

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Webb.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Professor of Physics, Florida International University
Director, Stocker Astroscience center
Expertise: Extragalactic astrophysics, General Relativity, Quantum astrophysics, Active Galactic Nuclei, Blazars, scientific search for Life in the universe.
Dr. Webb grew up in central Indiana working in an automotive factory full time. He was so inspired by watching men walk on the moon and watching and reading COSMOS by Carl Sagan. He began taking night classes after work and he obtained a bachelors degree in physics from Ball State University. He then quit the factory and moved to Florida and earned a masters and PhD in astronomy from the University of Florida.. After graduate school, Dr. Webb taught at Stephen F. Austin State University, then moved to the Goddard Space flight Center for a year, and finally to Miami at Florida International University where he has been ever since. Most of his scientific career centered on the study of the continuum variability of active galaxies and Blazars. In addition to his cutting edge research activities, he has taken great pride in teaching at all levels (introductory undergraduate to graduate level) and in educating the general public through public lectures. He also plays guitar and writes astronomy music
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a first generation college student and working full time while getting a degree in physics was challenging. The university was located 60 miles from where I lived and worked. I did homework during 15 minute breaks at the factory. and studied for tests while driving country roads between the 2 towns. Of course the qualifying exams to get the PhD was challenging, but as far as teaching and research, those things came very easy to me. I like to say “I have never worked a day in my life since quitting the factory”. I even wrote a song about it entitled “I can’t believe they pay me for this”.
I compare driving down the country roads from the factory in Anderson Indiana to the town where Ball State was to going through a door to wonderland.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Teacher, musician, researcher
I am most proud of it all! I think my enthusiasm is what sets me apart. I incorporate my music in my teaching, and my research in my music. I think the research keeps me thinking ahead which helps me in teaching.
I specialize in many things, research of Blazars, writing original astronomy music and teaching at all levels. Public speaking sets me apart from most others. I have given 100’s of public lectures on subjects ranging from the history of astronomy, to cosmology and everything in between. I have organized and run a public lecture series at FIU for over 35 years. All events are free and open tot he public. I give 95% of the lectures myself and personally fund them.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always the skinny little redhaired guy who liked reading encyclopedias, especially about space. Growing up in Indiana I also loved playing basketball. I was a geek who could play basketball. I was not popular in high school, except for helping other students with their math homework. I first place in the local science fair and also was an avid chess player. My aunt was a local librarian, so I always had access to the latest Carl Sagan books. My classmates put in my year books: “The most likely to work at NASA!” And I have!
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Dr. James R. Webb