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HISTORY
In 1985, about seven years after the establishment of CUR as a society for promoting undergraduate research primarily in chemistry, a disciplinary council in physics and astronomy became a formal part of CUR. Physicists at predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs) were responsible for bringing physics into the mix. This group included Jim Cederberg, St. Olaf College, David Peak, then at Union College, and John Van Zytveld, then at NSF on leave from Calvin College. It was a critical crossroads in the development of CUR as we know it today. Currently, the Division of Physics and Astronomy includes 223 members from 137 PUIs ( 86 private and 51 public). The Division has been very active in supporting research with undergraduates in physics and astronomy:
COMMUNICATIONS
To communicate with councilors, other members of the Physics and Astronomy Division, or other people interested in undergraduate research in physics and astronomy, we also off the CUR P&A blog, a Facebook group, and for members only a LinkedIn group
GOVERNANCE
Every year, eight new members are elected to the 24-member Divisional Council. Each Divisional Council (and there are seven other discipline-based councils--Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics & Computer Science, Psychology--and an interdisciplinary At-large Council) represents the membership of that division. The Council meets once a year to make recommendations to the Executive Board on policy issues and programming, through its general assembly and its various committees. An Executive Board oversees the financial aspects of the organization as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Executive Board.
MISSION & GOALS
TO SUPPORT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH IN PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY BY ... Gathering and sharing information about undergraduate research funding Gathering and sharing information about curricular opportunities Identifying and delivering support services to departments and faculty, both junior and senior
We do these by offering the following programs and services to our members a part of a CUR-wide effort to promote research with undergraduates. Our division advances the mission of CUR by focusing on undergraduate research issues in the areas of physics and astronomy. Summer fellowships history in Physics and Astronomy
Faculty, Institution, State
Edward Meyertholen, Ball State University, IN
John Smedley, Bates College, ME
Roger Yu, Central Washington University, WA
Mario Affatigato, Coe College, IA
Arlan Mantz, Connecticut College, CT
Michael Monce, Connecticut College, CT
Michael Cherney, Creighton University, NE
Calvin Stubbins, Franklin & Marshall College, PA
Carl Helrich, Goshen College, IN
Andy Rundquist, Hamline University, MN
Ted Hodapp, Hamline University, MN
Lyle Roelofs, Haverford College, PA
Walter Smith, Haverford College, PA
Gabriel Spalding, Illinois Wesleyan University, IL
Toufic Hakim, Jacksonville University, FL
Susan Matts, Mary Washington College, VA
Janice Hudgings, Mount Holyoke College, MA
Robert Marande, Penn State Erie Behrend College, PA
Anthony Calamai, Saint Joseph's University, PA
Martin Nikolo, Saint Louis University, MO
Joseph Spizuoco, Shippensburg University, PA
Daniel Spiegel, Trinity University, TX
David Hough, Trinity University, TX
Perry Yaney, University of Dayton, OH
Marty Johnston, University of St. Thomas, MN
L. Cindy Krysac, University of the Pacific, CA
Gubbi Sudhakaran, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, WI
Michael Jackson, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, WI
Richard French, Wellesley College, MA0
David Butcher, Western Carolina University, NC Grant and tenure portfolio reviews (our Mentoring Service): Experienced faculty helping others along - this is the essence of CUR. Contact Beth Cunningham and she will match you with someone close to your interests, with whom you can discuss job applications, grant applications, tenure documents, or whatever professional mentoring needs you may have.
Departmental reviews and consultations: The various divisions of CUR offer consulting services, whereby selected members of undergraduate faculties serve as consultants to primarily undergraduate science, mathematics and engineering departments, divisions, or faculty members. If your department/division is undergoing review, consider a CUR review. Contact the CUR National Office who will put you in touch with the appropriate person. For more information on the CUR's Consulting Program click here.
CUR National Conference in even-numbered years: You will have a chance to meet other faculty in your field and share ideas and learn of funding opportunities for undergraduate research from representatives of major granting agencies. Many workshops are offered and led by members of our division. Examples: Designing Webpages to Showcase Research with Undergraduates, Undergraduate Research in Astronomy, and How to Help Undergraduates Successfully Complete Senior Independent Projects. For more information on CUR's next National Conference click here.
Posters on the Hill: Very much a PR event designed to impress upon our legislators and federal agencies the importance of undergraduate research, this is a wonderful opportunity for you and your student to interact with your representatives in Washington. Highly competitive, only 60 posters are chosen from among more than 300 applications. For more information on the Poster Session click here.
CUR's Physics & Astronomy Division is an AIP Affiliated Society. Our members qualify for reduced subscription prices on AIP's magazines, Physics Today and Computing in Science & Engineering, and journals. To learn more, visit the AIP Affiliated Societies Web page.
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