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The title of this article is conjectural.
Though the topic is found within The Simpsons universe, a proper name is not available.
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| Nuclear Physics Professor
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| Character Information
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The Nuclear Physics Professor is European accented academic who teaches Nuclear Physics at Springfield University.
History
Homer was required to take training in nuclear physics after inspectors from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducted a surprise evaluation at the nuclear plant and Homer mysteriously managed to cause a meltdown even though the simulator in the inspectors' van didn't have any nuclear material in it. The inspectors determined that Homer was dangerously underqualified for his own job, and Mr. Burns wasn't able to bribe his way out of the situation. Burns was able, however, to pull some strings and get Homer admitted to Springfield University, where he enrolled in Nuclear Physics 101.
The Professor had apparently taught the class at least once before Homer took it, as he said that there were a few new faces in the class and jokingly said, "Out with the old, in with the nucleus." (Everyone except Homer got the joke.) The Professor was shown as being very knowledgeable about the subject matter he taught, and also very patient as an instructor: He was willing to go the extra mile to make sure his students learned the material. For example, after class the Professor held extended review sessions on the day's lecture. While the extra sessions weren't required, they were very helpful, so the Professor advised everyone to participate.
The Professor's only flaw was that he was prone to occasional clumsiness, as seen when he dropped his lecture note cards on the first day of class. Homer, who previously missed the "in with the nucleus" joke, found the Professor's dropping his notes to be hysterically funny, and laughed uproariously at the Professor, shocking the rest of the class. Homer also loudly announced that he was blowing off the review sessions as soon as he learned that they weren't required ("Then kiss my curvy butt good-bye!"), opting instead to go outside and chase squirrels.
Homer tested the Professor's patience again when the Professor was lecturing about proton accelerators and Homer arrogantly interrupted: "Excuse me, Professor Brainiac, but I worked in a nuclear power plant for ten years, and I think I know how a proton accelerator works." The Professor kept his cool and graciously invited Homer to "please come down and show us." Homer's demonstration caused another meltdown, resulting in his being assigned supplemental tutoring (this time mandatory) with Benjamin, Doug, and Gary. The tutoring was in addition to the class, so Homer stayed in Nuclear Physics 101 with the Professor for the rest of the semester.
Appearances
