The Haven Magazine Spring 2018

University Relations
Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Q&A
Professor
Marian Tzolov teaches
physics at LHU and leads students in
the study of nanotechnology.
Q
: Tell us about your field of
study. How did you develop
an interest in it and what led
you to The Haven?
A
: Physics was my interest since
high school. The fundamental
knowledge, the understanding
of the world around us, and
the application relevance all
motivated me. It is amazing that
humanity has developed tools
and methods for studying nature,
and fabricating materials and
devices that have never existed
in nature. The Haven offers very
good opportunities to do science,
and I enjoy every moment in the
classroom and in the laboratories.
Q
: What is the most
rewarding part of your job?
A
: The interaction with the
students. Science is a human,
social activity. The ultimate fruition
of the scientific endeavor is to
share ideas and experience with
others, in best case scenarios to
transfer the understanding and
experience to younger people—
to empower them to be active
and creative.
Q
: What is one thing you’d
like people to know about
the field of nanotechnology?
A
: Nanotechnology is
interdisciplinary, a field
where ideas and methods are
exchanged between established
branches of science. A gamechanging
factor nowadays is
the tremendous technological
advancement in instrumentation,
and computation, both hardware
and software. This provides a lot
of opportunities, but also raises
the bar for our knowledge and
preparation.
Q
: In your view, what are
some of the primary
advantages The Haven offers?
A
: The Haven is a supportive,
inclusive, and personal
community. The relatively small
number and the spirit of the
Haven’s members make this
possible. The close relations
between students and faculty
have a huge, positive impact on
reaching our educational goals.
Q
: When you’re not in the lab
or the classroom, how do
you enjoy spending your time?
A
: I like spending time with
my family, either at home
baking bread at the weekends
and cooking using vegetables
from our backyard, or going to
our kids’ dance performances
and sport competitions. Weather
and time permitting, you can see
me jogging, cross country skiing,
playing table tennis, helping with
local track meets, or helping my
wife in organizing the local Math
Kangaroo competition.