Ben Zwickl Headshot

Ben Zwickl

Associate Professor

School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Co-Director, Center for Advancing Scholarship to Transform Learning
bmzsps@rit.edu
585-475-4512
Office Location
GOS-3344

Ben Zwickl

Associate Professor

School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Co-Director, Center for Advancing Scholarship to Transform Learning

Education

BS, Purdue University; MS, Ph.D., Yale University

Bio

Dr. Ben Zwickl joined the RIT School of Physics and Astronomy in 2013 after completing a PhD in physics at Yale University and a postdoc in physics education research at University of Colorado Boulder. He is a core member of RIT’s Physics Education Research group and the Science and Mathematics Education Research Collaborative. His projects have focused on preparation for the optics workforce, quantum workforce, communication skills in STEM, mathematical problem-solving in physics-related fields, innovation and entrepreneurship within physics, learning within complex environments, such as lab courses and research labs, students’ career decision-making, and qualitative and quantitative studies on PhD completion. His research benefits students, employers, and communities by addressing varied aspects of the school to work transition. He is motivated by a desire to help students from diverse backgrounds identify and pursue satisfying careers after college. 

bmzsps@rit.edu
585-475-4512
Personal Links
Personal Website
Google Scholar
LinkedIn
Areas of Expertise
Physics Education Research
Career Pathways
STEM Workforce Development
Laboratory Education
Optics and Photonics Education
Quantum Technology Education
Assessing Research Experiences

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Verostek, Mike, et al. "Making Expert Processes Visible: How and Why Theorists Use Assumptions and Analogies in Their Research." Physical Review Physics Education Research 18. (2022): 20143. Web.
Alaee, Dina Zohrabi and Benjamin M. Zwickl. "Challenges and Outcomes in Remote Undergraduate Research Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic." Physical Review Physics Education Research 19. (2023): 10135. Web.
Leak, Anne E., et al. "Contextualizing and Integrating Practices: Reclaiming Authenticity Lost from Translating Workplace Engineering Practices into K-12 Standards." Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research 13. 2 (2023): Article 2. Web.
Alaee, Dina Zohrabi, Micah K. Campbell, and Benjamin M. Zwickl. "Impact of Virtual Research Experience for Undergraduates Experiences on Students’ Psychosocial Gains during the COVID-19 Pandemic." Physical Review Physics Education Research 18. (2022): 10101. Web.
Bennett, Ridge, Dina Zohrabi Alaee, and Benjamin M. Zwickl. "Analysis of Physics Students' Subfield Career Decision-Making Using Social Cognitive Career Theory." Proceedings of the 2022 Physics Education Research Conference. (2022): 51-56. Web.
Verostek, Michael, et al. "Making Expert Cognitive Processes Visible: Planning and Preliminary Analysis in Theoretical Physics Research." Proceedings of the 2022 Physics Education Research Conference. (2022): 469-474. Web.
Alaee, Dina Zohrabi and Benjamin Zwickl. "A Qualitative Analysis of Concept Maps Through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programs." Proceedings of the 2022 Physics Education Research Conference. (2022): 525-530. Web.
Flores, Mark, et al. "Factors Influencing Help Seeking and Help Avoidant Behaviors and Physics and Life Science Majors." Proceedings of the 2022 Physics Education Research Conference. (2022): 176-181. Web.
Verostek, Mike, Casey W. Miller, and Benjamin Zwickl. "Analyzing Admissions Metrics as Predictors of Graduate GPA and whether Graduate GPA Mediates Ph.D. Completion." Physical Review Physics Education Research 17. (2021): 20115. Web.
Cardona, Pedro, Dina Zohrabi Alaee, and Benjamin M. Zwickl. "Access to Opportunities Affects Physics Majors' Interest and Choice of Methods." Proceedings of the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference. (2021): 87-92. Web.
Alaee, Dina Zohrabi and Benjamin M. Zwickl. "A Case Study Approach to Understanding a Remote Undergraduate Research Program." Proceedings of the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference. (2021): 480-485. Web.
Verostek, Mike, Casey W. Miller, and Benjamin M. Zwickl. "Time to PhD Completion is No Different Between Men and Women Despite Score Gap on Physics GRE." Proceedings of the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference. (2021): 414-419. Web.
Griston, Molly, et al. "When the Light Bulb Turns On: Motivation and Collaboration Spark the Creation of Ideas for Theoretical Physicists." Proceedings of the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference. (2021): 160-165. Web.
Fox, Michael F. J., Benjamin M. Zwickl, and H. J. Lewandowski. "Preparing for the quantum revolution: What is the role of higher education?" Physical Review Physics Education Research 16. (2020): 20131. Web.
Martin, Kelly Norris, et al. "Spewing Nonsense [or not]: Communication Competence and Socialization in Optics and Photonics Workplaces." Communication Education 67. 4 (2018): 414-437. Print.
Leak, Anne E, et al. "Hidden Factors that Influence Success in the Optics Workforce." Physical Review Physics Education Research 14. (2018): 10136. Web.
Hu, Dehui and Benjamin M Zwickl. "Examining Students’ Views about Validity of Experiments: From introductory to Ph.D. students." Physical Review Physics Education Research 14. (2018): 10121. Web.
Zwickl, Benjamin, et al. "Alternative Model for Administration and Analysis of Research-Based Assessments." Physical Review PER 12. (2016): 1-7. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M, et al. "Model-based Reasoning in the Physics Laboratory: Framework and Initial Results." Physical Review Special Topics Physics Education Research 11. (2015): 20113. Web.
Hoskinson, Anne-Marie, et al. "Bridging Physics and Biology Teaching through Modeling." American Journal of Physics 82. 5 (2014): 434-441. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M., et al. "Epistemology and Expectations Survey About Experimental Physics: Development and Initial Results." Physical Review Special Topics - Physics Education Research 10. (2014): 10120. Web.
Zwickl, Benjamin M., Noah Finkelstein, and H. J. Lewandowski. "Incorporating Learning Goals About Modeling Into an Upper-division Physics Laboratory Experiment." American Journal of Physics 82. 9 (2014): 876-882. Print.
Book Chapter
Zwickl, Benjamin M., Victoria Ikoro, and Saalih Allie. "Characterizing Lab Environments Using Activity Theory." International Handbook of Physics Education Research: Teaching. Ed. Mehmet Fatih Taşar and Paula R. L. Heron. Melville, NY: AIP Publishing, 2023. 1-30. Web.
Published Conference Proceedings
Owens, Lindsay, et al. "Misaligned Visions for Improving Graduate Diversity: Student Characteristics vs. Systemic/Cultural Factors." Proceedings of the 2018 Physics Education Research Conference, Washington, DC. Ed. Adrienne L. Traxler, Ying Cao, and Steven F. Wolf. Washington, DC: n.p., 2018. Web.
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Contextualizing Problem-Solving Strategies in Physics-Intensive PhD Research." Proceedings of the 2016 Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings. Sacramento, California: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2016. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Characterizing Problem Types and Features in Physics-Intensive PhD Research." Proceedings of the Physics Education Research Conference. Sacramento, California: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2016. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M, et al. "Preparing Students for Physics-intensive Careers in Optics and Photonics." Proceedings of the Physics Education Research Conference, College Park, MD, July 29-30, 2015. Ed. Alice D. Churukian, Dyan L. Jones, and Lin Ding. College Park, MD: n.p., 2015. Web.
Hu, Dehui and Benjamin M Zwickl. "Framework for Students’ Epistemological Development in Physics Experiments." Proceedings of the Physics Education Research Conference, College Park, MD, July 29-30, 2015. Ed. Alice D. Churukian, Dyan L. Jones, and Lin Ding. College Park, MD: n.p., Web.
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Framework for Students’ Epistemological Development in Physics Experiments." Proceedings of the 2015 Physics Education Research Conference. College Park, Maryland: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2015. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin. "Preparing students for physics-intensive careers in optics and photonics." Proceedings of the 2015 Physics Education Research Conference. College Park, Maryland: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2015. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Framework for Students’ Epistemological Development in Physics Experiments." Proceedings of the 2015 Physics Education Research Conference. College Park, Maryland: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2015. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin. "Preparing students for physics-intensive careers in optics and photonics." Proceedings of the 2015 Physics Education Research Conference. College Park, Maryland: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2015. Print.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Preparing Students for Research Excellence in Optics and Photonics." Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (DAMOP). American Physical Society. Columbus, OH. 11 Jun. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Zwickl, Benjamin. "Physics Education Research for the Laboratory Classroom." Making Laboratory-based Teaching More Effective. University of Liverpool. Liverpool, UK, NY. 13 Nov. 2013. Conference Presentation.
Zwickl, Benjamin. "Physics Education Research for the Laboratory Classroom." Invited Colloquium given to the Univ. of Rochester Institute of Optics. Institute of Optics, Univ. of Rochester. Rochester, NY. 23 Aug. 2013. Lecture.

Currently Teaching

ASTP-790
Research & Thesis
1 - 3 Credits
Masters-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
ASTP-791
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
PHYS-150
Introduction to Special Relativity
3 Credits
In this course students will learn aspects of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity including time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz transformations, velocity transformations, relativistic Doppler effect, issues with simultaneity, and relativistic expressions for energy and momentum.
PHYS-251
Principles and Applications of Quantum Technology
3 Credits
A century ago, quantum mechanics helped scientists make sense of the surprising behaviors of atoms and light. Today, a new quantum revolution is taking place involving the design and creation of complex quantum systems with behaviors that are altering the ways we think about computing, measurement, and information. This course will help students from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics and how they are affecting science, technology, and society. The course will pay particular attention to the broader societal discourse around “quantum” in both popular media and academic settings. This course will provide an introduction to principles of quantum mechanics, hardware platforms, and applications of quantum technology. Two state systems, such as photon polarization, will be used to introduce mathematical formalism including Dirac notation for quantum states, operators, observables, measurements, composite systems and entanglement. The course will overview different platforms for physically realizing quantum bits (qubits) and operations on quantum bits. Real-world effects on quantum systems, including coherence and decoherence and reducing classical noise in quantum hardware will be discussed. Applications will include quantum sensors and their applications in engineering and science and the potential of quantum simulations for advancing chemistry and material science.
PHYS-670
Teaching and Learning Physics
3 Credits
This course covers the fundamentals of how students learn and understand key ideas in physics and how theory can inform effective pedagogical practice. Through examination of physics content, pedagogy and problems, through teaching, and through research in physics education, students will explore the meaning and means of teaching physics. Topics include: misconceptions, resources and phenomenological primitives, theoretical foundations for active-learning, constructivism, epistemological, affective, and social-cultural issues that affect learning, guided and unguided reflection strategies, design-oriented curricula, and effective uses of educational labs and technology. Useful for all students, especially for those in interested in physics, teaching and education research.
PHYS-790
Graduate Research & Thesis
1 - 4 Credits
Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.
PHYS-791
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.

In the News

  • July 11, 2024

    a galaxy is shown in the background. In the foreground a bubble with an atom and photons is shown.

    RIT leads effort to prepare students for quantum workforce

    Quantum technology is poised to shape the future and improve the world, with the United Nations recently declaring the year 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. A team at RIT is at the forefront of bringing more students into quantum education and preparing them for jobs in the industry.

  • November 4, 2022

    professor and student sitting at a table working on laptops.

    NSF grant funds RIT postdoctoral fellows in STEM education research

    The National Science Foundation has awarded RIT $1.2 million for a cohort of four postdoctoral fellows to conduct STEM discipline-based education research. Each fellow will work with two mentors, encouraging cutting-edge research at the interface of traditional disciplines.

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