Tom Gorczyca

Dr. Thomas Gorczyca is a professor of theoretical atomic physics in the Department of Physics at Western Michigan University. His research focuses on the fundamental interactions between electrons, photons and atomic ions in atmospheric and plasma environments.

Gorczyca’s research has a wide range of applications in astrophysics, thermonuclear fusion, and atmospheric physics, in the search for extra-terrestrial planets. His research has been funded by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration for nearly two decades, resulting in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications in leading physics and astronomy journals. Gorczyca has collaborated with numerous theoretical and experimental atomic physicists and laboratory astrophysicists at WMU and at national and international institutes.

A Fellow of the American Physical Society, Gorczyca has taught almost all available courses offered by the Department of Physics, including 1000-level (non-math intro), 2000-3000-level (intro and intermediate undergraduate), 4000-5000-level (advanced undergraduate), 6000-level (intro graduate), and 7000-level (Ph.D. dissertation) courses.

In addition to teaching and researching physics, Gorczyca enjoys many sporting and outdoor Michigan activities, including golf, bicycling, skiing, swimming, camping and fishing, and is a life-long Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox fan.