MSU science students normally don’t spend a day with an internationally known theoretical physicist - but this week is different.

Brian Greene, a professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University, is the first of two speakers in this year’s McPherson Professorship program.

The professorship was created last year after an anonymous donor gave $2 million to the university. The donor requested MSU President M. Peter McPherson set up the program.

“The president’s idea was to try to infuse more science understanding throughout the undergraduate curriculum,” said Ron Fisher, director of the Honors College and coordinator of the program.

Five speakers, including Harvard University professor of zoology and geology Stephen Jay Gould, visited the university last year for a day each.

Also appearing last year were Ruth Hubbard, Anne McLaren, Daniel Kleppner and Ira Flatow, host of Science Friday on National Public Radio.

Flatow will return in March and plans to broadcast his Friday afternoon show from campus.

Fisher said there only are two speakers this year, but each will be at MSU for a week.

“The whole idea of this is to have lots of student interaction with the visitors while they’re here,” Fisher said.

In addition to the evening lecture, the endowed professors will visit classes and meet with students and faculty.

Greene visited two classes and had dinner with a group of students in the Kellogg Center Tuesday. Today he meets with a chemistry class and students conducting independent studies.

He said the program offers students and the visiting professors a chance to discuss topics face-to-face.

“It’s sort of a more complete presentation of these ideas,” he said. “You can really roll up your sleeves and talk about the ideas.”

Greene said he’s enjoying his time at MSU and is looking forward to Thursday’s lecture.

“The atmosphere is great and the students have been fun to talk to,” he said.

Greene will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday in Wharton Center’s Great Hall.