Department of Physics
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Dr. J. R. Houston
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Dr. Houston is one of our own -- a Physics graduate of St. Joseph's University. As a Co-op at the Burroughs Corporation (now called Unisys) he participated in the design and construction of the Apollo computer which guided our astronauts to the Moon. He did graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania (in beta and gamma ray spectroscopy) and at Bryn Mawr (in solid state physics).
He was recruited by Fr. John O'Conner to join the Physics faculty of SJU, and has introduced nearly a generation of students to the beauties of Physics and Astronomy. He has been awarded the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (a "once in a lifetime" award).
His current interests are in mathematical physics, some fundamental questions in quantum theory, and more recently, the formation and evolution of galaxies. A sideline has been the physics of musical instruments.
At home he enjoys playing piano and classical guitar, star-gazing, and trying to keep up with his granddaughters.