Professor of Physics at California State University, Long Beach Receives National Award from Association of Physics Teachers

Simon George, professor of physics at California State University, Long Beach, has been named the recipient of the 2002 Robert A. Millikan Award by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

Established in 1962, the award recognizes teachers who have made notable and creative contributions to the teaching of physics. As the Millikan honoree, George received a $4,000 award, an inscribed medal, a certificate and travel expenses to the national meeting.

"I am deeply honored to be the recipient of this award named after one of the greatest American Nobel Laureates in physics," George said. "I will accept the award on behalf of my teachers, my students and my national and international colleagues who all played a part in my achieving this prestigious honor."

He was presented with the award last Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the organization's 125th national meeting at Boise State University. As part of the honor, George also gave a lecture titled "Global Study of the Role of the Laboratory in Physics Education."

"Professor George has not only been a distinguished professor of physics at California State University, Long Beach for more than 35 years, but his contributions to physics and physics teaching extend over the entire continent of North America and the rest of the world as well," said Herbert Gottlieb, a 30-year member of the AAPT who nominated George for the award.

"I have known him intimately as a colleague for more than 15 years," he continued, "and have the greatest respect for his ability to inculcate his high principles and his love of physics to almost everyone he meets."

John Hubisz, chair of the awards committee, noted that George has "exceptional credentials in all the important areas of interest to the AAPT: teaching, research and service at the local, national and the international level."

"For more than 30 years, I have been examining this topic in various countries worldwide," said George, a Cal State Long Beach faculty member since 1961. "My presentation will focus on findings on the subject and will compare and contrast my experience in the U.S. with the ways in which other countries approach physics teaching, especially laboratory instruction. As U.S. edu-cators, I believe we can play a significant role in collaborative efforts."

The CSULB professor has received numerous honors on campus, including the Nicholas Perkins Hardeman Academic Leadership Award, Outstanding Professor Award and the Scholarly and Creative Achievement Award.