(Posted December 16, 2019)

Student-Led Physical Sciences Organization is Honored with Award from the National Office of the Society of Physics Students as an Outstanding Chapter 

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata College chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) has won an Outstanding Chapter Award from the SPS National Office. This is the twenty first consecutive time the chapter has been recognized for its excellence as a top-tier student-led physical sciences organization, a designation given to fewer than 15 percent of all SPS chapters at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally, and the longest uninterrupted run of recognition in the country.

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is a professional association designed for students and membership is open to anyone interested in physics and related fields. SPS operates within the American Institute of Physics (AIP), an umbrella organization for professional physical science societies.

The SPS chapter at Juniata College is advised by Jim Borgardt, Woolford Professor of Physics, and is led by student officers. The 2019-20 officers are Evan Ulrich, a senior from Homer, New York, who serves at the club president; Hope Greenspun, a senior from Northfield, New Jersey, who serves as vice president; Tristen White, a junior from Everett, Pennsylvania, who serves as secretary; and Emily Geist, a senior from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, who serves as treasurer. 

"This award illustrates the commitment of Juniata physics students to not only academics, but also to service and volunteer work within the community," said Ulrich. 

SPS chapters are evaluated on their level of interaction with the campus community, the professional physics community, the public, and with SPS national programs. The Outstanding Chapter Award recognizes high levels of outreach as well as unique approaches to fulfilling the mission of SPS to “help students transform themselves into contributing members of the professional community.”  

“One of our most anticipated community events of the year is Physics Phun Night in April, where students perform a number of demonstrations – many involving fire and explosions – that are based on physics concepts.  The kids and adults love it!,” said White. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.