Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) Physics Department

05/29/2026

“The moon base will be America’s and humanity’s first outpost on another celestial world,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says in a statement. “Every mission, crewed and uncrewed, will be a learning opportunity as we return to the lunar surface, build the infrastructure to stay and master the skills required to live and operate in one of the most demanding and dangerous environments imaginable.” 🌝🌚

The first three missions are targeted to launch this year. They’ll involve lunar landers developed by several aerospace companies, including Blue Origin, and deliver scientific instruments and a rover

05/27/2026

PLU Physics Professor Bret Underwood will host an upcoming Science on the Screen presentation, where he’ll dive into the mind-bending physics of the deep cosmos of Interstellar! He'll be talking about the physics of black holes and Gargantua, the supermassive black hole that plays an important role in the movie.

At the Grand Cinema in Tacoma, WA on Monday, June 8th, 6:45pm.

The adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine

05/22/2026

Today's the day! We're excited for you, proud of you, a little bit nervous, and a lot hopeful. We can't wait to see you walk across the stage and celebrate the culmination of all your hard work. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 💛🖤🎓✨

05/21/2026

Update from Dr. Hay here. The summer 2026 physics and chemistry open lab renovation is starting! Very exciting to see the lab tables and those squeaky stools going away.

05/19/2026

Rieke open lab space, today.

05/14/2026

“Before, I just accepted that the universe just worked the way it does. Now with more knowledge, I can confidently know or find out why a physics concept works the way it does.”

Vincent Le '26, an Applied Physics major with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science, is featured in a new PLU profile. He discusses exploring the complexities of the universe, finding friends, and figuring out what comes next. Congratulations, Vincent! 💛🖤

Read the full profile on Vincent here:

Senior Vincent Le ’26 sums up applied physics in a nutshell: “You can think of it as the study of how objects physically interact in the universe. Things physically happen for a reason, my major studies the how and why.” After completing his contract as…

04/13/2026

PAID INTERNSHIP - Data Management and Analytics Intern with Tacoma Power, $25.35 Hourly. This intern position will participate in researching requirements and analysis for key performance indicators for energy efficiency programs. This role will analyze existing data pipelines to identify recommend changes in both business logic and data integrity.

Applications due by April 22, 2026.

Tacoma Power is looking to hire a Data Management and Analytics Intern. In this role you will apply your skills and gain valuable experience working with TPU Energy Efficiency Data Analysts to support the delivery of efficient and reliable pipelines and associated data visualizations. This intern po...

04/10/2026

PAID INTERNSHIP - Undergraduate Intern II - Technical Writer with Seattle Wastewater Treatment, $22.01 - $27.90 Hourly. The Technical Writer Intern will work with members of the Technical Communications and Training teams, as well as staff in other WTD workgroups, to produce a section of an operations guide to help wastewater treatment plant operators better understand new systems.

Applications due April 14, 2026.

     The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) seeks a 2026 Technical Writer intern.  Our internship is for active students only. To be eligible for this internship, you must be enrolled in a college, or university program for the dura...

04/07/2026

ON-CAMPUS JOB OPPORTUNITY - PLU's I&TS department is looking for someone to fill a Student PC Technician role for I&TS in the library. The start date is May 26th, continuing through the summer and the next academic year. During fall and spring semesters, this position works 10-18 hours per week, but there's an opportunity to work up to 32 hours during the summer.

You can apply via Handshake.

04/02/2026

SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY - Program Associate, Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) Residency with the Museum of Flight, Hourly Pay Rate: $22.50. The WAS Program Associate offers guidance and support for teams of 10 high school students in their collaboration and technical research to develop a formal mission presentation, as well as models professional interactions with the teams’ aerospace industry Mentor.