Professor Doug Harper

Doug Harper received his BS in physics and mathematics from Western Kentucky University and his PhD in physics from Vanderbilt University. In 1991 he returned to his alma-mater to join the WKU physics faculty where he has served since and currently holds the rank of Professor.

He teaches a wide variety of courses for physics majors including University Physics, Electrical Measurements, Computational Physics, Electrodynamics, Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics. He also teaches a LabVIEW Academy course entitled “Data Acquisition Using LabVIEW” which is populated by physics students as well as mechanical and electrical engineering students.

Professor Harper has used LabVIEW extensively in both teaching and research for 25 years and is certified by National Instruments as a Certified LabVIEW Architect.

Academic Positions

Education

  • PhD 1991

    Doctorate of Philosophy in Physics

    Vanderbilt University

  • MS 1989

    Master of Science in Physics

    Vanderbilt University

  • BS 1986

    Bachelors of Science in Physics and Mathematics

    Western Kentucky University

Awards and Honors

  • 2014
    National Instruments Elite Educator
    A member of the inaugral group of teachers and professors selected to be part of the National Instruments Elite Educators program. This is a group of education professionals who constantly seek new ways to empower students, both in and out of the classroom.  NI Elite Educators are thought leaders in science and engineering education, chosen for this program because of their unique approach to teaching with NI technology.
  • 2007
    Madole Family - Ogden Professor of Physics, WKU
  • 2005
    Member of Ohio County High School Wall of Fame
  • 2004
    University Faculty Award for Teaching, Western Kentucky University
  • 2004
    College Faculty Award for Teaching, Ogden College of Science and Engineering
  • 1998-90
    American Vacuum Society Graduate Fellowship, Vanderbilt University
  • 1985-86
    Ogden College of Science Outstanding Senior Scholarship, WKU
  • 1986
    George V. Page Award for Excellence in Physics, WKU
  • 1986
    H.M. Yarborough Mathematics Award, WKU
  • 1982-86
    President's Scholar, WKU

Certifications and Digital Badges

  • Certified LabVIEW Architect

    National Instruments, July 2016 - Present

    National Instruments Certified Architects have mastered the technical aspects of LabVIEW, and can implement the most efficient solution in a team environment. A Certified Architect is the highest level of certification available from National Instruments, and signifies the ability to lead complex projects from conception through completion.

  • Certified LabVIEW Developer

    National Instruments, 2009 - 2016

    National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Developers have demonstrated the ability to design and develop functional programs while minimizing development time and ensuring maintainability through proper documentation and style.

  • Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer

    National Instruments, 2009

    The NI Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer is the first step in the three-part LabVIEW certification process. It indicates a broad working knowledge of the LabVIEW environment, a basic understanding of coding and documentation best practices, and the ability to read and interpret existing code

  • Measurement System Design

    National Instruments, 2017

    This LabVIEW programmer has demonstrated an understanding of data acquisition technologies including sensors, data acquisition hardware, and the LabVIEW software environment. Measurements System Design badge holders can build a custom measurement solution using LabVIEW and NI data acquisition hardware to visualize and analyze real-world signals to make data-driven decisions.