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Professor Horace Crater Retires From UTSI

Horace Crater, Professor of Physics at the University of Tennessee Space Institute, has retired after 40 years of service.

A native of Falls Church, Virginia, he now calls Nashville, Tennessee home. Crater earned his bachelor degree in physics from the College of William and Mary in 1964 and later earned a Ph.D. in physics from Yale University in 1968.

He was an assistant professor of physics at Vanderbilt before joining the Space Institute in September 1975. He was promoted to professor of physics in September 1987.

Crater’s field is in theoretical particle physics. He has a deep commitment to the study of very fundamental problems in relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, including the relativistic two- and three- body problem as it applies in atomic, nuclear, and particle physics. Over the years he has taught a wide variety of advanced courses including quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, solid state physics, and general relativity. He has published numerous refereed papers in the most prestigious physics journals. He enjoys teaching new things as he learns new branches of physics.

A retirement reception was held in Crater’s honor where his wife of almost 52 years, Frances was in attendance along with faculty, staff, students, and guests. K. C. Reddy, UTSI dean emeritus and professor, read comments by long-time colleague Professor Chris Parigger before saying a few words of his own about Crater’s unique problem solving techniques. UTSI Executive Director Robert Moore then presented Horace Crater with a service award plaque.

Crater’s plans are to continue teaching courses as needed and to conduct research in addition to more reading and visiting with grandchildren!

UTSI Executive Director Robert Moore presents Professor Horace Crater with a plaque for his 40 years of service.
UTSI Photo by Laura Horton