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We are a community of researchers who are advancing our understanding of teaching and learning physics to improve the quality and accessibility of physics education for all students.
The Physics Education Research (PER) group at RIT is a community of undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and faculty who are dedicated to understanding and improving all aspects of physics education. We are always seeking to grow in understanding, grow by welcoming new members, and grow in our impact on physics education locally and nationally. Our PER group is part of a multidisciplinary STEM education research community at RIT and a key strategic area within the School of Physics and Astronomy. Our group employs quantitative and qualitative methods to answer questions and build theoretical models related to a range of topics in undergraduate and graduate education, including: equitable learning opportunities, quantum information science education, and career interest formation, problem-solving in complex environments, graduate admissions and retention. Explore our research page to learn more.
Announcements
- Welcome new Physics PhD students Namitha Pradeep and Kevin Coldren who are starting in Fall 2024!
- Welcome Andi Pina, our newest postdoc who started in June 2024 to work on quantum education projects!
- Mike Verostek, the first PhD supervised by our PER group, successfully defended his thesis on June 7, 2024. Mike's research was highlighted in APS Physics Magazine.
- We are seeking prospective PER Ph.D. students. Visit the Physics Ph.D. program website for more information and to apply for the Fall 2025 cohort.
- We are excited to welcome our newest PER faculty member, Diana Sachmpazidi, who will be starting in Fall 2024. Diana is coming from a postdoc with the University of Maryland PER group.
News
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July 11, 2024
![a galaxy is shown in the background. In the foreground a bubble with an atom and photons is shown.]()
RIT leads effort to prepare students for quantum workforce
Quantum technology is poised to shape the future and improve the world, with the United Nations recently declaring the year 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. A team at RIT is at the forefront of bringing more students into quantum education and preparing them for jobs in the industry.
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May 19, 2022
![a green laser is used to characterize a new ultra-wideband quantum photonic integrated circuit.]()
RIT offers new minor in emerging field of quantum information science and technology
RIT students can soon begin earning a minor in an emerging field that could disrupt the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. RIT students can now take classes toward a minor in quantum information science and technology.
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May 16, 2022
![portrait of professor Ben Zwickl.]()
Ben Zwickl to spend fall in Oslo studying physics students’ computational literacy and career interests
Associate Professor Ben Zwickl will head to the University of Oslo this fall to research what he calls one of the most understudied aspects of the undergraduate physics curriculum.
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January 15, 2021
![researcher posing on steps in the College of Science.]()
College of Science experiences boom in sponsored research
Several School of Physics and Astronomy faculty secured large grants as principal investigators during a banner summer.
