Curtis Horn
Curtis Horn is a physicist and licensed control systems engineer whose career and intellectual journey reflect a lifelong commitment to curiosity, rational thought, and practical problem-solving. His work spans theoretical physics, experimental research, and over two decades in applied engineering—often bridging the worlds of scientific imagination and technological implementation.
Early Inspiration & Musical Roots
Curtis’s fascination with the universe began early. At around twelve years old, reading Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time and watching Carl Sagan’s Cosmos ignited a spark that would shape the trajectory of his life. Alongside his growing interest in physics, Curtis was also deeply engaged in music during his time at Anaheim High School. A versatile musician, he played multiple instruments and excelled in jazz band. By his junior year, he had earned the role of first chair trombone. Notably, his peers included Sheila Gonzales, who went on to perform with Frank Zappa, and Tony Kanal, who would later find fame as the bassist of the band No Doubt.
Education & Shift Toward Physics
Initially, Curtis pursued music academically, majoring in it at Fullerton College. However, he quickly realized that his true challenge—and passion—lay in physics and mathematics. He switched majors and went on to complete his undergraduate degree in physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). While at RPI, he devoted much of his free time to immersing himself in the library, reading original works and classic texts in physics to deepen his understanding of the field.
Curtis’s graduate studies were carried out at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) and later at the University of California, Merced. At CSUF, his advisor was physicist Hal Fearn, and he became intrigued by Dr. James F. Woodward’s groundbreaking Mach Effect experiments, which aim to test aspects of Mach’s principle and their potential application for propulsion. This exposure to cutting-edge research fueled his desire to explore the deepest questions of physics while staying grounded in empirical evidence and logical reasoning. At UC Merced, Curtis studied under Roland Winston, a pioneer in solar energy research, continuing his interdisciplinary engagement with both theory and application.
Career in Engineering & Beyond
Professionally, Curtis has built a career of more than 20 years as a control systems engineer. His expertise has contributed to industries requiring precision, safety, and innovation. At one point, he had the opportunity to work at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), but he chose instead to pursue other paths that aligned more closely with his personal and professional priorities.
In 2011, Curtis made the pivotal decision to leave UC Merced before completing his Ph.D. program. He joined a nuclear cleanup startup focused on addressing the Fukushima disaster—an urgent, real-world challenge where his technical background could make an immediate difference. This choice reflected his enduring belief that science and engineering are not only intellectual pursuits but also practical tools for improving the world.
Scientific Perspective & Personal Life
Curtis values open-minded but rigorous approaches to physics, striving to balance creativity with logical reasoning and experimental validation. His enduring interest in Mach’s principle and the nature of inertia continues to tie his career back to the bold questions that first inspired him.
Born on March 14th—Pi Day—Curtis has a natural affinity for mathematics and physics. He often recommends Thinking Physics by Lewis Carroll Epstein as one of the best introductions for newcomers to the subject, reflecting his appreciation for clear, intuitive, and thought-provoking explanations of complex ideas.
A Life of Rational Curiosity
From music to physics, from theoretical research to applied engineering, Curtis Horn’s journey demonstrates the power of curiosity pursued with discipline and integrity. Whether collaborating with colleagues like Dr. James Woodward, studying under notable advisors, or contributing his expertise to engineering and environmental projects, Curtis has consistently sought to combine passion with purpose.