The Gustavus Adolphus College Society of Physics Students was recently awarded the Blake Lilly Prize by the national Society of Physics Students organization for engaging the local community in physics learning. The Gustavus chapter is one of 13 from across the country recognized for making “a genuine effort to positively influence the attitudes of school children and the general public about physics.”
The group was selected based on their participation in “Science on Saturday,” an annual event in which the Society of Physics Students partners with other Gustavus student groups to lead a variety of science demonstrations and experiments for area youth. The elementary students learn basic scientific principles through fun, hands-on experiments with supervision and guidance from Gustavus students.
“Our physics majors have the opportunity to take rigorous courses and interact one-on-one with professors through research,” Gustavus physics professor and group adviser Jessie Petricka said. “What makes the department special, however, is the community. The prize recognizes the extraordinary effort of the students to build that community both on and off campus.”
“The variety of academic and social activities organized by the Society of Physics Students help students build strong relationships with their peers and professors,” said senior physics major and club co-president Elise Le Boulicaut, a native of Angers, France. “We are very happy to have been recognized with this award, as it acknowledges our efforts to promote the physics department and build a strong community.”
The Blake Lilly Prize is named after and given in honor of the late Blake Lilly, a physics student at Georgia Tech in the late 1980s. The prize is selected each year by the national council of the Society of Physics Students, which considers public service, community engagement, outreach efforts, and audience interaction before making award decisions.
More information about the national Society of Physics Students and the Gustavus Department of Physics is available online.
###
Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510