Support the Future of Physics & Astronomy at WWU
At Western Washington University's Physics & Astronomy Department, we're inspiring the next generation of students through hands-on research and engaging learning experiences. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to pursuing research at the frontiers of scientific inquiry while providing students with the highest quality academic experiences. Working alongside them are talented and dedicated students who are preparing to push the boundaries of science and technology in their professional work while also sustaining a close, collaborative and inclusive scientific community within the department. Your support makes a direct impact on our students and community.
Ways to Make a Difference
Physics & Astronomy Program Support
Help fund faculty research, visiting speakers and other departmental events, and summer research stipends that allow our students to dive deep on a research topic and pursue meaningful scientific inquiry in partnership with WWU faculty.
Student Scholarships
Invest in promising minds by supporting scholarships for dedicated students pursing degrees in physics and astronomy. Your gift will remove financial barriers and enable students to dedicate themselves fully to their academic and professional development.
Spanel Planetarium
Share the wonder of the cosmos with our community! Your donation helps maintain the planetarium's equipment and supports our expert presenters who bring the night sky to life for hundreds of visitors each year, including campus groups and K-12 students from classes throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Max Knittel Fund for Experimental Physics
Honor the many contributions of Max Knittel, the department's long-serving lab coordinator & technical support staff member, by supporting student-led experimental projects. We're working toward a $25,000 endowment goal to create a permanent funding source for hands-on learning opportunities that transform theoretical knowledge into practical scientific & technical skills.
PhIS Club
Physicists for Inclusion in STEM (PhIS) is a student-led organization in Western's Physics and Astronomy department. Their primary focuses are public outreach, providing support to undergraduate Physics and Astronomy students, and promoting inclusion and equity work in the Physics and Astronomy Department and the College of Science and Engineering (CSE).
About the Department
Our department offers B.S. degrees in physics and B.A.Ed. degrees in physics/mathematics education. Students develop expertise in the fundamental theories of physics through rigorous coursework and sophisticated laboratory experiences. Our graduates excel in technical professions and graduate programs across physics, astronomy, materials science and atmospheric & earth sciences.
Your generosity directly supports meaningful research opportunities in astronomy, theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, gravitational wave detection and physics education—experiences that prepare our students for success while advancing scientific discovery.
Thank you for investing in the future of physics & astronomy at Western Washington University!
