John Mason

How did you discover Western?

I discovered Western years ago when I was considering becoming a college professor and thinking about where I’d like to live and teach. Happily, there was a job opening at Western for a Physics professor when my first postdoc ended, and the rest is history.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

A major highlight of my teaching career has been mentoring students working on senior seminar projects. I always learn something new. Professionally, I have enjoyed playing a role in the general scientific pursuit of new knowledge, through my work on possible experimental signals of new physics “Beyond the Standard Model.” I am also happy to have contributed to the development of the Engineering program here at Western.

What most excites you about your field?

Physics is an incredibly precise and accurate way of thinking about the natural world. What’s more interesting is that this way of thinking can very clearly characterize the limits of human knowledge as well as the ways to progress that knowledge forward. It is exciting to see that knowledge grow constantly.

What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?

Gunnison is a great place to work, play and raise a family. I just like living here.