Greg Mulder: Physics Genius with Many Roles

Greg Mulder has been instructing at LBCC since 1999, teaching a variety physics classes including astronomy, science technology, energy and society, and general science. 

Mike Ontiz, 28, a physics student, comments on why Mulder is an effective teacher, “He is personable and interactive with students, very enthusiastic.” 


Besides teaching, Mulder is an advisor for the Society of Physics Students, ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Club, Spherical Cow (Science Club), and the Fighting Sheep (Ultimate Frisbee Club). He is accepting new members for the Society of Physics Students and ROV club.

Mulder’s past college experience includes undergraduate at Oregon State University and exchange program at University of Karlsruhe in Germany, where he worked at the atomic research center. Then graduate school at University of California, Irvine, where he earned a master's degree in physics in 1995.

Soon after, Mulder started teaching in 1997, at University of Portland, Portland Community College, and Portland State University.

In 1999, Mulder came to LBCC. He doesn’t plan on leaving LBCC anytime soon. “The students make teaching fun,” says Mulder.

Commuter: If you had to give advice to students about college, what would it be from your experience?

GM: I think the most important thing is to work hard and don’t hurry. Pace yourself. Working hard doesn’t mean you’re taking 27 credits a term. It means that you’re taking a reasonable load and doing really well at everything you do. Believe it or not, I often have students taking 27 credits and coming to me, trying to understand why they aren’t getting the material.

C: Any funniest moments about teaching?

GM: One time I brought a group of community college students to the nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor operator was talking to the students at a fifth grade level because he didn’t think community college students were very bright. So finally one of my students who was a cheerleader, blonde, spoke in a high squeaky voice, stopped him and asked, “Aren’t you just talking about quantum chromo-dynamics here?” Then he appropriately raised his level of discussion.

C: During the winter term, you had the physics show on campus. What was it called and what was it about?

GM: The Society of Physics Students Club at LBCC put on a show called, “The life and Death of Suns.” We set lots of things on fire, explode hydrogen balloons, put students on bed of nails, and broke bricks on their body. We use atmospheric pressure to crush a 50 gallon drum. The Albany Fire Department nicely came and let us use their thermo image camera and lots of other stuff to see.

C: How long did it take The Society of Physics Club to prepare for the show?

GM: I would say there was two or three rehearsals before hand. And the demonstrations that did are all very common demonstrations in physics.

C: What was the outcome of the show? How many people showed up?

GM: So we had about $600 in donations and that money is going send the ROV Club to NASA. For the first showing, there were about 300 students, and at the second showing there was 120 community members.

To get involved The Society of Physics Students currently meet Friday at 1 pm. Contact Toni King for more details.

At A Glance:

Who: Greg Mulder

What: Physics teacher and club advisor

Where: At LBCC, office IA231C

Email: mulderg@linnbenton.edu

Phone: 541-917-4744