Physics Lecturer Yuri Popov's extensive work to bring active learning techniques to his Physics 140 classes last year has been recognized by the College through a 2013 Excellence in Education Award. The award committee praised the positive energy Yuri Popov brings to Introductory Physics and his innovative efforts to improve pedagogy. Among other innovations, he introduced numerical techniques, programming, and computer labs in introductory physics courses for physics majors and honors students, redeveloped the introductory physics honors sequence, and implemented interactive engagement methods in large introductory classes.
Physics Professor David Lubensky was selected to receive the 2013 Class of 1923 Memorial Teaching Award for outstanding teaching of undergraduates. This award is given by the College Executive Committee to a faculty member being promoted from assistant to associate professor. The 1923 Memorial Teaching Award recognizes both excellence in teaching and future promise as a scholar.
Professor Lubensky had been previously awarded a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development grant for his project, "Nonequilibrium Organization in Epithelial Sheets."