Tom Christensen joined the faculty of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Department of Physics and Energy Science in 1989. He has served the campus as a faculty member, department chair, associate dean and dean. Dr. Christensen has received both the College (1993) and campus (1996) Outstanding Teaching Awards and the Chancellor’s Award (2003) to recognize his service and teaching. Dr. Christensen’s research in experimental surface physics has led to 21 published papers in international science journals and over 90 presentations at scientific meetings. He has been the principal investigator on over $0.5 million in research grants and contracts for work in surface physics and in science education. In his spare time, Dr. Christensen plays string bass with the Pikes Peak Philharmonic orchestra and bass guitar with the Physics Classic Rock and Roll Orchestra.

• experimental surface and thin film physics
• X-ray Diffraction
• physics education

• Ph.D. Applied Physics, Cornell University, 1985
• M.S. Applied Physics, Cornell University, 1981
• B.S. Physics and Astrophysics, University of Minnesota, 1979

• Chancellor's Award (2003)
• Campus Outstanding Teaching Award (1996)
• College of College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award (1993)
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Tau Beta Pi
• Sigma Pi Sigma