Wilmer C. Anderson: The Physicist Who Measured Light
The Baylor University Department of Physics and Astronomy is driven by a vision that blends scientific discovery, education and service. At its core, the department seeks to deepen admiration for God’s creation by exploring the physical laws that shape the universe.
Baylor alumnus and renowned scientist Wilmer C. “Andy” Anderson, Ph.D., exemplifies this vision. Rising to prominence as a distinguished physicist, Anderson’s groundbreaking research on measuring the speed of light and contributions to wartime technology left a lasting mark on science and innovation. His career encompassed academia, government research and private industry, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in physics.
Anderson’s remarkable career in physics began with a strong educational foundation at Baylor, where he honed his expertise and gained technical proficiency. His time at Baylor also instilled a commitment to scientific inquiry and innovation.
In 1939, a Time magazine article titled “Fastest Thing,” detailed Anderson’s pioneering work in refining the measurement of light’s velocity, an essential constant in physics. His innovative instrument, which minimized friction-based errors, aimed to provide the most precise measurement ever recorded. His results were so significant that Life Magazine later featured his work.
Anderson’s contributions to science were pivotal in advancing our understanding of light, precision measurement and military technology. His groundbreaking work in refining the speed of light measurement set new standards in physics, influencing fields like optics, telecommunications and quantum mechanics. His work continues to influence modern research in optics, quantum mechanics, precision measurement and timekeeping technology.
Today, Baylor’s commitment to scientific research can be found within in the halls of the Baylor Science Building where the faculty and students are researching quantum and nano optics, along with hypervelocity impact physics and lasers and semiconductors among many other fields. Baylor’s Engineering professors and students are making advances in telecommunications in labs in the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative.
By investing in state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers and industry partnerships, Baylor equips students with hands-on experience that prepares them for leadership roles in academia, technology and scientific industries. Among other active research initiatives, Baylor faculty are:
Revolutionizing reliability of the wireless communication spectrum
Preparing to launch NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Telescope
Studying hypersonic materials and test protocols that aid industry
Understanding space dust and electronic fields and their impact on space travel
Graduate students play an active role in every stage of the research process, benefiting from direct mentorship and nearly unlimited access to their major professor. They gain valuable experience through various teaching opportunities, strengthening their skills and increasing their prospects for future university-level employment.