Russian-American physicist brings fun to physics education
Tatiana L. Erukhimova has made a career out of making physics engaging and enjoyable for students and the public. Originally from Russia, she now works as a professor at Texas A&M University in the United States. This blog post explores her background and achievements in physics communication and outreach.
Early Days Studying Physics in Russia
Erukhimova completed both her Master’s degree in 1987 and PhD in physics in her native Russia. She studied at N. I. Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod for her Master’s and then went on to finish her doctorate at the prestigious Russian Academy of Sciences.
Taking Physics Engagement to New Heights in the US
After a postdoctoral position at Texas A&M, Erukhimova joined the faculty there in 2006. She immediately began spearheading numerous physics outreach initiatives for the university community and general public. These included interactive physics shows, festivals, enhancement programmes for high school students, and more.
Her creative efforts to make physics relatable and fun earned Erukhimova teaching awards from Texas A&M and Sigma Xi. She took on more leadership roles in physics education, acting as Outreach Coordinator and Vice-Chair of the American Association of Physics Teachers Committee on Science Education for the Public.
Innovative Physics Educator Recognition
Erukhimova’s physics communication work continued gaining prominence in her field. In 2019 she was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society. She also published academic research showing no evidence for a gender gap in physics performance.
Her recent physics demo videos on TikTok and other platforms have gone viral, bringing Erukhimova’s engaging teaching style to millions worldwide. She demonstrates physics concepts through enjoyable experiments that fascinate students and public viewers alike. It’s no wonder she holds two University Professorships in Undergraduate Teaching Excellence from Texas A&M. This Russian-born physicist truly found her American dream bringing the fun to physics through her innovative teaching and outreach.
If all science teachers were like Tatiana, the world would be full of enthusiastic scientists!
Summary
– Originally from Russia, Tatiana Erukhimova is now a physics professor at Texas A&M University
– She completed her Master’s and PhD in physics in Russia before moving to the US
– At Texas A&M, Erukhimova organized numerous creative physics outreach programs for students and the public
– Her efforts to make physics engaging earned various teaching awards and leadership positions
– In 2019, she was named an American Physical Society Fellow for her physics communication work
– Erukhimova demonstrated there’s no gender gap in physics aptitude through her research
– Her recent viral physics demo videos on TikTok bring complex concepts to millions
– With two Professorships in Teaching Excellence, she exemplifies innovative science engagement
– This Russian-born physicist found her calling: making physics fun and accessible through her exceptional outreach