WPI’s Physics Department received the 2024-26 Improving Undergraduate Physics Education award from the American Physical Society (APS). In its award citation, the department was recognized for its substantial and coordinated efforts to improve undergraduate education through various pedagogical approaches that embrace active and project-based learning. Of note was the development of a Peer Learning Assistant Program and the Physics Teacher Preparation Program supported by the PhysTEC program. The selection committee was also impressed by the partnership between the faculty, students, and staff in implementing these innovations and the department’s engagement with the broader community through several strategic initiatives. “This award comes from the combined efforts of our entire physics community at WPI, along with several supporting centers.” Says Doug Petkie, Professor and Department Head of Physics, shown receiving the award on behalf of the department at the April Meeting of the April Meeting of the American Physical during the Education & Diversity Reception.
Doug Petkie, Department Head of Physics at WPI, received the Award on behalf of the Physics Department from Michael Wittmann, Head of Education at the American Physical Society.