Associate Professor Catherine Herne recognized by American Association of Physics Teachers

SUNY New Paltz Associate Professor of Physics Catherine Herne is the 2023 recipient of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)’s Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service.

Herne is being recognized for “tireless service to bringing attention to the importance of equitable learning spaces, and for exceptional contributions and consistent leadership that have helped develop foundational principles and structure” to serve as a guide for realizing diversity in AAPT.

“I am honored to receive this award as a part of AAPT’s movement towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable association and physics community,” said Herne. “I continue to be amazed by the efforts of AAPT members and staff and their commitment to this ongoing work.”

Herne has been a key leader of AAPT’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force, working to reshape the organization’s understanding of how to best serve its diverse membership. She also serves as being part of the chair chain in the AAPT Committee on Laboratories, and was one of the authors of the recent AAPT whitepaper, Increase Investment in Accessible Physics Labs: A Call to Action for the Physics Education Community.

Learn more about the Department of Physics & Astronomy at SUNY New Paltz here.

 

About the American Association of Physics Teachers

Founded in 1930, the American Association of Physics Teachers is an international organization for physics educators, physicists, and industrial scientists—with members worldwide. Dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching, AAPT provides awards, publications, and programs that encourage teaching practical application of physics principles, support continuing professional development, and reward excellence in physics education.