Marie Plumb Assumes Role on AAPT Executive Board

College Park, Maryland, United States, February 16, 2009

The American Association of Physics Teachers announced that Marie Plumb has assumed the role of Executive Board Two Year College (TYC) Representative.

Dr. Plumb is a Physics Professor, Coordinator for physics and geology, and student advisor at Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, NY. She has also served as a member of the Steering Committee and Co-chair of a national meeting for the Two Year Colleges in the 21st Century Project; PI and co-PI on several NSF Grants; instituted an ongoing outreach program to bring hands on science activities to a local elementary school; served as reviewer of grants for NSF; participated in PEPTYC program at Texas A&M; and hosted TYC workshops.

She has served on numerous AAPT Committees including, as a member of the Committee on Research in Undergraduate Education (1995-1998); member of the Committee on Women in Physics, (1998-2001, 2005-2008), and Chair (2007); member of Committee on Physics in Two-Year Colleges (2001-2004), and Chair (2002-2004); and member of Nominating Committee

Dr. Plumb was recognized with the Outstanding Physics Graduate Student Award (1990); Outstanding Educator Award (2000); Presidents Award for Excellence in Teaching (2003); and New York State Chancellor’s Award for Excellence (2004).

Of her new role a Two Year College Representative, Dr. Plumb says, “For the last 15 years AAPT and the Two-Year College Community within the AAPT, as well as the Women in Physics committee, have been pivotal in the development of my college physics teaching career. When I think of the ways my approach to physics education has evolved, I can point to a meeting, a workshop, or a suggestion from a colleague. Each connection leads back to AAPT. I have a deep respect for the important role of two year colleges in physics education. We not only prepare future physicists and engineers, doctors and pharmacists, but we also prepare future teachers. I have had the opportunity to teach at almost every level on the academic spectrum from elementary school, to high school, two-year colleges and four-year colleges and universities. Each and every step along the academic ladder is essential. While the content changes, the need to connect with students and guide them along the educational path is the same at every level. AAPT has been my lifeline. As Two Year College Representative I will work diligently to enhance the presence of the two-year college community in the AAPT.

About AAPT: AAPT is the leading organization for physics educators--with more than 10,000 members worldwide. Our mission is to advance the greater good through physics teaching. We provide our members with many opportunities for professional development, communication, and student enrichment. We serve the larger community through a variety of programs and publications. AAPT was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in the American Center for Physics in College Park, Maryland.

For more information: Contact Marilyn Gardner, Director of Communications, mgardner@aapt.org, (301)209-3306, (301)209-0845 (Fax)

The American Association of Physics Teachers announced that Marie Plumb, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, NY, has assumed the role of Executive Board Two Year College (TYC) Representative.