Physics Professors Recognized for Efforts to Increase Understanding, Appreciation of Field
Oct. 31, 2022
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Two physics professors at Illinois Wesleyan University have been recognized for their efforts to boost appreciation and understanding of their field through the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).
Charles and Joyce Eichhorn Ames Professor of Physics Gabe Spalding was elected to serve as vice president of the AAPT and Professor and Chair of Physics Narendra Jaggi was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation from the Illinois Section of AAPT (ISAAPT).
“(Spalding’s election to the AAPT) brings significant additional visibility and some prestige at the national level to our department,” said Jaggi. “This is a fitting culmination of his long, outstanding and dedicated service to the AAPT.”
Jaggi’s Distinguished Service Citation recognizes his contributions to the teaching of physics and his service to the ISAAPT as past president of the organization, as a representative of four-year colleges on the Executive Council, and as the inaugural Vice President for Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity.
The AAPT aims to increase understanding of physics and appreciation for the subject through teaching at any academic level.
“When you ask questions like ‘how?’ and ‘why?’ regarding natural phenomena, then you are engaged in physics,” said Spalding. “Clearly, this kind of learning is just part of being human and has always been central to the liberal arts.”
Both professors said they value the impact of AAPT and ISAAPT on Illinois Wesleyan University students. Jaggi said many of his students have presented research and won awards at a conference hosted by ISAAPT, strengthening their applications to graduate schools and jobs.
“Through ISAAPT, I am able to reach out to physics teachers at community colleges and high schools that have strong physics programs. Both these are important ways for me to recruit physics majors to Illinois Wesleyan,” said Jaggi.
Spalding said, “Every time I have the chance to learn from others, it feeds directly into my conversations with IWU students. It is no exaggeration to say that there is nothing I do as a teacher that has not been enriched by the AAPT community.”
As vice president, Spalding said he plans to emphasize the importance of “growing the conversation” around the world of physics education and identifying the part that AAPT plays in increasing engagement.
“We have a role to play in promoting wider understanding of unmet needs, (while) actively seeking out the voices of younger members and, critically, the voices of those who have not always been made to feel fully welcomed,” said Spalding.
By MJ Soria '25