AAPT to honor mazur for contributions to teaching

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has named Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics Eric Mazur its Robert A. Millikan Medal recipient. Mazur will receive the award and deliver a lecture titled “Physics Reality Distortion: Why the World of Physics and the Real World Are Different in Students’ Minds” during the association’s July meeting in Edmonton, Alberta.

An internationally recognized scientist and researcher, Mazur leads a research program in optical physics. He has strong interests in education, science policy, outreach, and the public perception of science. His book “Peer Instruction” (1996) has had a wide impact on physics teaching. In 2006, Mazur helped produce the award-winning DVD “Interactive Teaching.”

The Millikan Medal, which includes a $7,500 award, certificate, and travel expenses to the meeting, recognizes those “who have made outstanding scholarly contributions to physics education.”