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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. 
Diana Sachmpazidi

News

Latest Publication

Zwickl, Benjamin M., Victoria Ikoro, and Saalih Allie. "Characterizing Lab Environments Using Activity Theory." International Handbook of Physics Education Research: Teaching. Ed. Mehmet Fatih Taşar and Paula R. L. Heron. Melville, NY: AIP Publishing, 2023. 1-30. Web.