After nearly 4 decades of teaching at BYU, Dr. David D. Allred of the BYU Physics & Astronomy Department is retiring. His departure marks a significant moment for the department and community as a whole, prompting reflection on a career defined by dedication and lasting impact.
That meaningful career began with his undergraduate studies at BYU, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1971 with a B.S. in chemistry. He continued to Princeton, where he completed a combined PhD in physics and physical chemistry in 1977. Following his doctoral work, he held research positions at several prominent institutions, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher, the University of Arizona’s Optical Sciences Center as a Research Professor, and Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. as a Research Scientist.
Building upon this diverse research background, Dr. Allred brought his experience to BYU, joining the Physics and Astronomy faculty in 1987. Over the course of his career at BYU, he contributed to more than 135 papers across a wide range of research areas. Among his many research contributions is his extensive research on thin films. Thirty-five years ago, he used Raman spectroscopy to study ultrathin films in high-temperature semiconductor multilayers, with particular attention to the role of heat treatment in diffusion and crystallization. Using the unique facilities at BYU, he also characterized thin films of radioactive materials helping researchers and institutions across the United States. He expanded into precision optical coatings, examining how protected aluminum mirrors affect polarization across different wavelengths and angles. His most recent work involves researching thin films for mirrors that will be used on the next generation of space telescopes. This was a collaboration with Goddard Space Flight Center and will directly aid the Habitable Worlds Observatory in detecting exoplanets. An achievement he is especially proud of is helping pioneer BYU’s entry into the university rover challenge, which continues to be an active project in Mechanical Engineering almost 24 years later.
While his research contributions are extensive, they represent only part of his legacy. During his tenure, Dr. Allred taught numerous courses across multiple levels of difficulty, including introductory physics, electricity and magnetism, advanced undergraduate courses, newly developed graduate courses, and honors classes. Beyond the classroom, he delivered multiple lectures at different conferences—sometimes even in Spanish. Despite these accomplishments, his greatest focus has always been his students and their success. So much so that, after days spent helping students in classes and research, he jokes that he even dreams about it at night. Faculty mentoring is central to BYU’s mission, and Dr. Allred has exemplified that role, earning the Alumni Professorship award in 2023 for his commitment to student mentorship. As he often notes, it is the students who keep him going.
This dedication to students and colleagues will not end with retirement. Dr. Allred has made a lasting impact on the BYU community, and he plans to remain actively involved in the years ahead. He hopes to continue collaborating with colleagues such as John Ellsworth, Richard Vanfleet, and Wally Paxton, while also helping current graduate students complete their theses. In addition, he plans to stay engaged in projects related with NASA and space exploration, including research on Mars analog environments in Utah—such as southern Utah landscapes, salt flats, hot springs, and rock glaciers. He also looks forward to contributing in smaller but meaningful ways, including editing Wikipedia, where he sees opportunities for improvement. Beyond his professional interests, he is eager to spend more time with his family, supporting his wife and enjoying time with his children and grandchildren.
As retirement approaches, Dr. Allred can look back with pride on a career that has shaped both BYU and the broader scientific community, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and service. As he begins this next chapter, he will undoubtedly find new ways to serve and make a lasting impact. His legacy is already remarkable, and there is little doubt it will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Student Authors: Nik Moshen, David Lewis, Rhett Lundell, Tyler Hamm, Kade Vickers
Edited by Brian Anderson
