Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University | United States
Marilyn F. Bishop is a tenured Associate Professor of Physics at Virginia Commonwealth University since 1986. She earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, Irvine in 1976. With a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, she has developed a multifaceted academic career blending theoretical physics with biophysical research. Bishop’s extensive work spans decades, contributing to both scientific understanding and educational advancements, making her a respected figure in physics education and research communities.
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Bishop’s academic journey began with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Physics (1971) and Mathematics (1972) from UC Irvine, followed by a Master’s (1973) and Ph.D. in Physics (1976) from the same institution. She started as a Research Assistant at UC Irvine, honing her skills in theoretical physics. Early postdoctoral work at Purdue University and a visiting scientist role at Technische Universität München reflect her deep engagement with surface physics and condensed matter topics, establishing a strong foundation for her future research and teaching career.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Since 1986, Marilyn Bishop has been a key faculty member at VCU, earning tenure in 1990. Her earlier roles include Assistant Professor at Drexel University and consulting for Purdue University’s Physics Department. She has also been a Fellow at the Center for the Study of Biological Complexity, integrating physics with biological applications. Her professional work balances academic research, collaborative projects, and consulting, emphasizing both theoretical and computational physics, alongside mentoring students and contributing to interdisciplinary scientific communities.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Bishop’s research emphasizes surface polaritons, spatially dispersive materials, and light scattering phenomena, particularly relating to biophysical systems like sickle hemoglobin polymerization. She has published extensively on surface exciton polaritons, Raman scattering, and spin susceptibility in electron gases. Her interdisciplinary work bridges physics and biology, supported by NIH grants focused on computational modeling of cardiopulmonary physiology. Her innovative use of photonic band structure methods to study biological tissues, such as the eye’s cornea, marks a notable contribution to biophysics.
🌟 Impact and Influence
Marilyn Bishop’s impact is seen through her numerous publications, presentations, and invited talks at major physics conferences like the APS March Meetings. She has helped shape understanding in condensed matter physics and biophysics, fostering collaboration between physics and biological sciences. Her research has influenced studies on electron interactions, spin susceptibility, and optical properties of materials, inspiring new computational approaches. She is a mentor to students and colleagues, advancing physics education and encouraging interdisciplinary exploration.
📖 Academic Cites
Her scholarly work has been cited widely in condensed matter physics and biophysics, particularly her studies on surface polaritons and electron gas spin susceptibility. Papers published in prestigious journals like Physical Review B and Physical Review Letters demonstrate her research rigor and relevance. Participation in workshops such as the NSF’s Materials Theory and her role in presenting at over 50 conferences have further solidified her standing in the scientific community, influencing ongoing research in theoretical and applied physics.
🧠 Research Skills
Marilyn Bishop possesses advanced skills in theoretical modeling, computational physics, and light scattering techniques. She developed Mathematica programs for physics visualization and data analysis, pioneering online homework systems in physics education. Her expertise extends to Monte Carlo simulations, photonic band structure calculations, and modeling complex biological systems. Her research methodology combines rigorous mathematical frameworks with computational tools to explore physical phenomena at both micro and macro scales, enhancing interdisciplinary research capabilities.
👩🏫 Teaching Experience
Bishop has a rich teaching portfolio, delivering courses from introductory physics labs to advanced graduate seminars in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and theoretical mechanics. She created new courses like Physics of Sound and Music and integrated Mathematica visualization tools into the curriculum. Known for developing online homework and detailed instructional materials, Bishop has mentored numerous students and collaborated with colleagues to enhance physics pedagogy at VCU, combining research insights with effective teaching strategies.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Her accolades include the Drexel University Research Scholar Award, membership in Sigma Xi, and the VCU SEED Award (2022-2023) for innovative research proposals. She also earned recognition early in her career with the First Place in the Writer’s Division of the Advertiser-Press Awards (1969). Bishop has secured multiple NIH grants supporting research and education, as well as industry funding, underscoring her research’s impact and her commitment to scientific excellence and mentorship.
🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions
Marilyn F. Bishop’s legacy lies in her interdisciplinary research bridging physics and biology, innovative teaching methods, and mentorship. Her ongoing work on sickle-cell hemoglobin structure and computational biophysics continues to push boundaries. As a tenured professor and research fellow, she is poised to influence future generations through continued scholarship, course development, and collaborative projects. Her integration of computational tools and physical theory sets a strong foundation for future scientific and educational advancements.
Publications Top Notes
Entropies of the Classical Dimer Model
An α-chain modification rivals the effect of fetal hemoglobin in retarding the rate of sickle cell fiber formation
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Authors: E.H. Worth, M.K. Fugate, K.C. Grasty, P.J. Loll, Marilyn F. Bishop, F.A. Ferrone
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2023
Entropy of Charge Inversion in DNA including One-Loop Fluctuations
Superlinear increase of photoluminescence with excitation intensity in Zn-doped GaN
- Authors: M.A. Reshchikov, A.J. Olsen, Marilyn F. Bishop, Tom McMullen
Journal: Physical Review B – Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Year: 2013
The Sickle-Cell Fiber Revisited