March 22, 2005 issue
I originally came to EMU in 1979 as an undergraduate student interested in astronomy, but soon got hooked on physics. I began tutoring and have been here ever since. In 1985, my first faculty position was as a part-time lecturer.
Physics Philosophy
"The essence of my job is getting them (students) from fearing physics and thinking it's a hard, dry, boring science to discovering it's necessary, valuable and fun!" |
I teach introductory physics, mainly to future elementary school teachers. The essence of my job is getting them from fearing physics and thinking it's a hard, dry, boring science to discovering it's necessary, valuable and fun!
I like the classroom and entirely lose myself in the material. My presentations are multi-faceted with video, DVDs and demonstrations. Students usually remember my demonstration with Mr. and Mrs. Egg. One egg is taped into a car and the other isn't. They go for a ride and demonstrate how inertia works. We can then discuss seat belts.
My students are interested in learning something they will be able to use in their classrooms. The excitement they have for the subject will hopefully be conveyed to their young elementary school students.
I will always remember my spring 1986 class. I taught both the lecture and lab, and they were really into it.
Where would we be without students? We here at EMU need to be who we are and have always been: focused on students and our educational mission.
It's daunting to think that I've been here more than 25 years! I'm lucky that I like what I'm doing and enjoy working with my colleagues, who are very friendly and supportive.
