Francois G. Amar
Associate Professor of Chemistry
152 Aubert Hall
(207)581-1196

Email: amar@maine.edu

• InterChemNet: the University of Maine Chemistry Department's program for integrated delivery and assessment of curriculum materials in General Chemistry includes access to advanced instrumentation.
• Peer Led Team Learning: UMaine Chemistry's adoption of PLTL is one of the largest in the country affecting about 1000 students each year.
• Web-based delivery of certain Chemistry curriculum materials:
  see Chy122(Amar)
  http://chemistry.umeche.maine.edu/~amar/fall2002/chy121fall2002.html
• Peer Consultant for the Center for Teaching Excellence (also on the advisory board of CTE)

David J. Batuski
Professor and Chair of Physics & Astronomy
& Professor of Physics
Rm. 117 Bennett Hall
(207)581-1015

• 1970 B.S., U.S. Air Force Academy
• 1971 M.S., Purdue University
  
• 1986 Ph.D., University of New Mexico
  

EMail: David.Batuski@umit.maine.edu

Mitchell R. Bruce
Associate Professor of Chemistry
277 Aubert
(207)581-1190

Email: mbruce@maine.edu

Research Interests:
The inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry of gold sulfur complexes including weak gold-gold interactions and their influence on electronic structure and reactivity; oxidation of gold-sulfur complexes either by chemical or electrochemical means; formation of gold cluster complexes especially via an oxidative route; photochemical reactivity of gold-gold bonded complexes; and chemical reactivity involving gold-sulfur mediated thiolate-disulfide reactions.

Chemical Education Interests:
He has been involved in a variety of chemical education projects. He is co-originator and present Director of the InterChemNet project (http://icn.umeche.maine.edu/icn/). Funded by U.S. Department of Education and instrument manufacturers, the project involves making chemical instrumentation accessible to students (UV-vis and FTIR), permitting experimental choice, developing unique student assignments, and integrating assessment in large introductory chemistry courses. Six high schools and another college will participate in the project next year. In the area of Peer Led Team Learning, he has been responsible (with F. Amar) for introducing PLTL to the University of Maine's chemistry department and has helped develop a highly successful PLTL leader-training program. Over the course of two semesters, 6 faculty and 60 PLTL leaders have helped 1,000 general chemistry students learn chemistry. He was also instrumental in the formation of the UMaine Center for Science and Mathematics Educational Research; FIE #R125K010106 (http://perlnet.umephy.maine.edu/center/). During the last three years, over twenty-five national presentations have resulted from these chemical education projects.

Robert Franzosa
Professor of Mathematics
417 Neville Hall
(207)581-3916

Email: franzosa@math.umaine.edu

Research Interests:

Dynamical Systems
Applied Topology

Kirk Maasch
Professor of Quaternary Studies and Earth Sciences\

(207)581-2197

Email: kirk.maasch@maine.edu

Research Interest:

Climate Change

Susan McKay
Professor of Physics and Center Director
104 Bennett Hall
(207)581-1019

• 1975 A.B., Princeton University
• 1979 M.S., University of Maine
• 1987 Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  

Email: Susan.McKay@umit.maine.edu

Stephen Norton
Professor of Earth Sciences and Cooperating Professor of Climate Change
314 Bryand Global Sciences Center
(207)581-2156

• 1962  AB Princeton
• 1963  MA Harvard University
• 1967  Ph.D. Harvard University

Norton CV

Email: norton@maine.edu

Interests:

• Improving and measuring student learning
• Course design

Center-related projects:

• Design, implementation and assessment of Earth Systems Science course for secondary teachers
• Assessment design for introductory geology course

Collaborators:

Jeffrey C. Owen
Alan D. Wanamaker Jr.

Eric Pandiscio
Associate Professor of Education (Mathematics )
140 Shibles Hall
(207)581-2452

• 1985 A.B. Brown University. Economics
• 1991 M.A. The University of Texas at Austin
• 1994 Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin
  

Research and Public Service:

• Research in the learning of Geometry
• Service in the design and implementation of the Professional Development Network

Email: eric.pandiscio@umit.maine.edu

Molly Schauffler
Assistant Professor of Climate Change and Center for Science and Mathematics Education Research (Adjunct)
303A Bryand Global Science Bldg.
(207)581-2707

Email: mschauff@maine.edu

John Thompson
Assistant Professor of Physics and Cooperating Assistant Professor of Education
223 Bennett Hall
(207)581-1030

• 1990 B.S. in Physics (cum laude), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  
• 1992 Sc.M. in Physics, Brown University
• 1998 Ph.D. in Physics, Brown University
  

Email: John.Thompson@umit.maine.edu

Physics Education Research Laboratory

Research:

Research, including design and assessment of curricular materials:

• " Student understanding of topics in thermal physics at the advanced level. With Donald Mountcastle (Assoc. Prof.) and Brandon Bucy (Ph.D. student), and David Meltzer, Iowa St. U. Funded by NSF (Grant PHY-0406764).
• " Conceptual understanding of sound and longitudinal waves among preservice and inservice K-12 teachers and at the introductory college level. Development of guided-inquiry-based curriculum on sound aimed at elementary teachers. With Roger Feeley (Ph.D. student) and Earl Coombs (M.S. student). Grant proposal pending (NSF). M.S.T. dissertation completed by Katherine Menchen, August 2005.
• " Student understanding of two-dimensional kinematics at the introductory level. Development and assessment of curriculum that emphasizes conceptual understanding and transfer to other contexts. With Bradley Ambrose, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI. No current funding.
• " Understanding of teaching and learning in physics by graduate students and teachers, and the interactions between content and pedagogy in physics teaching. With Michael Wittmann (Asst. Prof.). No current funding.
• " The effectiveness of "Physics First" in 9th grade on conceptual understanding of force and motion. With Michael O'Brien (M.S.T. student).
• " The effectiveness of 1-week inquiry-based workshops on conceptual understanding of force and motion among elementary teachers. With David Nelson (M.S.T. student).
  
  

Research in preliminary stages:

• " Student understanding of mathematics in upper-level physics; with Donald Mountcastle and Michael Wittmann (UMaine), Stephen Kanim, New Mexico St. U. (NMSU), and Dawn Meredith, U. New Hampshire. Grant proposal pending (NSF).
• " Student understanding of magnetic fields, especially those of flexible refrigerator magnets; simple models of these fields; with Stephen Kanim, NMSU.
• " Investigation of student learning in a sophomore laboratory course. With David Clark (Lecturer).
• " Student understanding of physics concepts in other science courses.
• " Understanding of physics and math concepts among Engineering Technology majors - a comparative study.
• I would be interested in taking on students to work on the following projects (some are listed above, some are not):
  • " Student understanding of two-dimensional kinematics (Ph.D., M.S., M.S.T., Undergraduate (UG))
  • " Student understanding of mathematics in upper-level physics (Ph.D., M.S.)
  • " Student understanding of magnetic fields, especially those of flexible refrigerator magnets; simple models of these fields (M.S., M.S.T., UG)
  • " Analysis of "good" and "bad" multiple-choice questions in physics surveys (Ph.D., M.S., M.S.T., UG)
  • " Student understanding of oscillations, simple harmonic motion, periodicity, and periodic behavior at all levels, including the graduate level (Ph.D., M.S.)
  • " The analysis of empirical data through various (meta)cognitive models (Ph.D., M.S., M.S.T.)
  • " The impact of reflective writing assignments in a conceptually oriented physics course for future teachers (M.S.T., M.Ed.)
  • " Student understanding of physics concepts in other science courses (Ph.D., M.S., M.S.T.

Michael Wittmann
Associate Professor of Physics and Cooperating Associate Professor of Education
(207)581-1237

ON SABBATICAL IN AUSTRIA Academic Year 2007-2008

• 1993 B.S., Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
  
• 1996 M.S., University of Maryland, College Park
  
• 1998 Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park
  

Email: Michael.Wittmann@umit.maine.edu

Physics Education Research Laboratory

• Harmonic Oscillation (with John Thompson): investigating student
  understanding of oscillations, simple harmonic motion, and periodic
  behavior at the introductory and intermediate levels.
• Quantum Tunneling: using interviews and a survey, we are
  investigating student understanding of the phenomenon of tunneling
  through a potential barrier, as it is one area where classical and
  quantum physics make very different predictions.
• Microscopic Models of Electrical Conductivity: investigating how
  students use ideas from quantum physics (semi-classical models such as
  the Drude model and quantum models such as band diagrams) to model the
  flow of charge in a circuit.
• Understanding the Tools of Physics Education Research: While its
  important to study students, we also need to step back and consider
  whether the tools we use are appropriate for the questions we are
  asking. A variety of standardized tests and research methods are
  commonly used in PER. Do they help? What are their limitations? How can
  we improve their use?
• Theoretical Models of Learning in Physics: How do students make
  sense of ideas in physics? What do they use as their toolbox, and why
  do outlandish and counter-intuitive ideas eventually come to make
  sense? We seek to understand models of reasoning that apply to
  novices, students with difficulties understanding the physics, and
  experts.

• Activity-Based Tutorials, volumes 1 (Introductory Physics) and 2
  (Modern Physics), to be published by Wiley as part of the Physics
  Suite which accompanies the new Cummings, Laws, Redish, and Cooney
  textbook, Understanding Physics.
• A General Education Course in Intuitive Quantum Physics: modifying
  the Activity-Based Tutorials to meet the needs of general education
  students with little experience in science or mathematics.
• A Graduate Level Course in Physics Education Research (with John
  Thompson): When teaching both PER and non-PER students about education
  research, we focus on the tools that are used and the body of knowledge
  that has been developed over the past few decades. In a two-semester
  course, we have students learn the research skills and carry them out
  on their own research projects. As instructors, we study how well they
  learn to analyze data and how well they understand previous research
  works.

Karen Abbey
(M.S.T. candidate)
1987 B.S. Computer           Sci./Mathematics,
          Keene State University
1994 MBA, Plymouth University

EMail: Karen Abbey

• Mathematics

Advisor: Robert Franzosa, Professor of Mathematics

Adam Barker-Hoyt
(M.S.T. candidate)
2005 B.A. Mathematics, University of Maine
          B.A. Philosophy, University of Maine

423 Neville Hall
(207) 581-3951

EMail: Adam Barker-Hoyt

• Mathematics

Thesis Advisor: Tod Shockey, Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Research Interests: Math and Music

Thesis Title: Using Spatial Temporal Rejoining to Understand Connection between Music Education as a Focus Variable toward Mathematical Proof and Justification

Robert Blaisdell
(M.S.T. candidate)
1998 B.S. BioRes. Engineering
University of Maine

EMail: Robert Blaisdell

• Generalist - Science

Advisor: Susan McKay, Professor of Physics

ON LEAVE

William Chabot
(MST candidate)
2005 B.S. Secondary Education;
          B.S. Mathematics, University of Maine

423 Neville Hall
(207)581-3951

EMail: William Chabot

• Mathematics

Advisor: Robert Franzosa, Professor of Mathematics

Katie Clegg
(MST candidate)
2007 B.S. Marine Sciences
University of Maine

EMail: Katie Clegg

• Generalist - Life Sciences

Advisor:

Erik DaSilva
(MST candidate)
2005 B.S. Biomedical Engineering
Drexel University

EMail: Erik DaSilva

• Generalist - Physics/Mathematics

Advisor: Susan McKay, Professor of Physics

Glen Davenport
(M.S.T. candidate)
2005 B.A. Physics, UMaine

423 Neville Hall
(207)581-3951

EMail: Glen Davenport

• Physics

Thesis Advisor: John Thompson, Assistant Professor of Physics and Cooperating Assistant Professor of Education

Research Interests:

• Physics Education Research
• Educational Psychology
• Assessment and Educational Mesurement

Ashley Graves
(M.S.T. candidate)
2006 B.A. Mathematics,
          University of Maine

423 Neville Hall
(207)581-3951

EMail: Ashley Graves

• Generalist - Mathematics/Physics

Thesis Advisor: Robert Franzosa, Professor of Mathematics

Thesis Title: An investigation into the effectiveness of web-based college algebra in conceptual and procedural mathematics knowledge

Research Interests:

• Mathematics education, esp. teaching & learning of algebra

William Hall Jr.
(M.S.T. candidate)
2007 B.A. Mathematics,
          University of Maine

423 Neville Hall
(207)581-3951

EMail: William L. Hall Jr.

• Mathematics

Advisor: Robert Franzosa, Professor of Mathematics

Research Interests:

• Alternative Mathematics Education

Molly Harris
(M.S.T. candidate and Ph.D. candidate in GSBS)
2005 B.S. Biology, University of Maine

EMail: Molly Harris

• Generalist

Thesis Advisor: Molly Schauffler, Research Assistant Professor, Climate Change Institute

Research Interests:

• Biology Education

Concurrently working on Ph.D. in Biomedical Science, UMaine Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences

• Physics

Thesis Advisor: Michael Wittmann, Associate Professor of Physics and Cooperating Associate Professor of Education

Thesis Title: Developing a survey to measure student's knowledge of Astronomy

Research Interests:

• Dense Matter
• Black Hole Formation

Selected Papers:

• Deriving the electron density of the solar corona from the inversion of total
  brightness measurements

Mindi Kvaal Anderson
(M.S.T. candidate)
2000 B.A. , College of Benedict - St. Joseph
2002 B.S. , University of Minnesota

EMail: Mindi Kvaal

• Physics

Advisor: Susan McKay, Professor of Physics

Rachael Lowe
(M.S.T. candidate)
2004 B.A. Mathematics, University of Maine

Teaching Math at George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill, ME

EMail: Rachael Lowe

• Mathematics

Thesis Advisor: Tod Shockey, Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Katie McCann
(M.S.T. candidate)
2006 B.S. Biomedical Physics,
Northeastern University

304C Deering Hall
(207)581-2959

EMail: Katie McCann

• Generalist - Biology/Physics

Thesis Advisor: Michael Wittmann, Associate Professor of Physics and Cooperating Associate Professor of Education

Megan McOsker
(M.S.T. candidate)
1989 B.A. Human Ecology, College of the Atlantic

423 Neville Hall
(207)581-3951

EMail: Megan McOsker

• Generalist - Life Sciences

Thesis Advisor: Sara Lindsey, Assistant Professor of Marine Science

Thesis Title: Evaluating student understanding of concepts in sequential marine science courses"

Danielle Miniutti
(M.S.T. candidate)
2002 B.S. Animal &           Veterinary Sciences,           University of Maine
2007 M.S. Biochemistry,           University of Maine

EMail: Danielle Miniutti

• Generalist - Life Sciences

Thesis Advisor: Molly Schauffler, Research Assistant Professor, Climate Change Institute

Thesis: Evaluation of the Aquatic Invaders in Maine Teacher Workshop

Research

Casey Murphy
(M.S.T. candidate)
1993 B.A. Biology, Smith College
1998 M.S. Divinity, Weston Jesuit School of Theology

EMail: Casey Murphy

• Generalist - Biology

Advisor: Susan McKay, Professor of Physics

James Nadeau
(M.S.T. candidate)
1984 B.S. Chemistry
2005 M.S. Civil Engineering

EMail: James A. Nadeau

• Generalist

Thesis Advisor: Mitchell Bruce, Associate Professor of Chemistry

Bhupendra Nagpure
(M.S.T. candidate)
2006 B.A. Human Ecology, COA

2 Bennett Hall
(207)581-1031

EMail: Bhupendra Nagpure

Personal URL: www.coa.edu/bnagpure

• Generalist - Physics/Mathematics

Thesis Advisor: John Thompson, Assistant Professor of Physics and Cooperating Assistant Professor of Education

Thesis Title: Effect(s) of Modified Instructional Approach on Student Understanding of Two-Dimensional Motion

Research:

• Optics Poster
  
• Jackson Laboratory Research Poster

Andrew Paradis
(M.S.T. Candidate and
Ph.D. candidate in Physics)
1998 B.S. Physics, University of Maine

224 Bennett Hall
(207)581-1010

EMail: Andrew Paradis

• Generalist

Thesis Advisor: Michael Wittmann, Associate Professor of Physics and Cooperating Associate Professor of Education

Lisa Schultz
(M.S.T. candidate)
1999 B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of California - Davis

EMail: Lisa .R. Schultz

• Generalist - Physics/Mathematics

Advisor: Susan McKay, Professor of Physics

Terri Shaw Bray
(M.S.T. candidate)
2004 B.S. Mathematics, The University of Maine

Teaching Math at Old Town High School in Old Town, ME

EMail: Terri Shaw

• Mathematics

Advisor: Robert Franzosa, Professor of Mathematics

Margaret (Meghan) Southworth
(M.S.T. Candidate)
1995 B.S. Secondary Education,
University of Maine

Teaching Math at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast, ME

EMail: Meghan Southworth

• Mathematics

Advisor: Robert Franzosa, Professor of Mathematics

John (Randy) Stahley
(MST candidate)
2001 B.A. General Business, Bowling Green State University

EMail: John Stahley

• Mathematics

Advisor:

Joel Van Deventer
(MST candidate)
2006 B.A. Physics, UMaine

2 Bennett Hall
(207)581-1031

EMail: Joel Vandeventer

• Generalist - Math/Physics

Advisor: Michael WIttmann, Associate Professor of Physics and Cooperating Associate Professor of Education

Research Interests:
Comparing student use of mathematical and physical vector representations

Hannah Webber
(MST candidate)
1998 M.S. Zoology, University of Maine

EMail: Hannah Webber

• Earth Sciences

Advisor: Stephen Norton, Professor of Earth Sciences

Jason York
(MST candidate)
2002 B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine

EMail: Jason York

• Generalist - Mathematics/Physics

Advisor: Robert Franzosa, Professor of Mathematics

Adam Zukowski
(M.S.T. candidate)
2004 B.A. Mathematics, University of Maine-Farmington

Teaching Math at Gray-New Gloucester High School in Gray, ME

EMail: Adam Zukowski

• Mathematics

Thesis Advisor: Eric Pandiscio, Associate Professor of Education

Thesis Title: Attitude and learning at Upward Bound in the field of Mathematics and Statistics

Dina Blodgett
Generalist - Mathematics & Physical and Life Sciences, May 2006
Thesis: "The Effects of Implementing an Interactive Student Response System in a College Algebra Classroom" (.pdf format)
Thesis Defense: Blodgett Defense (.ppt format)
Research Advisor: John Donovan, Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Dina is now teaching mathematics at Leavitt Area High School in Turner, Maine.

EMail: Dina Blodgett

James Cohen
Generalist - Physics, August 2005
Thesis: "Student Ideas about the Moon and its Phases and the Impact of a Real 3D model of the Sun/Earth/Moon system in an introductory Astronomy Laboratory Course" (.pdf format)
Defense: Cohen Defense (.ppt format)
Research Advisor: Neil Comins, Professor of Physics & Astronomy

EMail: Jace Cohen

Glenn Colby
Mathematics, August 2007

Thesis Title: Students' Epistemological Beliefs of Mathematics when Taught using Traditional versus Reform Curricula in Rural Maine High Schools.
Defense: Colby Defense
Research Advisor: John Donovan, Assistant Professor of Mathematics

EMail: Glenn Colby

Roger Feeley
Physics, May 2007
Thesis: "Identifying Concepts of Gravity" (.pdf format)
Research Advisor: John Thompson, Assistant Professor of Physics

Roger is continuing with his education, working towards his Ph.D. in Physics Education Research here at the University of Maine.

EMail: Roger Feeley

Emily Klingler
Earth Sciences, May 2006
Thesis: "Measuring Student Understanding of Density, with Geological Applications" (.pdf format)
Thesis Defense: Klingler Defense
Research Advisor: Steve Norton, Professor of Earth Sciences

Emily is currently teaching teaching Geophysical and Environmental Science at Brunswick High School in Brunswick Maine

EMail: Emily Klingler Jacesko

Kathleen Knight
Mathematics, May 2006
Thesis: "An Investigation into the change in the Van Hiele Levels of understanding geometry of pre-service Elementary and Secondary Mathematics Teachers" (pdf format)
Defense: Knight Defense (.ppt format)
Research Advisor: Eric Pandiscio, Associate Professor of Education

Kathleen is now teaching secondary level mathematics at Sumner High School in Sullivan, Maine.

EMail: Kathleen Knight

Matthew Leland
Generalist (Physics/Chemistry), May 2007
Thesis: "Using Analogical Models in Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Courses to Improve Student Understanding of Beer's Law."
Research Advisor: Francois Amar, Professor of Chemistry

Matt is continuing his education working towards his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering here at the University of Maine.

EMail: Matt Leland

Dani is teaching Physical Science and Math at Penobscot Valley High School in Howland, ME

EMail: Danielle Martin

Zachary McIntyre
Mathematics, August 2007
Thesis: College algebra students' knowledge of variables
Defense: McIntyre Defense
Research Advisor: John Donovan, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Cooperating Assistant Professor of Education

Zac is moving to Massachusetts and will be teaching Algebra II at Chelmsford High School. He also plans to form a band and play music on the side!

EMail: Zac McIntyre

Katherine Menchen
Physics, August 2005
Thesis: "Investigations of Student Understanding of Sound Propagation and Resonance" (.pdf format)
Defense: Menchen Defense (.ppt format)
Research Advisor: John Thompson, Assistant Professor of Physics

Katie is currently a stay-at-home mom, living in New Hampshire.

EMail: Katie Menchen

Jonathan Moyer
Physics, May 2007
Thesis: "A comparative study of how high school students understand stem cells" (.pdf format)
Thesis Defense: Moyer defense
Research Advisor: John Thompson, Assistant Professor of Physics

Jon is currently an adjunct instructor at Husson, teaching statistics and algebra.

EMail: Jon Moyer

Michael A. Murphy
Generalist - Mathematics & Physics, December 2005
Thesis: "Measuring the Effects of Mathematics Instruction in a Physics Classroom with Mathematics and Physics Diagnostics" (.pdf format)
Thesis Defense: Murphy Defense (.ppt format)
Research Advisor: Michael Wittmann, Assistant Professor of Physics

Michael is currently teaching computer science at John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor, Maine

EMail: Mike Murphy

David Nelson
Generalist - Mathematics / Science, August 2006
Thesis: "Effect of a Concentrated In-Service Elementary Teacher Force and Motion Workshop"
               (.pdf file)
Thesis Defense: Nelson Defense (.ppt format) OR .pdf file
Research Advisor: John Thompson, Assistant Professor of Physics

David is currently teaching math at Interlakes High School in New Hampshire

EMail: Dave Nelson

Michael O'Brien
Physics - May 2006
Thesis: "An investigation into the effectiveness of Physics First in Maine" (.pdf format)
Defense: O'brien Defense (.ppt format)
Research Advisor: John Thompson, Assistant Professor of Physics

Michael is teaching secondary science at Kennebunk High School in Kennebunk, Maine

EMail: Mike O'Brien

Jessica Odell
Biology, August 2005
Thesis: "Student Understanding of Conservation of Mass/Energy in Introductory University Science Courses"
(.pdf format)
Defense: Odell Defense (.ppt format)
Research Co-Advisors: Michael Wittmann, Assistant Professor of Physics; and Francois Amar,
Professor of Chemistry

Jessica is currently overseas with her husband, who is in the military.

EMail: Jessica Odell

Jeff Owen
Earth Systems Science, December 2003
Thesis: "Design, Implementation and Assessment of an Earth Systems Science Course for Secondary Teachers" (.pdf format)
Defense: Owen's Defense Presentation (.ppt)
Research Advisor: Steve Norton, Professor of Earth Sciences

Jeff is teaching science at Orono High School in Orono, Maine

EMail: Jeffrey Owen

Research Interests:
(in collaboration with Prof. Steve Norton and Alan Wanamaker)

• Supporting secondary science teachers through the design and implementation of discipline-based professional development opportunities.
  
• Improving the quality of pre-service science teacher education by improving the teaching and learning of introductory science courses.

Jonathan Pratt
Generalist - Biology, December 2006
Thesis: "Zebrafish teratogenesis as a secondary-level science inquiry curriculum"
Defense: Pratt Defense
Research Co-Advisors: Steve Norton, Professor of Geology, and Anne Pooler, Associate Professor of Education

Jon has taken a new position as Academic Dean in charge of Curriculum Development at Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.

EMail: Jon Pratt

Elliot Rappaport
Generalist - Physics/Astronomy, Earth Sciences, December 2007

Thesis: Understanding Weather: Phase Changes of Water in the Atmosphere
Defense: Rappaport Defense
Research Advisor: Kirk Maasch, Professor of Earth Sciences and Climate Change Institute

Elliot is working for S.E.A., an oceanography field studies program in Woods Hole, MA.

EMail: Elliot Rappaport

Daniel Reed
Physics, August 2007

Thesis: Evaluating Factors Contributing to Engineering Technology Students' Introductory Physics Experience.
Defense: Reed Defense (.ppt presentation)
Research Advisor: Michael Wittmann, Associate Professor of Physics and Cooperating Associate Professor of Education

Dan is currently a stay-at-home dad in San Antonio, Texas.

EMail: Dan Reed

Eleanor Sayre
Physics, August 2005
Thesis: "Resource Selection in Nearly-Novel Situations" (.pdf format)
Defense: Sayre Defense Presentation (.pdf format)
Research Advisor: Michael Wittmann, Assistant Professor of Physics

Eleanor went on to earn her Ph.D. in Physics Education Research at the University of Maine, and has moved on to Ohio State University as a post-doctoral researcher.

EMail: Ellie Sayre

Trevor Smith
Generalist - Physics/Mathematics, May 2007
Thesis: Comparing the Effectiveness of Research-based Curricula for Teaching Introductory Mechanics
Research Advisor: Michael Wittmann, Assistant Professor of Physics

Trevor will be continuing his education in Physics Education Research here at the University of Maine

EMail: Trevor Smith

Karen Snyder
Mathematics, May 2006
Thesis: "Reactions and Roles of Students and Instructors in a pilot computer-based college algebra course" (.pdf format)
Defense: Snyder Defense (.ppt presentation)
Research Advisor: Tod Shockey, Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Karen is currently teaching mathematics at Nokomis High School in Newport, Maine

EMail: Karen Snyder

Medea Steinman
Generalist - Life Sciences, May 2007