Prof. Gary Morris joins the physics and astronomy faculty beginning with the fall semester 1998. Dr. Morris received his Ph.D. from Rice University in Houston, Texas. He has been on the faculty of the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus and a research colleague at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. He has taught physics at UMBC while doing research on the physics of the ozone layer at the GSFC. Prof. Morris entered Rice University intending to study toward a Ph.D. in astronomy. However, due to various circumstances, his interests were drawn to space science, which in his case included also atmospheric sciences. This interest in atmospheric sciences has a strong overlap with the meteorological sciences and it is expected that at VU he will have more than a passing association with the meteorology program and its faculty and research interests. You will enjoy meeting Dr. Morris; he is an engaging personality and will be a fine addition to the department.