Mentors Matter: A Tribute to David J. Rowe

Abstract

The role David Rowe played in advancing our understanding of nuclear structure has been pivotal to modernizing the theory into one that does not require the use of an effective charge concept, and one that is extensible across the chart of the nuclides. We briefly review how this flows from the early history of the field, focusing especially on David's role in helping to bridge the divide between single-particle models and collective models of nuclear structure, and how this has led to the development of a beautiful and bold algebraic framework that underpins a theory of choice for future nuclear structure studies. Looking forward, David Rowe's work also underpins current follow-on efforts focused on paving the way for the construction of yet another bridge, one that should help to span the chasm between low-energy and high-energy nuclear physics. If successful, the latter could ultimately lead to a truly ab initio framework for gaining a far broader understanding of nuclear structure, one that tracks forward from the fundamental structure of hadrons, especially protons and neutrons, and how they in turn conspire to give us atomic nuclei that in reality are the building blocks of the universe in which we live.

Work-Related Flow in Contrast to Either Happiness or PERMA Factors for Human Resources Management Development of Career Sustainability

“…That this process developed by Rowe has been successful in promoting consistent work-related flow in his colleagues is witnessed by the comments made by four of the physicists he worked with throughout his career in their adopting similar techniques to those of Rowe in their own research groups. Concerning the influence of Rowe's research program organization, Jerry Draayer, Professor of Physics and Louisiana State University Distinguished Research Master, has stated, "David Rowe was a master mentor and clever innovator-at LSU we are attempting to keep that spirit alive" [103]. George Rosensteel Professor of Physics at Tulane University was Rowe's most illustrious graduate student (who died a few months after Rowe in 2021).…”

Self-Direction in Physics Graduate Education: Insights for STEM from David J. Rowe’s Career-Long Methods

“…According to Jerry Draayer, Roy P. Daniels Professor of Physics and LSU Distinguished Research Master, Rowe played a pivotal role in advancing an understanding of nuclear structure in such a way that these contributions act as an underpinning, paving the way for construction of a bridge to span the gulf between low-energy and high-energy nuclear physics [109].…”

“…With respect to the use of symmetry, Draayer identifies Rowe's theory as holding beauty, simplicity and ultimate utility. Commending Rowe as a "a gentleman scholarscientist" [109], Draayer envisions the legacy Rowe left as a mentor to his graduate students and associates as a campaign to stimulate and engage them. In speaking of the effect that Rowe has had on his own research and graduate students, Draayer comments, "David Rowe was a master mentor and clever innovator-at LSU we are attempting to keep that spirit alive" [109].…”

“…It was Rosensteel who had the breakthrough idea in the formulation of a microscopic theory of nuclear collective dynamics in 1977 [82] that had such a fundamental effect on Rowe's research program. In his tribute to Rowe, Draayer refers to Rosensteel as a friend and major colleague, just an hour's drive away at Tulane University [109]. As such, it is relevant to consider in what way Rosensteel carried forward Rowe's legacy.…”