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We are a community of researchers who are advancing our understanding of teaching and learning physics to improve the quality and accessibility of physics education for all students.
The Physics Education Research (PER) group at RIT is a community of undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and faculty who are dedicated to understanding and improving all aspects of physics education. We are always seeking to grow in understanding, grow by welcoming new members, and grow in our impact on physics education locally and nationally. Our PER group is part of a multidisciplinary STEM education research community at RIT and a key strategic area within the School of Physics and Astronomy. Our group employs quantitative and qualitative methods to answer questions and build theoretical models related to a range of topics in undergraduate and graduate education, including: equitable learning opportunities, quantum information science education, and career interest formation, problem-solving in complex environments, graduate admissions and retention. Explore our research page to learn more.
Announcements
- We are seeking prospective PER Ph.D. students. Visit the Physics Ph.D. program website for more information and to apply.
- Ben Zwickl is searching for a postdoctoral researcher. Visit the posting on the PER Jobs Blog for more info.
News
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May 19, 2022
![a green laser is used to characterize a new ultra-wideband quantum photonic integrated circuit.]()
RIT offers new minor in emerging field of quantum information science and technology
RIT students can soon begin earning a minor in an emerging field that could disrupt the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. RIT students can now take classes toward a minor in quantum information science and technology.
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May 16, 2022
![portrait of professor Ben Zwickl.]()
Ben Zwickl to spend fall in Oslo studying physics students’ computational literacy and career interests
Associate Professor Ben Zwickl will head to the University of Oslo this fall to research what he calls one of the most understudied aspects of the undergraduate physics curriculum.
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January 15, 2021
![researcher posing on steps in the College of Science.]()
College of Science experiences boom in sponsored research
Several School of Physics and Astronomy faculty secured large grants as principal investigators during a banner summer.
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November 11, 2020
![four student researchers wearing masks in a quantum research lab.]()
New study outlines steps higher education should take to prepare a new quantum workforce
Three researchers, including RIT Associate Professor Ben Zwickl, suggested steps that need to be taken in a new paper in Physical Review Physics Education Research after interviewing managers at more than 20 quantum technology companies across the U.S.
