Nicole J. Moore, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Physics & Department Chair of Physics and Chemistry & Biochemistry

I study optics, the physics of light. I fell in love with optics as a field of study during a lab project I completed while studying abroad in Paris. I've been playing with light ever since. My research students are designing and building a modified...

Dr. Nicole Moore

Contact Information

  • Office Hours Fall 2024

    Mon: 8:30-10 a.m.

    Tue: 12:30-2 p.m.

    Wed: 2-3 p.m

    and by appointment

    .



  • (509) 313-5707

Education & Curriculum Vitae

Ph.D., The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester

B.S., Harvey Mudd College

Courses Taught

PHYS 103: Scientific Physics I

PHYS 104: Scientific Physics II

PHYS 104: Scientific Inquiry

PHYS 193: FYS: Life on Mars

PHYS 307: Optics

PHYS 464: Intro to Quantum Physics


I study optics, the physics of light. I fell in love with optics as a field of study during a lab project I completed while studying abroad in Paris. I've been playing with light ever since. My research students are designing and building a modified optical tweezer that will allow for light scattering measurements. I love to be in the classroom, where I try to promote active engagement in physics. My classes feature short periods of lecture alternating problem solving activities, predominantly including the use of clickers (classroom response systems).
My research is centered around interactions of highly focused laser beams with small (micron-sized) spherical objects.