Dear Readers,

It's so encouraging to read about the trials and tribulations that lead to someone's success. Not only can most of us relate, but many of us continue to battle these obstacles. Which makes reaching our goals even more gratifying. This month's Alumni Spotlight, highlights the journey of alumnus Bob Goldberg, who's freshman year at Maryland was more than he had bargained for. Several years later, he has started his own company called RD3 Software Corporation, and much of his success comes from the hurdles he's faced during and after college. Hurdles that he can now call learning experiences.

Goldberg is not alone in his success. Thus far, the Department is also celebrating several successes this month. Last month, Eun Suk Seo was honored with the NASA Group Achievement Award for flying a record breaking balloon at the edge of space. Additionally, Wendell Hill has recently published his book entitled, Light-Matter Interaction: Atoms and Molecules in External Fields and Nonlinear Optics.

Check out next month's Photon to read about the success of the department's outreach program. Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), in collaboration with the International Spy Museum held an educational show for local children between the ages of 10-13. The turnout was outstanding with over 30 students in attendance.

Until then, visit the Recent Events section, Awards and Honors in this months Photon to find about all of the department's successes.

Regards,
Carole