The SMCM Physics program received the 2017 Award for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education from the American Physical Society (APS). The award “seeks to recognize excellence in undergraduate physics education and support best practices in education at the undergraduate level.”
Physics Today published an article in 2019, describing how SMCM Physics fosters a culture of inclusivity.
The SMCM Physics program is highlighted as a role model in the report, “Phys21: Preparing Physics Students for 21st Century Careers.” The report, published by the Joint Task Force on Undergraduate Physics Programs (J-TUPP) and convened by the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), selected the College as one of five case studies of successful, innovative physics programs.
Arvind Srinivasan ’17 won a prestigious Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship from the Department of Defense. The scholarship covers tuition and expenses. It also provides a summer research internship and employment placement after graduation. He was also a finalist for the American Physical Society’s Leroy Apker Award for outstanding undergraduate physics work, one of just seven finalists in the country.
Prof. Adler received the American Institute of Physics award for Science Communication in 2015 for his book, Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction. The book was also named to several lists of the best physics books or the best science books for the year.
Arvind Srinivasan was a 2017 finalist and Jeremy Perrin was a 2013 finalist for the American Physical Society’s LeRoy Apker Award for undergraduate physics achievement. Only two recipients are selected nationally each year.
Physics Department Awards
All award recipients of department awards and scholarship are selected by committee. There is no application process.
Department Award in Physics
Established in 1993 to recognize a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and achievement in the discipline.
- Peter Orban ’20 and Katie Ortel ’20
- Mary Korendyke ’19
- Tyler Jones ’18
- Tommie Day ’18 in 2017
- Hannah Lewis ’16
- Laura Andre ’15
- Jonathan Morris Kwolek ’14
- Jeremy Perrin ’13
- Roger Ding ’12
- Brian Tennyson ’11
- Marty McHugh ’10
- Daniel Powell ’09
Physics Faculty Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research
Established in 2016 with personal funding by the physics faculty.
- Elizabeth Mulvey ’20
- Noah Walsh ’19
- Rose Young ’20 in 2018
- Arvind Srinivasan ’17
Fundamentals of Physics Award
Recognizes a student Fundamentals of Physics who has shown great growth and engagement.
- William Harper in 2020
- Camille Cartwright in 2019
- Beth Thomas in 2018
- Kaisey McCallion in 2017
Intermediate Physics Award
Recognizes a student in 200/300-level courses who has demonstrated academic merit and engagement with material.
- Harry Bauman in 2020
- Nicholas D’Antona and Peter Orban in 2019
- Katie Ortel in 2018
- Mary Korendyke and Noah Walsh in 2017
Physics Service Award
Recognizes a student who has helped advance the physics program, Physics Club, and/or the greater physics community through volunteer work.
- Rose Young in 2020
- Noah Walsh in 2019
- Sydney Jupitz in 2017
Geneva Boone Award for Outstanding St. Mary’s Project
- Rebecca Prasher ’12
- Dan Powell ’09
- Brian Keating ’03
Myron G. Marlay Award for Outstanding St. Mary’s Project in Science
- Rose Young ’20
- Arvind Srinivasan ’17
Erin Knutson ’15 received the Weitzel Research Award in 2014. The award supported her research with Dr. Frank Narducci (NAWCAD) and Profs. Grossman and Adler (St. Mary’s) on laser-cooled atomic beams for atom interferometry.
Prof. Milne received the Norton T. Dodge Award for Teaching by a Junior Faculty Member in 2019.
Prof. Adler received the Homer L. Dodge Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement in 2018.
Prof. Grossman received the Norton T. Dodge Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement by a Junior Faculty Member in 2010.
Prof. Adler was the Aldom-Plansoen Professor (2005-2007) and the Steven Muller Distinguished Professor of Science (2007-2011).