 Contact Information:
Office: Science Building 161
Phone: 616-526-6408
Fax: 616-526-6501
email: pharper @ calvin.edu
Mail:
1734 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4403
Education:
Ph.D., Princeton, 1996
Research Interests:
With a doctorate in biophysics, Dr. Harper's primary research interest is in using x-ray diffraction and light scattering to probe the diverse morphological behavior of lipid-water systems. He is especially interested structures that appear to be based on the rather beautiful and intricate mathematical surfaces known as IPMS (infinite periodic minimal surfaces). Consonant with the inherent interdisciplinary nature of his subfield, Dr. Harper has enjoyed collaborations with polymer scientists, having contributed to the discovery of a new phase in block copolymer systems, the gyroid. Before coming to Calvin in Fall 2000, he served as the chair of a physics department at a small Southern Baptist institution, Grand Canyon University. He did his undergraduate work at Hope College in Holland, MI. Dr. Harper is also an invertebrate punster, spinelessly unable to resist any pun. (Editor's note: Almost regardless of quality, it might seem.) |
