Physicist Thinks Outside the Box

Professor Kostinski (left) talks to a colleague.Professor Alex Kostinski doesn't like to stay in one place for too long, scientifically speaking.

A theoretical physicist, his research has encompassed optics, astronomy, fluid mechanics, atmospheric science, radar meteorology and polarized waves.

"I don't want to use too many superlatives, but I can honestly say Alex is one of those people who is truly brilliant," said Raymond Shaw, associate professor of physics. "Plus, he's very considerate, very kind and very easy to work with."

Kostinski's insights seem to flow in large part from fresh looks at old assumptions. It is that questioning, and the development of new and innovative approaches, that benefits Michigan Tech students and faculty.

Another example of Kostinski's ability to wrap his mind around unfamiliar territory occurred when he inherited a graduate student after the student's faculty advisor left the university. "Alex essentially spent the summer learning adaptive optics," Shaw says. Within a year, not only had the student completed his PhD, but their research had generated two groundbreaking papers in the area of imaging extrasolar planets.

Talk about thinking outside the box—well Kostinski doesn't talk about it, he does it. While he may get students thinking about their future in different ways, he does help them to figure out how to create their future.