Biography
Dr. Sean P. McBride is a faculty member in the Physics program at Marshall University, serving as an Associate Professor of Physics.
Education & Early Career
- He earned his B.S. in Physics from Bloomsburg University (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania).
- He pursued graduate studies at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio), obtaining a terminal M.S. in Physics.
- His doctoral work was carried out at Kansas State University, where he completed a Ph.D. in Physics with a specialization in soft condensed matter physics
- After his Ph.D., he held a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Chicago / James Franck Institute, where he worked on nanoparticle self-assembly and related applications
Academic & Teaching Roles at Marshall
Dr. McBride joined Marshall University in 2016 as a tenure-track Assistant Professor and later achieved promotion to Associate Professor.
At Marshall, he teaches a variety of physics courses, including:
- University Physics, calculus-based (PHY 211)
- College Physics I & II, algebra-based (PHY 201, PHY 203)
- Laboratory courses: General Physics labs (PHY 202, PHY 204) and Advanced Lab (PHY 444/544)
- He also supervises student research projects, independent studies, capstone courses, and master’s thesis work in areas such as classical mechanics, advanced lab, and nanoscience topics.
Beyond his formal teaching, Dr. McBride is recognized by students for his dedication and instructional style. His “HERD Hours” (scheduled help/study sessions) and detailed lecture style are frequently cited in student feedback.
Research Interests & Contributions
Dr. McBride’s research lies in soft condensed matter physics, with an emphasis on nanotechnology, colloidal science, and interface phenomena. Some active research themes include:
- Nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization
- Self-assembly of nanoparticles at liquid interfaces
- Nanoparticle-based membranes and filtration systems
- Use of azo-dye functionalized polycarbonate membranes for removal of textile dyes and nitrate ions from water
- Study of colloidal particles at liquid/vapor interfaces, including characterizations such as line tension and interfacial energetics
He has published in journals such as Micromachines, Nature Communications, Progress in Surface Science, and holds related intellectual property (e.g. a patent on nanoparticle-based desalination/filtration technology noted in his research webpages).
Service, Advising & Outreach
Dr. McBride is active in professional and departmental service, as well as student engagement:
- He serves as the faculty advisor for the Marshall University chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Sigma Pi Sigma honor society. Under his leadership, the chapter has received national recognition.
- He organizes outreach and recruitment events in physics and STEM, helps in course and curriculum development, and participates in faculty committees.
- He mentors undergraduate and graduate students in research projects and provides leadership in shepherding students toward publication and conference participation.
For more details (e.g. publication lists, current projects, lab images), you can visit his faculty website.
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