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Home / Physics

Physics

physics

Physics (from the Greek ‘physis’ meaning nature) is the science that aims to understand how the universe behaves – from the basic constituents of matter to large clusters of galaxies – and aims to explain the basic nature of matter, energy, space, and time. Advances in our understanding are important in that they not only give rise to new technologies, but also to new ideas that often raise even more questions – even in other fields like chemistry, biology, mathematics, and medicine.

The physics program offers a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that is innovative and challenging and enhances the intellectual and personal growth of those students who are working toward transferring to a four-year institution.

Need to contact your professor?






    Faculty

    • Ed Izaguirre
      S320N
      Ed Izaguirre
      • (562) 463-7531

      Ed started joined the Physics department at Rio Hondo College in 2020. Prior to joining Rio he taught Physics at South East High School in South Gate, CA. He received his B.A. in Physics in 2016 and his M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering in 2020, both at the University of California, Berkeley. His research at Berkeley involved making a robotic cheetah jump through a hoop autonomously. In his free time he likes to go for runs, read books, program, and watch films.

    • Chris Vaca
      Ph.D.
      S233J
      Chris Vaca
      Ph.D.
      • (562) 463-7520

      Chris Vaca joined the Rio Hondo College Faculty in 2017.  As a graduate of Cosumnes River College, a community college in Sacramento, California, Professor Vaca knows the struggles and challenges that face community college students on a personal level.  Professor Vaca works tirelessly to guarantee each student in the Rio Hondo College Physics Department will have access to a world-class physics education along with opportunities to perform STEM research work/internships at local institutions including USC, NASA, and UCLA to name a few of Professor Vaca’s former and current educational partners.  After Cosumnes River College, Professor Vaca became triple alumnus of UCLA, having received his B.S. and M.S. in physical chemistry and his Ph.D. in physics.

    Adjunct Faculty

    Sidi Benzahra

    Andrew Lerman

    Chris Scott

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    Phone: (562) 692-0921
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