UTA professor honored for science education leadership

Thursday, Oct 03, 2024 • Katherine Egan Bennett :

University of Texas at Arlington UTeach Master Teacher Karen Jo Matsler will be awarded the 2025 Melba Newell Phillips Medal in January from the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) in recognition of her extensive contributions to physics education and her tireless efforts to support educators nationwide. Founded in 1930, AAPT is a national organization dedicated to advancing the teaching and understanding of physics.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Matsler has been a tireless advocate of physics education, working with state legislators and educational agencies to improve access to physics education in high schools. More recently, she has been a trailblazer in quantum education initiatives by developing resources for high school science teachers to easily integrate quantum concepts into their classroom instruction.

Although quantum science is key to so many everyday items like cellphones, satellites, MRI machines, lasers, cybersecurity and solar technology, many students are never exposed to these concepts until late in their college education. This keeps many students from pursuing high-paying and sought-after careers involving quantum technology. Matsler’s Quantum for All initiative gives science teachers the tools so that their students can learn the basics of quantum science while still in high school so that they are not intimidated by the topics once they get to college.

“I’m very happy to see Karen Jo receive this well-deserved recognized by the AAPT,” said Ramon Lopez, professor of physics at UTA and co-principal investigator on the $1 million National Science Foundation grant that launched the Quantum for All educational program. “Her passion and dedication to improving science curriculum is legendary, and her work leading AAPT’s Physics Teaching Resource Agent program has been exceptional and highly impactful. In addition to improving access to science education for students and teachers, her ideas are helping prepare the next generation for careers that will impact our national security.”

“I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the recognition by my peers, but mostly, I’m just excited for another opportunity to talk about the importance of science education, particularly quantum science education, for students,” said Matsler. “I’m grateful to my colleagues at UTA and all the dedicated science teachers who work day in and day out to educate tomorrow’s leaders.”

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