Oregon State University has named Todd S. Palmer and Małgorzata Peszyńska as its 2024 Distinguished Professors, the highest academic honor the university can bestow on a faculty member.
Palmer and Peszyńska have both been internationally recognized for their research. Palmer is an expert in the physics of nuclear reactors and computational methods for radiation transport and diffusion. And Peszyńska is a leader in mathematical and computational modeling of complex processes.
Since 1988, Oregon State has awarded the title of University Distinguished Professor to faculty who have achieved national and international distinction for their contributions to scholarship, research and creative work, teaching and mentoring, public engagement and service.
Distinguished Professor Lectures — Wednesday, May 8
Palmer and Peszyńska will present lectures on Wednesday, May 8 in the Memorial Union Horizon Room. Peszyńska will present at 1:30 p.m. and Palmer will present at 3:30 p.m. A reception for both will take place at 5 p.m. Advanced registration and in-person attendance are encouraged, and all lectures will be livestreamed.
Todd S. Palmer
Distinguished Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering
College of Engineering
What originally drew you to your field of study?
Throughout elementary, middle and high school I was always drawn to math, computer programming and science, but I also had an interest in literature and music. I had this great physics teacher in my senior year, and he got to the back of the textbook where nuclear reactions and nuclear power were introduced. I remember thinking “Ooh, that’s cool, and I might be able to make a living at this!” The rest is history.
What keeps you motivated at this stage in your career?
My motivation stems from a combination of a continued steady stream of interesting technical problems to work on, a feeling of personal responsibility to help society address challenges in national and energy security, and a desire to