Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award, 2023-2024
It is an honor to be selected as the 2023-24 Harry E. Brakebill Distinguished Professor. My work is deeply collaborative, and I appreciate my colleagues and students for their support.
I grew up at camp - literally! My parents operated a day camp for children in rural north Alabama. We lived on-site with canoes, archery, horses, and more. It was fun but also lots of work. I grew up loving the outdoors and developed a passion for learning. I became interested in physics in middle school, sparked by a book about astrophysics. I was fascinated that we could know so much about things so far away, and with the audacity of trying to understand the whole universe. I studied physics as an undergraduate at Brown University and continued in graduate school at UC San Diego. I loved physics and math, but it did not always come easily. I felt underprepared for college and grad school, and at times became discouraged and doubted my path. But I was fortunate to have fellow students and mentors who encouraged me. Along the way, I discovered a love of teaching. I feel incredibly fortunate to be at CSUSM, where teaching and scholarship are both valued. Helping our students develop their understanding of physics and pursue their goals is extremely gratifying.
I’ve embraced an approach to teaching that is very different from the classes I took as a physics student. Research on teaching and learning physics indicates the importance of having students actively engaged and receiving feedback during class time, rather than just listening to a lecture. This interactive style cultivates a deeper understanding of the subject matter and fosters a collaborative learning environment where every voice is valued.
Students, I offer this reassurance: it is ok to be stuck, it is ok not to understand something, it is ok not to know where to start. By definition, learning involves trying to do things you can’t yet do. It can be tempting to try to hide that you don’t understand something. Instead, I encourage you to view those moments as opportunities. When you are stuck, it is a chance to unravel a misunderstanding or learn a new skill. Turn into those difficulties and ask others for help. Your professors will love the chance to help you move forward in your understanding, and your fellow students will appreciate knowing that someone else is confused, too - and brave enough to acknowledge it.
Reflecting on my time at CSUSM, I am profoundly moved by the dedication and passion of our faculty, staff, and administrators. Together, we uphold the mission of CSUSM, nurturing the next generation of scientists and scholars. In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Brakebill family for their generous support and to my colleagues and collaborators for their steadfast encouragement.
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