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I am a Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Florida Gulf Coast University.
It's hard to believe, but I started working here in the Fall of 2000. Back then, I was the only person teaching physics and astronomy here at FGCU.
My initial degree was a 'Diplom Physiker' -equivalent to a M.S.- from the Technical University in Darmstadt Germany, for work I performed at GSI -the German Heavy Ion Research Center.
I earned a Ph.D. from Michigan State University -the number 1 graduate school for nuclear physics in the USA.
As FGCU is mainly an undergraduate, teaching institution, my main job is teaching a wide variety of physics and astronomy classes.
When I was still in high school I started tutoring other students and gave martial arts lessons. Since these early days I have been very interested in the way people learn and how one can improve the way one teaches them. Over the years I have actively participated -and presented- in many workshops and conferences dealing with astronomy and physics education. I was also the lead content developer for a highly successful, grant funded professional development program for in-service teachers.
You can find out more about my scholarly activities on the Research page.
In early 2012, I was elected by the approximately 5,000 members of the Forum on Education (FEd) of the American Physical Society (APS) as Vice-Chair. This is the first year in the four year chair line, becoming, in successive years, Chair-Elect, Chair, and Past-Chair -- each with distinct duties. My term ended in April 2016
I also served as the K-12 sub-committee chair of the Committee on Education of the American Physical Society.
I was a member of the Organizing Committee of the Forum on Diversity and Inclusion (FDI) of the APS. I also served as the inaugural Secretary/Treasurer of the FDI.
Finally, I represent FGCU on the Advisory Board of the Florida Space Grant Consortium and served as the Associate Director from 2010-2011.
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