Sandra Moore Faber

Physics Lab with Howard Mindus

Second only to my future husband Andy, I probably spent more hours in Howard Mindus’s company than any other male at Swarthmore. Howie and I were fellow physics majors and, for three years, lab partners. Discovering a special compatibility as sophomores, Howie and I paired off and did every lab together for the following three years—dozens of them. Labs meant spending one whole day a week together from 9 AM until sometimes midnight—puzzling out directions, assembling equipment, chasing down parts, taking data, and finally deriving answers. Intense, frustrating, yet often exhilarating, these all-day labs were the glory of theSwarthmore physics program.

Together, Howie and I explored this terra incognita. Just as expeditionary team members form a close bond, we got to know each other well—and for similar reasons. There is a special satisfaction that grows from solving problems together, and, while labs were not dangerous, there was anxiety as physics faculty tapped their feet impatiently late at night while we scrambled to finish. Howie and I learned to depend on each other.

I remember him as a simply wonderful person—always pitching in, doing his share, trying hard to understand, trying to move us along. He came thoroughly prepared in the morning with a zest to get going. Naturally, we made a lot of mistakes, but these were taken in stride—“Once more, with feeling” was his motto, even if it was the tenth time through. Above all, he was cheerful, with an optimism and good humor that made light of every disaster with a joke and every triumph with a small shrug. We laughed a lot.

Looking back, I see how lucky I was as a girl to have Howie as a lab partner. In those days, women in science still felt like ducks in a desert, and I was no exception. A marvelous thing about Howie was his complete acceptance—one might say obliviousness—to my being female. He willingly took turns with both the notepad and the screwdriver. Indeed, I realize now that Howie set the tone for all my future relationships in science. His message that I should simply do my job without fuss and fanfare was a key lesson that came at a key time.

It is somewhat sobering to admit that I did not perceive the importance of Howie’s friendship until I received word that he had died. There comes at that time a strong need to put the pieces together and make an assessment. I wish now that I had said some of these things to Howie while he could have enjoyed them. In being one of the first of my friends to pass away, I think that Howie has taught me yet another lesson.

Posted on: Dec 28, 2015 at 9:42 PM

Truly astronomical number of articles and cites. My own theory of our place in universe is we are "special specks." Should be some good discussions at reunion, yes? Am in awe of your achievements!

Posted on: Dec 21, 2015 at 2:24 PM