Dr. Thacker's Biographical Information

[top of page] [home]

Courses Taught

[top of page] [home]

Course and Curriculum Development

Development of materials for the introductory, algebra-based physics course with a health science based content focus in an interactive, computer-based laboratory, "Workshop Physics" setting, 2000-present. This work is supported by two National Science Foundation - Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement (NSF-CCLI) grants: CCLI #9981031
"Workshop Physics with Health Science Applications" and CCLI-EMD #0088780, "Humanized Physics -- Reforming Physics Using Multimedia and Mathematical Modeling".

Director, Masters in Education with Physics Emphasis program for in-service high school teachers, with the purpose of providing opportunities for in-service teachers to expand their knowledge of physics pedagogy and deepen their understanding of physics subject content, 1997-1999. Involved the design and teaching of courses within the program, as well as recruiting and advising program participants.

Development of inquiry-based physical science materials for 9th grade physical science classes in an inner city school with a high percentage of at-risk students,1997-1999. This work was done in collaboration with a high school physical science teacher, as continuation of a project begun with an NSF grant for Science Teacher Enhancement.

Women and Science Curriculum Reform Institute, University of Wisconsin
Women and Science Program. June, 1998: Team leader of three groups from different universities working on developing courses and curricula that try to reverse female and minority attrition from the sciences. Speaker at the opening session on Gender Conscious

Pedagogies in Action.
June, 1999: Participant with a cross-disciplinary collaboration from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) for the development of a general education course integrating the study of historically neglected scientists with hands-on, minds-on exploration of scientific processes, as an introduction to science.

[top of page] [home]

Science Outreach Work

Science: It's a Girl Thing Program. Helped with presentation by the Institute for Development and Enrichment of Advanced Learners and Texas Tech University/ Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science Education Fellows, July 5, 2000.

Workshop for Inservice Teachers, on materials developed based on Physics Education Research, "Physics by Inquiry: Electricity and Magnetism," Region 17 Education Service Center, Lubbock, TX, June 7, 2000.

University Interscholastic League academic competitions. In charge of proctoring and grading physics competition at the local and regional levels, Texas Tech University, January and April, 2000.

Science Adventure Camp. Designed, developed and successfully employed materials for a week long experience for 6-8th grade students on the topic of motion, with particular focus on the concepts of position, velocity and acceleration, culminating in a visit to Michigan Adventure Amusement Park. Part of a program run by the Regional Math/Science Center, Grand Valley State University, July, 1998.

Colorado College NSF Science Teacher Enhancement Project.
Collaboration with two in-service high school teachers and a GVSU science education faculty member. Received a grant for facilitating science teacher enhancement through the development and piloting of science units and planning constructivist-based science institutes for teachers. Developed two inquiry-based units for 11th grade Physics and 9th grade Physical Science classes for students in a school with a high percentage of at-risk students, consistent with state and national standards and the Michigan High School Proficiency Test. Attended a week-long conference to learn about the Colorado College Integrated Science Teacher Enhancement Program.

Science Curriculum Leadership Project, Regional Math/Science Center, Grand Valley State University. Presented a five day workshop for in-service middle school teachers on using inquiry-based instruction to meet Michigan Essential Goals and Objectives in Science Education (MEGOSE). Fall 1996, summer 1997.

West Michigan Science Festival, Grand Valley State University. Organized and directed "Holography: Seeing the Light", an event about holography presented by junior and senior physics majors for middle school students. Participants make their own holograms. Spring, 1995 and 1996.

Science Olympiad, Grand Valley State University. Organized and directed "Experimental Design" event each spring, 1995-1998. Co-organized and directed "Experimental Design" event at the National Science Olympiad, May 1998, Grand Valley State University.

Science Saturday, Grand Valley State University. Worked with a middle school teacher in running a hands-on session about electric circuits for 4-6th
tab graders, winter, 1997.

Young Scholars Program, The Ohio State University. Planned, organized and directed (including hiring in-service teachers and student assistants) the physical science component of the Young Scholars Program, a program for talented, at-risk students, summer 1994.

Project Discovery, The Ohio State University. Taught an intensive six week course to in-service middle school teachers using Physics by Inquiry materials, as part of the Ohio State Systemic Initiative, summers 1992 and 1993.

Ohio State Science Olympiad, The Ohio State University. Planned and directed three physics events, including organizing student volunteers, spring 1994. Also participated in 1993 and 1992.

[top of page] [home]

Workshops

Organizer, “Humanized Physics Activities,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Madison, WI (August, 2003).

Organizer, “Workshop Physics with Health Science Applications,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Madison, WI (August, 2003).

Organizer, “Workshop Physics with Health Science Applications,” week-long workshop, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX (July 14-18, 2003).

Organizer, “Workshop Physics with Health Science Applications,” week-long workshop, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI (June 16-20, 2003).

Organizer, “Workshop Physics with Health Science Applications,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Boise, Idaho, (August, 2002).

Organizer, “Workshop Physics with Health Science Applications,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (January, 2002).

[top of page] [home]

Grants

National Science Foundation - Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement
grant CCLI-EMD #0088780 for "Humanized Physics -- Reforming Physics Using Multimedia and Mathematical Modeling" for development of materials for the introductory, algebra-based physics course with health science based content using mathematical modeling and multimedia, 2001-2004.

National Science Foundation Award EEC-0087902, "Curriculum Development
for the Design, Fabrication, and Utilization of Chip-Based Micro-
Analytical Systems," 2001-2004.

National Science Foundation - Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement grant CCLI #9981031 for "Workshop Physics with Health Science Applications" for development of materials for the introductory, algebra-based physics course with a health science based content focus in an interactive, computer-based laboratory setting, 2000-2003.

Big 12 Faculty Fellowship for research with Robert G. Fuller (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), 1999-2000.

Supported by Colorado College National Science Foundations Science Teacher Enhancement Project in work with Muskegon Heights High School Science faculty, summer 1997.

Summer Undergraduate Research Grant, Grand Valley State University, joint award with student researcher, Chad Meyer, summer 1999.

Summer Undergraduate Research Grant, Grand Valley State University, joint award with student researcher, Terry Bochenek, summer 1996.

Summer Undergraduate Research Grant, Grand Valley State University, joint award with student researcher, Jeremy DeFouw, summer 1995.

Awards

Outstanding Faculty Member Award from Mortar Board, a national senior honor society made up of the top 50 seniors on campus (Fall 2003).

[top of page] [home]

Committees

[top of page] [home]

Other Research-Related Work

Editor, American Journal of Physics Theme Issue: Quantum Mechanics, (March, 2002) 7 (3), 199-367.

Reviewer, Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

[top of page] [home]

Invited Colloquia

“Students’ Understanding of Topics in Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics,” Trinity University, (October, 2002).

“A Study of the Nature of Students’ Models of Microscopic Processes in Modern
Physics and Quantum Mechanics,” University of Akron, (April, 2001).

"A Study of the Nature of Students' Models of Microscopic Processes in Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics," University of Nebraska - Lincoln, (March, 2000).

"A Study of the Nature of Students' Models of Microscopic Processes in Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics," Kansas State University, (March, 2000).

"A Study of the Nature of Students' Models of Microscopic Processes in Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics," University of Kansas, (March, 2000).

"Student Models of Modern Physics Concepts," Texas Tech University, (March 1999).

"Describing Microscopic Processes Based on Macroscopic Phenomena,” University of Maryland, (April 1998).

“Different Levels of Inquiry,” University of Maryland, (April 1998).

“What is Physics by Inquiry?” Chalk Symposium on Physics Teaching, Physics Association of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, (May, 1994).

“Physics by Inquiry?” Wright State University, (April 1994).

“Comparing Problem Solving Skills of Traditionally and Non-traditionally Taught Students,” Western Illinois University, (March 1994).

“A Comparison of Problem Solving Skills of Students Taught Traditionally and Non-Traditionally,” U.S. Military Academy, West Point, (March 1994).

“Comparing Problem Solving Skills of Students Taught Traditionally with Students Taught Non-traditionally,” Grand Valley State University, (February 1994).

“What Do You Think?'' University of Akron, (September, 1993).

“Part III: Open to Question,” University of Utah, (May, 1993).

“Physics Education Research (at the University of Cincinnati),” University of Cincinnati, (March, 1993).

“Dynamical Heavy Quarks on the Lattice,” Fermilab National Laboratory, (April 1992).

“Dynamical Heavy Quarks in Lattice QCD,” Los Alamos National Laboratory, (December 1991).

[top of page] [home]

Invited Seminars

“Students’ Difficulties in Quantum Mechanics,” Physics Education Research
Group, The Ohio State University, (April, 2002).

“Computer Assessment of Student Understanding in Physics," Science Education Seminar, The Ohio State University, (May, 1993).

[top of page] [home]

Invited Conference Talks

“Designing a New Introductory Algebra-based Curriculum: Problems, Concerns and PER,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Austin, Texas, (January, 2003).

“Interviewing Students – From Introductory Courses to Quantum Mechanics,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Boise, Idaho, (August, 2002).

“Physics Education Research: what it is and why it is useful or Physics Education
Research: What is it doing in my physics department?” Texas Section American
Association of Physics Teachers/American Physical Society/Society of Physics Students, Nacogdoches, Texas, (March, 2002).

“An Exploration of Students’ Models of Microscopic Particles and Microscopic Processes or Students' Understanding of Topics in Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics,” Four Corners Section American Physical Society, Las Cruces, New Mexico, (November, 2001).

"Twelve to Twenty Contact Hours and Research, Too," Physics Education Research Conference (PERC), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska,
as part of a panel discussion on the topic (August, 1998).

"Students' Models of Modern Physics Concepts Based on Experimental Observations," joint meeting of the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers, Columbus, Ohio, (April 1998).

Invited Targeted Poster Sessions and Panel Discussions
“Exploring the structure and dynamics of students’ reasoning,” joint Arkansas-Oklahoma-Kansas and Nebraska American Association of Physics Teachers meeting and Big 12 Physics Education Research Conference, Kansas State University, (November, 2003).

[top of page] [home]

Invited Targeted Poster Sessions and Panel Discussions

“Exploring the structure and dynamics of students’ reasoning,” joint Arkansas-Oklahoma-Kansas and Nebraska American Association of Physics Teachers meeting and Big 12 Physics Education Research Conference, Kansas State University, (November, 2003).

[top of page] [home]

Contributed Conference Talks

“Cognition and Physics Instruction,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Madison, Wisconsin, (August, 2003).

“A New Introductory Algebra-based Curriculum: An Update,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (January, 2002).

“A New Algebra-based Introductory Physics Curriculum,” American Association
of Physics Teachers, Rochester, New York, (July, 2001).

“A Collaborative Project – Reforming Physics: College Phyiscs with Human Applications,” (with Vicki Plano Clark, Robert Fuller, Nancy Beverly, Mark Plano Clark and Chris Wentworth), American Association of Physics Teachers, Rochester, New York, (July, 2001).

“Students’ Understanding of a Topic in Quantum Mechanics: Superposition of
States,” American Association of Physics Teachers, San Diego, California (January, 2001).

“The Algebra-based Physics Course for Health Science Majors,” (with Ann Marie Eligon), American Association of Physics Teachers, San Diego, California (January, 2001).

"Humanized Physics -- Reforming Physics Using Multimedia and Mathematical Modeling," (with Robert G. Fuller, Vicki Plano Clark, Mark Plano Clark, Nancy Beverly, Richard M. Fuller, American Association of Physics Teachers, Guelph, Canada (August 2000).

"Humanized Physics -- How Do We Move?" (with Robert G. Fuller, Vicki Plano Clark, Mark Plano Clark, Nancy Beverly, American Association of Physics Teachers, Guelph, Canada (August 2000).

"Humanized Physics -- How Do We See Colors?" (with Robert G. Fuller, Vicki Plano Clark, Mark Plano Clark, Nancy Beverly, American Association of Physics eachers, Guelph, Canada (August 2000).

"Student Models of Modern Physics Concepts," (with Brant Hinrichs) American Association of Physics Teachers, San Antonio, Texas (August 1999).

"The Physics of a Camera that is Proposed to Give Evidence of Electromagnetic Fields of Living Systems", (with Chad Meyer) American Association of Physics Teachers, San Antonio, Texas (August 1999).

"Introductory Algebra-based Physics: the Neglected Course," American Physical Society, Atlanta, Georgia, (March, 1999).

"Preliminary Investigations of Student Perceptions in Electrostatics", Fall 1997 meeting of the Michigan Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers, Flint, Michigan, (October, 1997).

"Student Understanding of Concepts in Modern Physics: The Photoelectric Effect," (with Amy Morrison) American Association of Physics Teachers, College Park, Maryland, (August 1996)

"What is an Electron?" American Association of Physics Teachers, College Park, Maryland, (August 1996)

"Moving Towards Interactive Demonstrations," (with Terry Bochenek), American Association of Physics Teachers, College Park, Maryland, (August 1996).

"Student Models of Transients in DC Electric Circuits," American Association of Physics Teachers, Indianapolis, Indiana, (May 1996)
“Mobile Interactive Physics as a Research Tool,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Spokane, Washington, (August 1995).

"The Implications of Research in Physics Education for Science Teaching or Applied Constructivism and What is 'Physics by Inquiry?'", Winter Faculty and Staff Colloquium, Science and Mathematics Division, Grand Valley State University, (January 1995).

“Student Interpretation of Transients in DC Electric Circuits,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Orlando, Florida, (January 1995).

“Student Models of Transients in DC Electric Circuits,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Notre Dame, Indiana, (August 1994).

“A Window on the Conceptual Understanding of High School Students on an Atwood Machine Problem,” American Association of Physics Teachers, San Diego, California, (January 1994).

“An Analysis of Student Responses on Traditional and Non-traditional Statics Problems,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Boise, Idaho, (August, 1993).

“A Comparison of Student Performance on Synthesis and Analysis Examination Problems,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Washington, D.C., (April, 1993).

“Comparing Problem Solving Performance of Inquiry-Based and Traditional Physics Students,” American Association of Physics Teachers, New Orleans, Louisiana, (January 1993).

“What is Teaching by Inquiry?,” American Association of Physics Teachers, Orono, Maine, (August 1992).

“Renormalization of Bilinear Lattice Vertex Operators,” Lattice 91, Tsukuba, Japan, (November 1991).

“Heavy Quark Renormalization Parameters in Nonrelativistic QCD,” Particles and Fields 91, Vancouver, Canada (August 1991).

“A Lattice QCD Simulation with Dynamical Heavy Quarks,” Lattice 90, Tallahassee, Florida (October 1990).

[top of page] [home]

Contributed Targeted Poster Sessions and Panel Discussions

“The dynamics of students’ reasoning during an interview,” Physics Education Research Conference, Madison, Wisconsin, with Sanjay Rebello, Alicia R. Allbaugh, Paula V. Englehart, Kara E. Gray, Zdeslav Hrepic, and Salomon F. Itza-Ortiz from Kansas State University, Luanna G. Ortiz from Arizona State University and Andy Terrel from Texas Tech University, (August 2003).

[top of page] [home]

Articles in refereed journals

“Recent advances in classroom physics,” Rep. Prog. Phys. 66, 1833 – 1864 (2003).

“A Study of the Nature of Students’ Models of Microscopic Processes in the Context of Modern Physics Experiments,” Am. J. of Phys. 71 (6), 599-606 (2003).

Accepted “Implementation of Interactive Online Homework Significantly Enhances Student’s Learning of Physics Concepts in an Introductory Physics Course,” (with K. Kelvin Cheng, Richard L. Cardenas, and Catherine Crouch) to the American Journal of Physics.

Submitted “Not-so-simple DC motors: Part I and Part II,” (with Abel Diaz and David Jackson), to The Physics Teacher.

“Macroscopic Phenomena and Microscopic Processes: Student Understanding of Transients in DC Electric Circuits,” The Physics Education Research Supplement of the American Journal of Physics, 67 (7), S25-S31 (1999), (with Uri Ganiel and Donald Boys).

“Comparing Problem Solving Performance of Physics Students in Inquiry-Based and Traditional Physics Courses,” Am. J. Phys. 62 (7), 627-633 (1994) (with Suzanne M. Lea, Eunsook Kim, Kelvin Trefz).

“Computer-Assisted Assessment of Student Understanding in Physics,” Computers in Physics, 8 (1), 122-127, 1994 (with Suzanne M. Lea, Eunsook Kim, Kelvin Trefz).

“Renormalization of Bilinears in NRQCD,” Phys. Rev. D 48, 1329 (1993) (with C. T. H. Davies).

“Heavy Quark Renormalization Parameters in Nonrelativistic QCD,” Phys. Rev. D 45, 915 (1992) (with C. T. H. Davies).

“Upsilon Spectroscopy from Lattice QCD,” Nucl. Phys. B405, 593 (1993)
(with C. T. H. Davies).

“Heavy Quark Bound States in Lattice QCD,” Phys. Rev. D 43, 196 (1991) (with
G. P. Lepage).

“Renormalization of Bilinear Lattice Vertex Operators in NRQCD,” Proceedings
of LAT91, Tskuba, Japan, Nucl. Phys. B (Proc. Suppl.), 26, 378-380, (1992) (with C. T. H. Davies).

“Upsilon Spectroscopy from Lattice QCD,” Proceedings of LAT91, Tskuba,
Japan, Nucl. Phys. B (Proc. Suppl.), 26, 375-377, (1992) (with C. T. H. Davies).

“A Lattice QCD Simulation with Dynamical Heavy Quarks,” Proceedings of
LAT90, Tallahassee, Florida, Nucl. Phys. B (Proc. Suppl.), 20, 509-512, (1991) (with G. P. Lepage).

“Effective Lagrangians for Simulating Heavy Quark Systems,” Nucl. Phys. B 4,
199 (1988), (with G. P. Lepage).

“Ultraviolet Photo Decomposition for Metal Deposition: Gas versus Surface
Phase Processes,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 42, 408 (1983), (with T. H. Wood and J. C.
White).

[top of page] [home]

Other articles

"Twelve to Twenty Contact Hours and Research, Too," in PER Conference '98, publication of invited talks at 1998 Physics Education Research Conference, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“What is Research in Physics Education?” Physics Magazine, The Ohio State University, 1993.

“It’s About Time,” Physics Magazine, The Ohio State University, 1992.

[top of page] [home]

Students

[top of page] [home]