William Slaton

William Slaton earned his B.S. in Physics from the University of Central Arkansas and his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Mississippi. He has skills in the general areas of basic electronics and microcontrollers, Python, Fortran, and Mathematica.  He has used these skills throughout his career to perform research in various areas such as “The Physics of Sound and Vibration”, “Photoacoustics”, and “Sound in Porous Media”. He has contributed to multiple publications, such as The Physics Teacher and Applied Acoustics.  Dr. Slaton is the SPS Zone Councilor for Zone 10 and a professor at the University of Central Arkansas.

Dr. Slaton is thought of as someone who works “endlessly to help build a community” for all students who love physics. An example of this dedication can be seen in the way his “persistence directly contributed” to the success of the science outreach program tailored to adult audiences, “Science Wednesdays”. Although he serves as many positions, from a research advisor, SPS advisor, and professor, Dr. Slaton is known for consistently making time for any student. Whether connecting through Google Hangout sessions that make him available to students nationwide, or dedicating his time to SPS events, he encourages his students to feel engaged and guided. Due to his consistent passion and dedication to the physics community, his students believe that “his actions serve to stand as the new pinnacle of science outreach achievement among physics professors”. It is because of these accomplishments as a professor and as an advisor that he has been described as an “inspiration” by some and will continue to “help produce physicists, teachers, and leaders”.