John Ellsworth has faithfully supported the Department of Physics and Astronomy as our “Research Laboratories Supervisor” for more than two decades. His innocuous-sounding title aptly summarizes his practical job description: to support all research groups in the department as they design, implement, and repair of the wide array of experimental equipment used by the faculty in their research. John competently fulfills this mandate and cheerfully supports a vast range of research projects. John helps each new experimental faculty member acquire and set up lab equipment. As a recent hire put it, he showed “an extraordinary willingness to help me with whatever challenges I faced in setting up my lab.” Another faculty member commented that “his deep understanding of mechanical systems has been critical in the preparation of my lab.”
John’s recent contributions to research initiatives in the department include maintaining a remotely operated telescope, building a thin-film deposition system, constructing an underwater acoustics chamber, designing custom GPS clock electronics, and constructing equipment for a precision nuclear decay measurement system. John supervises undergraduate students and brings these students to professional meeting of the American Physical Society to present their work. He is an example of an engaged citizen and scholar.
In addition to mentoring undergraduate research, John trains and mentors a group of undergraduate support staff for vacuum systems and electronics repair. These students uniformly express a great appreciation for his patient mentoring as he teaches them skills that both bless the department and the students’ future careers.
For the past fifteen months John has coordinated department impacts from the Eyring Science Center annex construction. John diligently attends construction meetings, lobbies for department needs and priorities, and communicates anticipated disruptions to affected research areas. He coordinates dust monitoring and other efforts to proactively mitigate disruptions. He also directs efforts to ameliorate negative impacts, demonstrating responsible use of sacred resources. For example, he personally protected expensive equipment from water leaks during evenings and weekends. Several faculty commented that when they rushed to the lab to protect their equipment they found John already there, taking his own time to provide for others. John’s efforts are vital during this stressful time.
John also recently managed an extensive upgrade to our laboratory electrical system. This involved extensive coordination with physical facilities and faculty members. He managed this complex task admirably with prompt communication between all parties involved. When our electronics specialist retired during COVID, John stepped in and filled that role on top of his existing duties. John serves on the university Radiation Safety committee, where he contributes a wealth of knowledge from years of experience. John is teamwork personified.
John’s innovative solutions to research challenges are invariably creative, ingenious, and cost effective. A long-time faculty member commented, “I have never worked with any other as competent, kind, and who so dramatically exceeds expectations day-in and out. We are lucky to have him. The students and faculty unconsciously call him, ˜Dr. Ellsworth.’ Though he does not have that degree, such is his expertise. He is our valued peer.” As John nears retirement, it would be fitting to recognize his sustained contribution to the university’s mission over a quarter century.