Department Awards
Spira Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching (Student Selected)
Chris Greene
Albert Overhauser Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy
The Ruth and Joel Spira Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching is selected by the PGSA (Physics Graduate Student Association).
Spira Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching (Student Selected)
Ken Ritchie
Associate Department Head and Professor of Physics and Astronomy
The Ruth and Joel Spira Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching is selected by the SPS (Society of Physics Students).
PGSA Outstanding Advisor Award (Student Selected)
Rafael Lang
Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Selected by the PGSA (Physics Graduate Student Association).
Falling Walls Foundation Honor
Michael Manfra
Bill and Dee O’Brien Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Arden L. Bement Jr. Award
Michael Manfra
Bill and Dee O’Brien Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy
The Herbert Newby McCoy Award
Yong Chen
Karl Lark-Horovitz Professor of Physics and Astronomy
APS Division of Particles and Fields Mentorship Award
Rafael Lang
Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
National Science Foundation CAREER Award
Alex Ruichao Ma
Assistant Professor of Physics
Oxford Instruments 2022 Lee Osheroff Richardson (LOR) Science Prize
Dr. James Nakamura
Recognized for the first direct observation of anyonic braiding statistics for quasiparticles at the v=1/3 fractional quantum Hall state. Dr. Nakamura’s experimental results substantiate theoretical predictions made nearly forty years ago by Wilczek and Halperin, and his work will stand as a high point in the study of topological phases of condensed matter systems.
College of Science Staff Awards
Leadership Award:
Keith Schmitter
Building Operations Manager
Recognized for his demonstrated leadership in coordinating of the various challenging projects that are constantly being carried out in the building and for his direction of the building staff.
Professional Achievement Award:
Aaron Mull
Maintenance Mechanic
Receiving this award for his efforts in coordinating the maintenance and operation of the liquid helium machine that produces the bloodline for several research groups in the department.
Professional Achievement Award:
Ken Mueller
Acceleratory Laboratory Chief Engineer
Honored for a long and distinguished effort in enhancing safety standards of our department.
Professional Achievement Award:
Tina Sandefur
Account Clerk
Recognized for going above and beyond normal effort to take care of departmental business under extremely difficult circumstances and for creating a kind, welcoming, and fun environment.
Professional Achievement Award:
Boshra Afra
Assistant Department Head
Honored for her attention and careful coordination of a large number of infrastructure projects.
Professional Achievement Award:
Cheryl Pierce
Communications Specialist
Recognized for her prompt and creative efforts to put both the EAPS and Physics & Astronomy talents in the best light possible.
Customer Service Award:
Kristin Deweese
Administrative Assistant
Honored for her efforts in making all of our departmental events a success and for enhancing the climate of the department.
Customer Service Award:
Carla Redding
Administrative Assistant
Recognized for her courtesy, friendly manner, and timely response to faculty and student requests.