As an undergraduate physics student at the McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Anton Skorucak, envisioned a web site that contained comprehensive information on the sciences. From that genesis in 1995, PhysLink was born.
Anton, M.S. Physics 1999, is currently a researcher working with Professor Jack Feinberg in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He has devoted much time and energy over the past years into creating and developing PhysLink. His mission for the web site is "to provide comprehensive research and educational tools for physicists, engineers, educators, students and the inquisitive, as well as to promote the rich history of physics and bring the stories of the successes and trials to the attention of our youth." Anton also wants the site "to be a dynamic advocate for the advancement of physics and science in general, and an interpreter and inspirer for those who are not professional scientists but valued members of our society. To enhance, enchant, enrich and entertain."
If you would like to know the physics involved in throwing a frisbee and why it's shaped like it is, or the difference between the inertial and gravitational mass, or a myriad of other science questions, the answers can be found at PhysLink. Additionally, if you've been looking for that perfect Einstein card to send someone, or want to learn about the design of amusement park rides, or chuckle at science jokes, this is the site to visit.
PhysLink has grown to become one of the top science sites on the Web today. It has received over 40 awards. When asked which meant the most to him, Anton mentioned Discover Magazine naming it the `Science Surfing Site', NASA listing it as a `SuperSite' in the physics resources category (a top place out of only four resources listed!), and Science Magazine placing it as their `NetWatch Site'.
Anton's aspiration for PhysLink is that it becomes, "The ultimate physics resource on the Web." He seems to be achieving his goal.
Anton is currently in development on a satellite web site. This site will specifically detail Physics Departments in colleges and universities worldwide, showing the degrees available, the particular areas of research being conducted, the size of the departments (including students, graduate students, post docs, faculty, etc.), and the special facilities available. This will become an invaluable tool for those students interested in physics throughout the world.
We are proud of Anton's accomplishments and use his web site extensively within the Department. To visit the site (which as of January 2000, had over 1,000,000 visitors) please go to http://www.physlink.com.
Department of Physics & Astronomy / USC Physics & Astronomy Newsletters /