, profession, and family need not compromise excellence."

Alaina Levine, physics department communications director, said Garcia is very helpful to students as an adviser.

"He reaches out and helps bring the community into the department," Levine said. "He's not just a hard scientist, but a person who cares about what they do, about the community, and enjoys seeing people succeed."

Garcia is the department contact for the Tucson Area Physics Teachers (TAPT), which coordinates with Hughes Aircraft to administer physics tests to local high school students, Levine said.

The test attempts to increase the enthusiasm for youth physics students in Arizona.