In Memoriam: Alex Small
Beloved Professor and Physics and Astronomy Chair Alexander Small passed away on Saturday, December 7 after an eight-month battle with cancer. He was 47 years old.
Professor Small obtained his bachelor’s degree from USC and his M.A. and Ph.D. from University of California at Santa Barbara. He joined Cal Poly Pomona in 2007 and taught a variety of courses that included Classical Mechanics, Biophysics, Computational Physics, and Applied Optics, as well as introductory physics courses. In 2021 he took on the duties of co-chair of the department and in 2022 stepped up to serve as physics department chair after the passing of Hector Mireles.
In addition to publishing around 30 peer reviewed articles in physics journals, he wrote numerous articles and opinion pieces for publications including the Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Education, and published a short science fiction story in Nature.
Physics Professor Nina Abramzon, who co-chaired the department with Professor Small from 2021 to 2022, shared, “He affected all aspects of my time here. He was involved in everything from semester conversion to hiring decisions, he was always genuine, pragmatic, and always stood up for what was right.”
Interim Physics and Astronomy Department Chair Matthew Povich said, “I was the first tenure-track hire in the department after Alex, so he had been a constant presence for my entire time at CPP. He had an incredibly broad understanding of all aspects of physics and how they fit together, he was extremely intelligent, and I learned a lot from my discussions and debates with him. He genuinely, passionately cared about students. I first learned of his illness when he sent me a personal email including a photo of five recent alumni at his hospital bedside.”
Professor Small was well loved by his students and worked tirelessly to support their success. He was a fellow of the Optical Society of Southern California, serving in key roles since 2011, including president from 2014-2015. His service to the organization brought valuable opportunities for learning and networking to CPP students.
Senior Olivia Walsh, president of the CPP chapter of Society of Physics students, said, “Professor Small was one of the first people to vouch for my abilities. He was an unofficial advisor to many students and I turned to him for advice many times. We will miss his support, advice, and endless supply of jokes.”
Alumna Mya Do (’23, physics) shared, “He helped me build a strong mathematical basis for success in physics. He wrote a recommendation letter that opened the door to multiple summer research opportunities, which kickstarted my academic career and wrote a letter for my Ph.D. applications, which helped me secure admission to the physics program at USC. He was a cherished mentor and friend.”
Alumnus McGwire Herbert (’23, physics), who is a junior optical engineer at SiLC Technologies, shared, “I didn’t have a clue where college would take me. Then I took Dr. Small’s Applied Optics. That’s when I decided I wanted to be an optical engineer.” Small helped Herbert with his resume and even conducted mock interviews with him for his first internship. “The internship turned into a full-time job after graduation. Without his help, guidance, and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m truly grateful to have known him and been able to call him a mentor.”
Professor Small served on the Cal Poly Pomona Academic Senate for ten years. He served as Chair of the AP Committee for five years, leading the committee’s work on moving program proposals and program reviews through the senate process. He also served as Senate Parliamentarian, helping moderate debate and discussion on the senate floor.
“One of the contributions he was most proud of was the development of an industry advisory board, he loved the program and took immense pride in how it positively impacted students,” Abramzon said. The board connects the Department of Physics and Astronomy to alumni in industry and provides career guidance and mentorship to students. One of their popular events is a resume workshop and networking event that many students enthusiastically credit with helping them transition from college to career.
Alexander Raymond Small is survived by his wife, Adrienne Kelly, and his dog Bernardo.