Science fiction can make the abstract concrete, distant objects seem like real places, and to show the creative side of science.
Short Bio
David DeGraff is Professor of Astronomy and science fiction writer at Alfred University in Alfred NY. In addition to the usual Physics and Astronomy classes, he has also taught (or co-taught) classes on the Physics of Snowboarding, Life in the Universe, Science in Science Fiction, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Star Trek, Superheroes and Supervillains. His short fiction has appeared in Lightspeed Magazine, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Translunar Traveler’s Lounge and other places.
Non-scientific publications
Science Fiction:
“Mackson’s Mardi Gras Moon Race” The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Winter 2024
“Excerpts from a Scientist’s Notebook: Ancestral Memory in Europan Pseudocephalopods” Lightspeed Magazine, October 2023
“The Theory and Practice of Time Travel: A Class Syllabus” Translunar Traveler’s Lounge. February 2021
“SIREN of Titan” in Carbide Tipped Pens, Tor Books, edited by Eric Choi and Ben Bova, 2014
"Above the Pole" in Polaris: A Celebration of Polar Science, StarInk books, edited by Julie Czerneda, 2007.
Popular:
“To Boldly Teach What No One Has Taught Before” in Boarding the Enterprise, David R. Gerrold and Robert J. Sawyer, editors, Benbella Books 2006
Long Bio
I've taught Physics and Astronomy and other fun classes at Alfred University since 1992.
Education:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
PhD in Astrophysics 1992
St Lawrence University
BS in Physics with minors in Math and Philosophy 1985
Courses Taught
Physics
Algebra-bases Physics
Calculus-based Physics
Optics
Modern Physics
Advanced Mechanics
The Physics of Snowboarding
Astronomy
Intro to Astronomy
Introductory Astronomy Lab
Advanced Astronomy Lab
Galactic Structure and Cosmology
Fun classes
Life in the Universe
Science in Science Fiction
Aliens and Alienation (With Allen Grove)
The Doctor in the Police Box (with Juliana Gray)
With Dani Gagne:
Muggles,Magic and Mayhem,
Tribbles, Tricorders and Transporters,
The Science and Psychology of Superheroes
A Beginners Guide to World Domination.
Non-scientific publications
Science Fiction:
“Survey of Three Habitable Planets” Heavy Metal Jupiters, Friday Edition, Edited by Heather Clitheroe and Jessie L. Christiansen November, 2020
“The Theory and Practice of Time Travel: A Class Syllabus” Translunar Traveler’s Lounge. February 2021
“SIREN of Titan” in Carbide Tipped Pens, Tor Books, edited by Eric Choi and Ben Bova, 2014
"Above the Pole" in Polaris: A Celebration of Polar Science, StarInk books, edited by Julie Czerneda, 2007.
Popular:
“To Boldly Teach What No One Has Taught Before” in Boarding the Enterprise, David R. Gerrold and Robert J. Sawyer, editors, Benbella Books 2006