Brad R. Conrad, Ph.D. is the Education and Workforce Development Manager at the Office of Advanced Manufacturing at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He received a B.S. in physics from RIT (Zone 2) and inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma in 2003. Brad received a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland – College Park (Zone 4). Prior to NIST, Brad served as the Director of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma for AIP. He was previously a tenured Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University (Zone 5), where his research focused on nanoelectronics. Before becoming a professor, he was an NRC Fellow at NIST in the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory. Brad is a fellow of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), given over 200 talks at national conferences or universities, published reports on workforce skills and technical careers, written over 70 articles for the physics and astronomy community, published 19 peer-reviewed research papers, and served on committees for AAPT, AAS, APS, NSBP, SPS, IUPAP, and other organizations.

Nominee Statement
I would not be a physicist without SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma. Sigma Pi Sigma exists to encourage and amplify people and the future of the field, one student at a time. It’s our responsibility to ensure that Sigma Pi Sigma responds to the needs of the community in 2026 and beyond. If elected, I would focus on working with AIP and partners to increase mentor programs, research, and exploration of career pathways by:

1. Increasing research programs/recognition and internship opportunities for members
2. Encouraging service projects and programs for Sigma Pi Sigma chapter
3. Promoting chapter recognition of excellence within the field, integrity, and high character
4. Providing networking opportunities for SPS students with the expansive network of Sigma Pi Sigma members

It is a great honor to be nominated for this position. We have amazing opportunities to help every chapter support their members’ changing needs, celebrate SPS’s 60th anniversary in 2028, and to begin preparations for the 2028 Physics and Astronomy Congress in Minneapolis. I am asking for your vote and support as Sigma Pi Sigma President. Together, we can help every student not just feel welcome but find their future career pathways.”

Local Involvement
As a student, I served as the president of my local chapter of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma for 2 years. I was able to serve as the Associate Zone Councilor in 2003 for Zone 2. While a graduate student, I was happy to work with the UMD chapter at outreach events, tours, and lab visits. As a professor, I was able to work with our local chapter leaders to plan demo shows, symposia, research projects, service events, induction ceremonies, and student trips. I’ve continued to support students in the DC area to visit national labs and give talks on career pathways for physics and astronomy students. Ultimately, the society is about people supporting people.

National Involvement
Nationally, I’ve been able to work with many of the futue leaders of the field. As a former Director of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma for seven years, I’ve been fortunate to work with chapter leaders from across the globe. I have visited over 100 different chapters and been a champion for SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma committees. I’ve supported or served on the Sigma Pi Sigma Congresses Executive Program Committees in ’16, ’19, ’22, ’25, and ’28. I’ve served as the executive editor of the Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics and Astronomy (JURPA), the SPS Observer, and Radiations. I’m lucky to have worked with hundreds of SPS leaders to enhance their chapters’ and their members’ professional careers - the highlight of my career. I’ve represented SPS with professional organizations committees, including AAPT, APS, AAS, and AIP.

Experience
I’ve been able to serve on several governance oriented committes. For the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) I have served as the chair of the Meetings Program Committee, the Committee on Physics in the Undergraduate Education, and the Programs Structure Committee. I was a board member of the Association of College Honor Societies. For AIP I served in several roles, including on the Gemant Award Committee, Meggers Award Committee, and Helleman Award Committee. I have served as a representative for U.S. Liaison Committee for the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics, representing the American Institute of Physics. For APS, I served on the Forum on Education (FED) for two terms, contributor to EP3, Committee on Membership, and on the Forum on Graduate Student Affairs. I’ve also supported committees and efforts with NSBP and AAS. At AppState, I served on the board of the Fermentation Science Program and as the chair of several committees.

Dr. Tatiana Allen is a UC Foundation Professor of Physics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Physics from St. Petersburg State Technical University (Russia), with specialization in condensed matter physics and materials science.

Dr. Allen has more than forty years of teaching experience, beginning at the Physics Department of St. Petersburg State Technical University and continuing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She is deeply committed to physics education and to mentoring undergraduate students through research, leadership, and professional development.

Since becoming advisor to the UTC Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Sigma Pi Sigma chapter in 2021—during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many activities were paused—Dr. Allen has helped rebuild a vibrant and highly active chapter. Under her mentorship, the chapter has received national recognition and multiple Outstanding Chapter designations. In 2024, she received the SPS Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award for her leadership in revitalizing the chapter, promoting undergraduate research, and creating experiential learning opportunities through SPS-funded research projects.

Nominee Statement
I was inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma in 2024 at the National SPS Council Meeting after receiving the SPS Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award. My dedication to SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma is rooted in the belief that physics education is most transformative when it is supported by a strong, inclusive community of students, faculty, and alumni. Sigma Pi Sigma plays a vital role in recognizing academic excellence while inspiring students to grow as scholars, leaders, and ambassadors for physics.

As a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I work closely with undergraduate students in the classroom, in research, and through extracurricular activities. Serving as faculty advisor to our Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma chapter has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. During my time as advisor, our chapter has received national recognition every year, including three consecutive “Outstanding Chapter” awards, reflecting strong student leadership, active undergraduate research, and impactful outreach to schools and the broader community.

If elected President, I will focus on strengthening collaboration among Sigma Pi Sigma chapters nationwide, helping local chapters build strong connections with Sigma Pi Sigma and SPS alumni, and highlighting both the history and continuing achievements of our community. I am also committed to expanding opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, mentorship, and outreach, while creating pathways that broaden participation and support the next generation of physicists.

Local Involvement
Dr. Allen has served as the UTC Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Sigma Pi Sigma faculty advisor since 2021. During this time, she helped rebuild the chapter from inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic into a vibrant SPS-centered community that includes physics majors as well as several non-physics students.

The chapter holds regular monthly meetings, often followed by scientific seminars presented by invited scientists and departmental alumni. Under Dr. Allen’s mentorship, students organize and participate in numerous outreach and community engagement activities, including UTC Welcome Week events, Physics Days at the Creative Discovery Museum for children, and physics demonstrations at local schools. The chapter also supports K–12 STEM engagement by hosting annual competitions for the International Mathematics Olympiad “Math Kangaroo” in the state of Tennessee.

Dr. Allen actively promotes undergraduate research and experiential learning. Since 2022, UTC SPS students have received four SPS research awards. She mentors student research projects, organizes research seminars, raises funds for student travel, and prepares students to present award-winning posters at regional and national meetings. The chapter also participates in Zone 8 SPS meetings and organizes site tours to premier facilities like Oak Ridge National Laboratory and local industrial partners.

Dr. Allen also maintains strong connections with departmental alumni. Dr. Allen has reinstated annual Sigma Pi Sigma inductions. She is also the driving force behind the “UTC Sigma Pi Sigma chapter genealogy project.” Supported by a Sigma Pi Sigma Chapter Project Award, this initiative identifies and recognizes alumni from 1997-2017 who were eligible for induction during the years the chapter was inactive, ensuring their achievements are finally honored.

National Involvement
The UTC SPS chapter, under Dr. Allen’s leadership, has earned national recognition through a Distinguished Chapter Award (2021-22) and three consecutive Outstanding Chapter Awards (2022-25). The chapter has received four SPS Chapter Research Awards for the following projects: “A LEGO Watt Balance: An Apparatus to Determine the SI Unit of Kilogram Using the Fundamental Planck’s Constant” (featured in SPS Observer magazine), “A LEGO-Based Low-Cost Autonomous Scientist: Using Machine Learning to Derive the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation,” “A 3D-Printed Laser Autocollimator for Precise Angular Deviation Measurements,” “SPS-ENTR: A Student-Built Electronic Torque Realizer for Undergraduate Metrology Research.”

The chapter has received an SPS Student Reporter Award, more than five SPS Travel Awards, and a Sigma Pi Sigma Chapter Project Award. Dr. Allen personally organized fundraising efforts and led a UTC student delegation of four to the Physics Congress (PhysCon) in 2025. She also serves as a regular judge for undergraduate research sessions at annual meetings sponsored by the American Physical Society (APS) and Tennessee Association of Physics Teachers (TAAPT).

Experience
Dr. Allen has extensive experience serving on professional, institutional, and national governance bodies. She was invited to participate in the 2024 and 2025 SPS Council Meetings, where she presented on chapter development and student engagement, and led a faculty workshop at the 2025 Physics Congress.

For four years, Dr. Allen served on the User Executive Committee of the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, first as an at-large member and later as Secretary. In this role, she contributed to strategic discussions, user community engagement, and governance activities supporting one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s major national user facilities.

At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Dr. Allen serves as Associate Department Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. She has significant experience in academic governance through her participation in and leadership of multiple committees, including the Department Executive Committee and the Departmental Promotion and Tenure Committee. She has also served on the UTC Faculty Council and led the UTC team at the Departmental Action Leadership Institute (DALI) initiative sponsored by the American Physical Society, which focuses on helping the physics department to address the ongoing challenges with enrollment, program reviews, student learning assessment plans, recruitment and hiring.

Professor Michael “Bodhi” Rogers earned a Bachelors in Physics from the State University of New York at Geneseo and several degrees from Oregon State University: a Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Archaeology, a Masters of Science in Physics, and a Ph.D. in Physics. Along with being a Ph.D. physicist Dr. Rogers is also a registered professional archaeologist and a US Army veteran. He served on the SPS National Council as the Zone Councilor for Zone 2 for 5 years and as the ZC for Zone 14 for the past 6 years. He is a professor and chair of the physics department at the University of Colorado Denver. Prior to joining the CU Denver physics department he was a professor at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY for 16 years. Dr. Rogers has multiple research interests to include physics and astronomy education, geophysical archaeology, and 3D imaging to include work on imaging cadaveric wrist joints and spinal implants. A current focus is using high-tech lasers to digitize castles in Ireland and display them in AR/VR using a Web-based LiDAR viewer he and his students created. This effort allows visitors to tour inaccessible and potentially dangerous portions of historic sites. He also created and teaches a series of one credit professional development seminars that introduce students to the broad range of careers for earners of a physics undergraduate degree, help students plan on how to enhance their science resume, and to prepare for applying to graduate school and jobs.

Nominee Statement
Professor Rogers previously served as the Zone 2 Councilor for five years and since moving to Colorado was elected twice to serve as the Zone 14 Councilor. With 11 years of experience on the SPS National Council serving two very different zones I am well poised to serve as the Sigma Pi Sigma President. I was inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma in 1993 and still remember the feeling of this recognition. I’ve since had the pleasure of inducting dozens of students into Sigma Pi Sigma to join a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics and astronomy and are dedicated to an attitude of service. If elected, I will strive to meet the mission of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma by:

1. Actively working to create new chapters in departments without a Sigma Pi Sigma chapter.
2. Support chapters who have not had an induction ceremony recently induct eligible members into Sigma Pi Sigma.
3. Work with SPS National to develop a companion to the SPS Career Toolbox called the SPS Graduate School Toolbox.
4. Bolstering SPS’s efforts on making physics welcoming to everyone interested in physics and astronomy.

Local Involvement
I was the SPS chapter advisor from 2003 to 2019 while a professor at Ithaca College. I’ve been serving as the SPS chapter advisor at the University of Colorado Denver from 2019 to present. CU Denver served as a local host for the 2025 PhysCon held in Denver, Colorado.

National Involvement
I joined the SPS National Council in 2014 as the zone councilor to Zone 2. I served in this role until 2019 to become the chair of physics at the University of Colorado Denver. In 2020 I was elected to become the zone councilor for Zone 14 and was re-elected in 2023 to a second term. During my time on the SPS National Council I have had the pleasure of working with three directors, four SPS presidents, and three Sigma Pi Sigma presidents. The SPS staff are amazing at what they do and I’ve enjoyed working with them.

Experience
I have served in a variety of leadership roles throughout my academic career. Member of the executive committee of the Cayuga Trails Conference, Vice President of the Finger Lakes Chapter of the New York State Archaeology Society, Executive Committee Member and Chair of the New York State Section of the American Physical Society, Faculty Trustee on the Ithaca College Board of Trustees, Chair of the University of Colorado Denver physics department, and Co-Lead for the CU Denver educate for the future vision team to name a few. Most recently I’ve been selected to serve as a faculty fellow to the CU Denver all university Council of Chairs and Directors where I serve as a bridge between the council and the administration.

Dr. Qi Wen is an Associate Professor of Physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. A biophysicist by training, he earned his PhD in Physics from Brown University followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania. His research explores the viscoelasticity of biomaterials, cell mechanics, and the dynamic interactions between cells and their extracellular microenvironment. Beyond research, he teaches physics courses at different levels range from introductory levels to Graduate level. He also advocates for broadening participation in physics through undergraduate mentorship and community outreach.

Nominee Statement
I am enthusiastic about serving the physics community and the Society of Physics Students. As Zone Councilor, I will collaborate closely with Associate Zone Councilors and chapter leaders throughout New England (Zone 1) to enhance communication and build a strong network for sharing ideas in outreach and research.

Camryn Neches is a junior at Harvard majoring in Physics and History & Literature, with a concurrent masters in Theoretical Physics. She is a research associate at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she applies principles from statistical mechanics to modeling protein folding and interactions in cancer. She is a long-time course assistant in the Physics department, staying until midnight to ensure that everyone who came to office hours leaves with a completed and well-understood homework, the leader of the Polaris mentoring program and an active participant in other SPS programs, and a research mentor for high school students. She is from Port Washington, New York, and outside of physics, she enjoys consuming and creating science-fiction in all forms, including as the President of the Harvard-Radcliffe Science-Fiction Association, and is the Ground Station lead for the Harvard College CubeSat.

Nominee Statement
Hi everybody, it is nice to meet you! My name is Camryn Neches, and I am a junior at Harvard studying Physics and History & Literature, with a concurrent masters in Theoretical Physics. I am interested in becoming your Associate Zone Councilor because I care deeply about creating inclusive physics communities in which we can all share our mutual interests and enthusiasm!

At Harvard, I have been part of my SPS’s Events and Panels committee, the chair of the Polaris mentorship program, a representative to the APS IDEA committee, and a member of the Womxn in Physics club. If elected, I want to support students to find research grants and opportunities by creating a database of available options year-round, facilitate more mentorship and friendship between students of all levels, and advocate for science together. I would be honored to represent you!

Hi all! I’m Patrick “Pj” Ryan, a rising masters student in the accelerated BS/MS Program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where I’m majoring in Physics, with a goal of doing astrophysics research and teaching at my current institution! Currently on campus, I am a team dynamics consultant at WPI’s SWEET Center, a Physics Department Teaching Assistant, am an active member of my chapter’s Society of Physics Students as their President, and the Epsilon Deuteron Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa’s Vice President of Internal Operations. From my experience as a Residential Summer Camp Counselor at WPI for their Frontier programs for high school upperclassmen, being the incumbent AZC this past year, and my Interactive Qualifying Project which brought me across the world to study and interact with communities--its a passion of mine to connect and interact with numbers of people under a common cause, and to teach people about not only our shared interest of physics and astronomy, but how to be good leaders as well in a world of ambiguity.

Nominee Statement
In being the incumbent position holder, I’ve really come to learn the needs of our Zone and the Society at large, which makes me all the more passionate about my plans for this next year, should I be reelected. I really hope to cultivate an environment amongst our Zone to facilitate easier communication amongst the many chapters of our Zone, which would begin at our Zone Meetings, and potentially another event throughout the year! I would love to re-kindle the Instagram and get chapters recognized by their peers, and allow for our chapters to have a platform to showcase upcoming events to the broader physics community, so potentially people from other chapters can come attend and make connections with one another! Another goal of mine would be trying to create a similarly structured body, like SPS, for high school students. I would like students interested in pursuing a career in physics to have a much more stable idea of what their career may look like, resources they can have, and mentors they can go to, so they too can be amongst a welcoming community like that of the Society of Physics Students--something I didn’t have when I was their age, and something that I feel is necessary given the state of the field.

Carolina Guekjian is a physics student at Adelphi University, graduating in 2027. Carolina has a strong interest and commitment in quantum optics research. Carolina currently performs research in Quantum Entanglement which she has been involved in for the past three years. She has presented her work at the Frontiers and Optics Conference. She is an active member of Sigma Pi Sigma and Adelphi University’s Society of Physics Students. Carolina demonstrates her leadership experience as the current President of the Physics Club and has been actively involved for past three years holding several executive board positions. She also inspires younger students as a student educator for Lab4Kids. Carolina is currently a Teacher Assistant for the Physics Department and a Tutor for Mathematics and Physics for the CSTEP Program at Adelphi University. Carolina genuinely enjoys helping and supporting students.

Nominee Statement
If elected, my goal for zone 2 is to expand zone events, communication and collaboration to continue building a stronger community of physics students in the region. I am excited to work with other SPS members throughout Zone 2 to organize exciting and thoughtful meetings next year where SPS members can meet other students and present their research having opportunities to interact with their peers developing a strong sense of community in the field. In addition, I would like to get the community involved in outreach initiatives to promote science education throughout Zone 2. My focus is to create opportunities for growth, networking, and community engagement.

Katyanna has served as Sarah Lawrence’s SPS chapter president for two academic years. She also serves as co-chair for SLC’s STEMinist society, a student organization that promotes belonging and community for women in STEM on campus. She has done education research in nuclear magnetic resonance and QISE education accessibility at Sarah Lawrence, both as an intern and as a research assistant. She has presented this research work at the 2025 Cosmic Pathways conference in New York at CCNY and at the national AAPT 2025 Winter Meeting, where she also assisted in leading a workshop. She has also participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates at Cornell University, where she worked with graduate students and postdocs to study the modelling of impurity diffusion in niobium for superconducting radio-frequency cavities for particle accelerators. She plans to get her PhD in physics after graduating from Sarah Lawrence College and devoting herself to a career in experimental research.

Nominee Statement
If given the opportunity to serve as Associate Zone Councilor, I will strive to maintain a strong community of physics students. I have leadership experience from my two years of serving as the Sarah Lawrence College SPS chapter president and the STEMinist Society co-chair. I am an involved member of my campus community, working as a research assistant, tutor, lifeguard, and theater tech worker, and holding membership in multiple student organizations. My community involvement and leadership positions have given me the outreach and communication skills necessary to serve as an Associate Zone Councilor. I am passionate about using science for good, and will integrate this passion into my position by connecting with communities on local and national levels. I promise to advocate for all physics students equally, regardless of identity, and will never hesitate to fight for fairness and justice for all members of our zone.

Dr. Ramos is Professor of Physics and Director of Undergraduate Research at Saint Joseph’s University. He earned his PhD from the University of Washington and did his postdoc at the University of Maryland helping pioneer quantum computing using the Josephson junction phase qubit in 2001. He is a quantum mechanics expert and ultra-low temperature physicist who probes the quantum properties of materials and devices. He served as Zone 3 Councilor from 2017-2023 and helped organize Zone 3 meetings at the University of the Sciences, Rutgers University, Rowan University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Lycoming College. Dr. Ramos received the 2018 Outstanding SPS Chapter Advisor Award for planting and mentoring award-winning SPS chapters across 3 universities. Dr. Ramos received the 2023 Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching and is Founder/Director of the long-running Physics Wonder Girls Summer Program in Philadelphia.

Nominee Statement
If elected, I intend to improve communications between Zone 3 chapters and the SPS National Council. As I have done during my previous 6-year term as ZC, I will work to promote SPS programs to Zone 3 chapters, engage with SPS chapter advisors and student leaders, promote chapter health and excite students to explore SPS-funded physics outreach, apply for SPS scholarships and internships, and develop their leadership potentials.

James D. Borgardt is the Woolford Professor of Physics and Chair of the Physics Department at Juniata College, where he has taught since 1998. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Arizona, with research focused on nuclear reactions and materials analysis.

Dr. Borgardt has extensive experience mentoring undergraduate physicists and supporting student leadership. Under his advising, the Juniata College SPS chapter has been consistently recognized as an Outstanding SPS Chapter year, and he received the AIP/SPS National Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award in 2016.

Nominee Statement
The Society of Physics Students plays a unique role in connecting physics students across institutions and helping them discover the broader physics community. My goal as Zone Councilor is to strengthen those connections and help chapters thrive.

Over more than two decades as an SPS chapter advisor, I have seen how transformative SPS leadership and community can be for students. Through conference participation, outreach, and research opportunities, SPS helps students see themselves as members of the physics community early in their careers.

As Zone Councilor, I would focus on three priorities:

1. Supporting chapter vitality by helping officers share successful ideas for outreach, recruiting, and programming.
2. Expanding access to opportunities, especially undergraduate research, internships, and travel experiences like PhysCon.
3. Building inclusive communities so that students from all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported in physics.

Having previously served as Zone Councilor and as a leader within Sigma Pi Sigma, I value the collaborative spirit of SPS and the important role student leadership plays in shaping the future of the organization. I would be honored to continue serving the Society and helping chapters across the zone connect, grow, and succeed.

Nationally, he has served as President-Elect of Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society, and has previously served multiple terms as SPS Zone 3 Councilor as well as two terms as President of the Juniata Sigma Pi Sigma chapter. His work with SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma has included organizing student participation at PhysCon, promoting undergraduate research, and supporting inclusive community-building within physics departments.

Beyond SPS, Dr. Borgardt collaborates internationally as a Guest Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, leading educational nuclear forensics exercises involving hundreds of scientists from 40 nations.

He is passionate about helping physics students find their voice, develop leadership skills, and build strong, supportive physics communities.

Lee Roby is a Computational Physics major and Spanish minor who deeply committed to community-building, science outreach, and inclusive leadership within physics. They are an active member of the Community Building and Belonging Committee, where they work to foster welcoming, supportive spaces for students from all backgrounds. Lee previously served as president of their local Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapter, where they organized events such as Physics Fun Nights and outreach activities aimed at making physics engaging, accessible, and enjoyable, especially for students who may feel intimidated by or disconnected from the subject. They are passionate about reshaping how physics is taught and experienced, emphasizing curiosity, creativity, and collaboration rather than exclusivity, pressure, and intimidation, which are all present in the field. Through leadership, mentorship, and outreach, Lee strives to create inclusive environments that help students feel confident, supported, and excited to participate in physics communities.

Nominee Statement
If elected, I will focus on amplifying underrepresented voices in physics, strengthening student community, and improving communication and support structures across chapters. I am especially passionate about building inclusive programs that encourage students who may feel alienated from physics to see themselves as valued members of the field. A key priority of mine will be supporting student chapter officers and improving officer retention. As a previous officer turned AZC of Zone 3, I understand what it is like to have to balance your academic career, life, and SPS contributions. I plan to work toward developing clearer onboarding resources, mentorship structures, and shared organizational tools that help officers feel confident, connected, and supported in their roles. By strengthening continuity and institutional knowledge, we can create more sustainable, effective student chapters. Additionally, I will work to unify and maintain cohesive communication channels, including updated email lists and centralized contact systems, to ensure that opportunities, deadlines, and resources are shared efficiently and equitably. Strong communication and strong community go hand in hand, and I am committed to building both.

Dr, Prabhakar Misra is a Professor of Physics and Director of the Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory at Howard University. He has served as the SPS Chapter Advisor at his home institution for the past 10 years and Zone 4 Councilor for the past 2 years (2023-2025). The Howard University Chapter has been recognized by SPS and the American Institute of Physics as a Notable SPS Chapter for 2 years (2015-16); as a Distinguished SPS Chapter for three years (2017-19); and for the past 4 consecutive years (2021-25) as an Outstanding SPS Chapter, the highest recognition reserved for only the top 15% of 844 SPS Chapters nationwide. Prof. Misra has been recognized for his research and mentoring activities by being elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) in 2015 and cited "...for sustained contributions to the spectroscopy of the condensed phases and commitment and exemplary mentoring of underrepresented students.” He is a recipient of the Fulbright Scholar and NASA Administrator Fellowship awards.

Nominee Statement
As Zone 4 Councilor for the past three years (2023-2026), I have worked with my colleagues to successfully hold well- attended annual Zone 4 meetings at Virgina Tech (2024), University of Maryland College Park (2025) and an upcoming one at Radford University (March 27-28, 2026). If re-elected Zone 4 Councilor, I will continue to engage and revitalize as many chapters in SPS activities and events as possible. It is very important for physics majors to be part of the physics community as soon as their freshman year. It is also my intention to continue to broaden participation of minority students in activities and events sponsored by AIP and SPS by raising funds from a variety of private and public sources, so that lack of funds is not an impediment for their engagement.

Tamia Abbott is a sophomore Physics and mathematics double major at Howard University. She has rich experience serving in regional level positions. In the past, she has served for 2-year (2022-24) as the Director of Advocacy and Community Outreach for the United Nations Girl Up Mid-Atlantic coalition. She directed outreach initiatives for over 100 clubs across Washington, D.C., Maryland. Virginia, and West Virginia, and organized quarterly-coalition-wide meetings, partnerships, and hosting annual regional summits. For her work she was selected to represent Girl Up at the White House 2023 International Day of Girl Event.

Tamia now currently serves as the Secretary on the Howard University SPS Chapter Executive Board, where she has played an integral role in her chapter’s success by coordinating, and collaborating with her fellow club officers to execute club events, and philanthropical initiatives. During her tenure in 2024-25 as an SPS officer, her chapter was awarded the Outstanding Chapter award by the American Institute of Physics.

Nominee Statement
“Physics is a field that benefits from collaborations. If elected as AZC of Zone 4, I will strive to open channels of communication between the various chapters, focusing on the students closer to my campus initially and then reaching out to the other schools. The annual Zone 4 meetings would be good meeting grounds to exchange ideas with my peers. In addition, we would set up social media channels for broader interaction with as many members as possible. I would also like to develop ideas for a regular newsletter that highlights Zone 4 accomplishments, especially research and scholarship recipients. We can also try to establish a virtual forum that meets regularly to bounce ideas. I would like to especially reach out to the smaller schools in Zone 4 - engage them and amplify their voices. In addition, I would like to involve members of underrepresented groups in physics, especially African Americans and Hispanics in SPS activities, and highlight their concerns for inclusion.

Jaida is a junior at East Carolina University pursuing a dual degree in Physics and Mathematics and intends to graduate in May 2028. She is also planning to minor in Biology to support her academic focus on medical physics.

Jaida is currently involved in biophysics research at the Brody School of Medicine Cancer Center, where she studies the intersection of physics and biological systems in cancer research. Her academic interests center on applying physics to medicine, particularly in areas such as radiation therapy, imaging, and other technologies used to improve cancer treatment.

After attending the recent Zone 5 meeting of the Society of Physics Students, Jaida became even more inspired by the mission of SPS and the supportive community it creates for students interested in physics. She hopes to continue contributing to that community by encouraging student engagement, supporting collaboration between students and faculty, and helping connect students with research and professional opportunities.

Nominee Statement
After attending the recent Zone 5 meeting, I became even more inspired by the mission of the Society of Physics Students and the community it creates for students who are passionate about physics. It was an incredible experience to meet other students who share the same curiosity and enthusiasm for the field.

If elected, I hope to help strengthen that sense of community by encouraging more students to get involved in SPS events, discussions, and opportunities. I believe organizations like SPS play an important role in helping students build connections, explore research interests, and learn more about the many career paths available in physics.

As someone interested in medical physics and interdisciplinary research, I am especially excited about helping students discover how physics connects to other fields such as biology and medicine. I would love to help create an environment where students feel supported in exploring their interests, collaborating with others, and growing within the physics community.

Evan McNees is a third-year Physics student at NC State. He has been involved in SPS since his first year at NC State. This past fall, he was elected president of the NC State Chapter of SPS. During his tenure as SPS President, the chapter continued its involvement within the physics department through joint meetings with the NC State WIP and NSBP chapters. On top of the chapter’s continued involvement within the physics department, SPS restarted its involvement in campus-wide events. In his free time, Evan does research in computational fluid dynamics applied to astrophysics, plays basketball, and listens to new music.

Nominee Statement
If I am elected Associate Zone Councilor, I will push for the chapters that make up our zone to have a bigger voice through voting on a location for the zone meeting. Additionally, I will keep my chapters informed of opportunities for their members, such as scholarships and chapter awards. I aim to be an assistant zone counselor who is known to be fair and open-minded.

My name is Ryne Starnes, and I’m a rising senior at Florida State University, pursuing a dual degree in Astrophysics and Applied Mathematics. I’ve had the pleasure of serving FSU SPS as both the Marketing Director and Secretary in the past two years. Serving as the Marketing Director, I’ve realized the importance of physics outreach and was able to nearly double our chapter’s attendance and social media following. I also assisted in organizing many physics outreach events for underserved communities in Tallahassee. As the chapter’s Secretary, I spearheaded an unprecedented fundraising effort to send eight of our members to the Physics & Astronomy Congress in Denver, which for many students was their first physics conference ever attended.

My research is focused in computational high energy physics, where I utilize neural networks to predict possible di-Higgs cross-sections at the LHC. I’ve had the opportunity to present my research at the 2026 Zone 6 Conference at UCF, and the 2025 Florida Undergraduate Research Conference at USF. I’ve also worked as a Learning Assistant for an introductory physics course, where I’ve developed a passion for sharing the beauty of physics.

Nominee Statement
If elected Associate Zone Councilor, one of my top priorities would be to improve mental health among physics students. There are too many students facing financial insecurity, burnout, or impostor syndrome, and I will be an advocate for distributing resources and starting initiatives to improve the student body’s general wellness. I also believe we should strengthen the bonds between Zone 6 chapters through our regional meetings, collaborative events, and networking opportunities. Collaboration is a vital skill for any successful physicist, and its important that we cultivate an environment in Zone 6 where all chapters can work together towards a common goal.

On a more local level, I would encourage and assist our chapters in setting up public outreach events in our communities. I think public outreach is a great way to build bonds with our communities, and an even better way to introduce physics to the greater public and students from underrepresented backgrounds.

By fostering a collaborative environment focused on mental wellness and public outreach, I believe we can make Zone 6 even more community-oriented than it already is.

Attending Georgia Institute of Technology as a 3rd year undergraduate physics major, specialized in quantum information theory, stochastic optimization and machine learning. Director of Research for the Georgia Tech Quantum club, creating the world’s first student-run quantum computer. Working as teaching assistant for advanced quantum mechanics course, electromagnetism course, and research assistant for the Georgia Tech Machine Learning Center under Prof. Evangelos Theodorou. International Stamps President’s Scholar, full-ride scholarship awarded to top 0.25% of incoming cohort at Georgia Tech. Worked in software engineering, rocket manufacturing, and won national cybersecurity hackathon, the NSA Codebreaker Challenge, last semester, propelling Georgia Tech to first place.

Nominee Statement
I plan to raise the conbcerns of Georgia Tech’s physics student chapter as a community, representing the first undegraduate body to operate and run a working quantum computer, completely student-run, under the banner of my research as head of the project in Georgia Tech Quantum, elevating the mission of expediting physics students to the quantum industry and opening doors to provide opportunities to the most brilliant of students.

Hello, I am Grace Daja, a rising Junior at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). I study astrophysics with a focus on compact objects and gravitational wave astronomy. My current research is centered around discovering supermassive and intermediate mass binary black hole systems using spectral data from massive digital sky surveys. As a student, I am very focused on pursuing my goals of entering academia, this is primarily constituted by finishing my BS and continuing to a PhD. As a CMU community member, I am Vice President of Marching of the Kiltie Marching and Concert Band, External Events Chair of our SPS Chapter, Sophomore Representative for our Undergraduate Physics Department Steering Committee, and I will also be an Orientation Leader for First Year Orientation Class of 2030. I often find myself at the intersection of leadership, mentorship, physics, and fun. Outside of serving the CMU community, I love playing chess online with my little brothers, enjoying time outside, and when in my hometown, volunteering at Cops N Kids, an organization focused on connecting emergency service workers and children through literacy. The throughline here is my biggest passion is a mix of physics and human interaction: giving back to my communities.

Nominee Statement
As Associate Zone Councilor, my primary focus will be developing family. As physics enthusiasts, many of us feel the continuous pressure of classes, schoolwork, and possibly research. There seems to always be something left to do. However, classes are not everything, and our world functions on a plane of existence that prioritizes who you know, not necessarily what you know, although that is also important. That’s why my plan as AZC is to develop family. If we can connect with each other, we cast a wide network of knowledge between students from across both our Zone and potentially the globe. When we build these connections now, we can solidify relationships with future industry leaders, field experts, and university/workforce employers. Even more so, when we have a family of fellow physicists, we have people to bounce ideas off of, communities to lean back on, amazing people we can trust. That’s more important than any class. In fact, I argue the family you find is the most important mission you will ever have. Hence, I would be honored to be your AZC and the first member of your found family.

I am a rising Junior Physics and Math double major at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. I have a passion for learning and connecting with people. I am an active member of my college’s Physics (SPS) and Astronomy Clubs, and I have recently been elected as Vice President of the Physics club. I also work as a tutor in mathematics. In the future, I plan to pursue a master’s in physics. In my free time, I enjoy performing music in many musical ensembles on campus (I play trombone, euphonium, and sing) and have been elected treasurer for both the Music Therapy Club and the Pep Band. I also enjoy volunteering and reading.

Nominee Statement
As Associate Zone Councilor, I will encourage, foster, and build connections between members within Zone 7, as well as ensure that all students feel represented and heard within the SPS organization. One of my main goals is to foster an inclusive and engaged community, where students share ideas and ask questions. I will work collaboratively with the Zone Councilor to organize zone meetings, facilitating opportunities for members to congregate and connect. I will also be accessible to students to address questions and concerns and will be a helpful resource for students within the zone. I will remain well informed with the national council, making sure to communicate opportunities to all Zone 7 members.

Grace Meyer is a rising senior majoring in physics at Hillsdale College. Her interest in physics began in 2015, when she joined a robotics club. Being exposed to STEM from a young age built her confidence to serve on a student robotics advisory board, advocate for STEM education on Capitol Hill, and engage with key stakeholders regarding the benefits of STEM for all students. In college, she served as an American Physical Society Student Ambassador, joined the SPS Zone 7 Council, was inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma, and mentored her peers in professional development. She aspires to attend engineering graduate school, eventually working in the fields of collaborative robotics and factory automation.

Nominee Statement
If selected, Grace plans to support Zone 7 by expanding the zone’s chapter engagement and communicating unique opportunities for all SPS students. She will continue the previous AZC’s Zone 7 Council initiative, engaging with SPS chapter board members and reaching out to help chapters within the zone. She plans to emphasize professional development and science advocacy at zone meetings. She will highlight SPS, APS, and Sigma Zeta’s opportunities in the zone’s communications, showing how each program uniquely supports undergraduate physics enthusiasts.

Dustin Docusen is a junior studying physics and mathematics at Eastern Michigan University. He is interested in pursuing graduate studies in condensed matter physics or cosmology, with a particular interest in LIGO. In the summer of 2025, he participated in an REU at the University of South Carolina, researching magnetic particle spectroscopy.

As chapter president, Dustin helped organize the Fall 2025 Zone 7 meeting hosted at EMU. He is also the treasurer of his university’s astronomy club and a member of the Zone 7 council. Dustin has a passion for strengthening his STEM communities and encouraging others to collaborate beyond the classroom. Outside of academics, Dustin enjoys geocaching, playing soccer, and solving Rubik’s cubes.

Nominee Statement
As AZC, Dustin hopes to improve communication between chapters. As a member of the Zone 7 council, he has been working with the current AZC Ella Baldwin, along with members from other chapters, to discuss SPS resources and ways to improve physics outreach around the zone. He would like to carry on the work of previous AZCs by maintaining regular contact with various chapters and providing news about Zone 7 happenings through monthly newsletters. After helping host the Fall 2025 Zone 7 meeting, Dustin has experience with organizing zone meetings. He now looks to continue to work with Zone Councilor Laura DeGroot to bring together members from across Zone 7 to participate in exciting events.

Zay is an undergraduate physics major at Miami University (Ohio), where she is an Honors student with a strong interest in experimental physics. She has research experience in atomic, molecular, and optical physis as well as condensed matter physics. She has received multiple awards and sources of funding for her research, including the Miami University Doctoral Undergraduate Opportunities for Scholarship Award and the Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program.

Zay is an international and first-generation college student whose experiences have shaped her commitment to community building, mentorship, and equitable access to academic opportunities. In addition to her academic work, she is actively involved in campus leadership and serves as a Resident Assistant, supporting students’ academic and personal development while fostering inclusive residential communities.

She has attended regional and national physics conferences, including the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP), SPSCon (with a travel grant from the American Institute of Physics), and Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science. She values professional societies such as the Society of Physics Students for the sense of belonging, support, and representation they provide to students in physics. Zay plans to pursue graduate study in experimental physics, with a long-term goal of becoming a research scientist, and is particularly interested in strengthening connections between undergraduate students, research opportunities, and professional networks.

Nominee Statement
My interest in serving as Associate Zone Councilor was shaped during my experience at SPSCon this year, which was truly transformative for me. Being surrounded by students and scientists who value science and its role in society fundamentally changed how I see SPS. I came to see SPS as a community where students are physicists—not just “physics students"—and where they are encouraged to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

If elected as Associate Zone Councilor, I hope to serve as a strong bridge between SPS national leadership and undergraduate chapters across Zone 7. I am especially interested in amplifying student voices, supporting smaller or less active chapters, and helping students access opportunities such as conferences, research programs, and professional development resources.

As an international and first-generation student, I understand how isolating physics can sometimes feel, and how vital community and mentorship are for student success. I would like to work toward making SPS events, communications, and leadership pathways more accessible and welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds and institutions.

I am particularly interested in encouraging collaboration between chapters through shared events, student-led workshops, and zone meetings. My goal is to help SPS continue to be a space where students are actively involved and feel empowered.

I would be honored to contribute my perspective, energy, and experience to SPS as Associate Zone Councilor.

I’m a physics and math major with a minor in astronomy. I’m a sophomore at East Tennessee State University, and an officer of our SPS chapter. Additionally, I’ve participated in astronomy research and am the second author of a paper submitted to the American Astrophysical Journal for review.

Nominee Statement
If elected, I plan to focus on endeavors to improve student participation and opportunities within SPS and our zone. I want to advocate for the needs of students to better support them as they pursue their degree.

My name is Noah Wyatt, and I am a third-year physics student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I aspire to be a professor of physics. I plan to attend graduate school to study particle physics. I love research, teaching, and understanding the most fundamental building blocks of the universe. I am the current secretary and president-elect of our chapter of the Society of Physics Students. I love our chapter; those who came before me have done an amazing job of creating a community within our physics department. We have a small department, but that means we have all become friends. For the last year, I have been a supplemental instruction leader for introductory physics. I get to lead two study sessions per week. It is the highlight of my week. I love teaching and showing people the beauty of physics that they might not see in a lecture. I have spent my entire time in school doing research. I have been very fortunate to be involved in several projects with our SPS chapter, a collaboration at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and a collaboration with the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. I am passionate about physics and believe many more people could be if it were presented in a new way.

Nominee Statement
When I attended the Physics and Astronomy Congress last fall, I loved meeting everyone from the other chapters. We shared ideas for outreach, events, research projects, and so much more. There were so many great ideas shared that it felt like we had a network of support we could rely on. But Congress only meets once every three years, so I will not get to go again, and many never get the chance. I want to create that network of support for our zone. We get to meet once a year at the zone meeting, but many students cannot go. If I were elected, I would set up regular communication among the chapters in zone 8. This could take the form of a quarterly virtual meeting with all the presidents, or a monthly newsletter showcasing what is happening in each chapter. This would allow our zone to become a tight-knit community, where we recognize people’s names and faces. Chapters can regularly showcase which events got people excited about physics, rather than doing so only once every three years. Physics can be quite intimidating. I see it every day in the intro class I help with. I am constantly thinking about ways to make physics fun, approachable, and exciting. A support network for zone 8 would allow us to learn new ways to do just that. We could get physics to more people, who may have thought they hated it.

I am a physics major with a mathematics minor at Berea College with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Medical Physics after graduation and build a career as a clinical medical physicist specializing in radiation therapy. Growing up in a small town in Appalachian southern Ohio, I did not always have access to scientific opportunities, which motivated me to seek out community and leadership through SPS. My long-term goal is to contribute to patient-centered cancer treatment by applying physics to optimize radiation dose delivery, improve imaging accuracy, and ensure the safety of therapeutic techniques. My academic preparation has provided a strong interdisciplinary foundation through coursework in Modern Physics, Biophysics, Quantum Physics, and mathematics, including Numerical Analysis, which have strengthened my understanding of radiation interactions, biological systems, and quantitative modeling. In addition to coursework, laboratory and research experiences have been central to my development. Through advanced laboratory courses and summer research, I have gained hands-on experience with instrumentation, electronics, signal analysis, and experimental design while working on muon detector systems. These experiences have strengthened my problem-solving and data analysis skills. Shadowing a medical physicist at the University of Kentucky further confirmed my interest in the field by allowing me to observe how physicists collaborate with physicians to improve patient care.

Nominee Statement
If elected as SPS Associate Zone Councilor, I will work to strengthen communication, engagement, and collaboration among SPS chapters across the zone. As President of the Berea College SPS chapter, I have prioritized building an active and supportive physics community through academic, professional, and social programming. I have built good relations with our surrounding chapters like the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University where we have even collaborated on events together. I also authored our chapter report that contributed to our chapter being recognized as an Outstanding Chapter, reflecting the strength of our programming and organization. I am currently organizing and hosting the upcoming SPS Zone 8 Meeting at Berea College, coordinating logistics, outreach, and programming to bring chapters together. In this role, I would actively communicate with chapter presidents to share opportunities, deadlines, and resources while encouraging greater participation in SPS national programs like SPScon. I attended the 2025 SPScon in Denver, Colorado after I received the Individual Travel Award as well as secured the Chapter Travel Award and applied for campus funding for other students, leading to a total of ten of our SPS members going. After my experience this year, I also hope to help organize meaningful zone meetings where students can present research, exchange ideas, and build professional networks. Most importantly, I will represent student perspectives on the National Council and advocate for initiatives that support student engagement and leadership within SPS.

J. Erik Hendrickson earned his BS in Physics from the Univ. of Wis. - River Falls in 1988. During that time, he was a member and then an officer of the local chapter of the Society of Physics Students. He earned his MS in Physics (1990) and his PhD in Condensed Matter Physics (1994) from Michigan State University. During that time, he helped found Science Theatre, which continues to be an active science outreach program. He started teaching in the Physics & Astronomy Department at the Univ. of Wis. - Eau Claire (UWEC) in the Fall of 1994. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2001 and to Professor in 2006. He has also served as Chair of the Physics & Astronomy Department (2001 - 2011, 2019 - present) and as the Interim Chair of the Computer Science Department (2020 - 2021). He has been the SPS Faculty Advisor and has also performed science outreach programs at UWEC for the last 32 years. The SPS Chapter has earned either Notable or Distinguished Chapter Awards many times due to the amazing and engaged students in the Department.

Nominee Statement
As the Zone Councilor, J. Erik Hendrickson would like to continue the excellent work of previous ZCs. It is incredibly difficult in today’s world to know the best way to get people together for a Zone Meeting (and Zone 9 is quite spread out). People have recently tried a variety of new ideas (virtual meetings, a hackathon meeting, etc.). He would like to work with the leaders of the different Zone 9 chapters to continue to innovate and to come up with new ways to connect. Dr. Hendrickson is a passionate leader of student organizations, engaging our students with a variety of outreach and leadership opportunities. He has helped create a welcoming and inclusive culture in our department and would bring that same energy and enthusiasm to Zone 9. He is also a very good listener, so will work closely with the Associate Zone Councilor, as well as the other Zone Councilors and Associate Zone Councilors to assist the Zone 9 chapters to support their SPS members and departments. Promoting the use of SOCKs and other outreach activities in the local communities will benefit the growth and feeling of community of SPS chapters, as well as assisting the recruitment of K-12 students into the sciences.

Dr. Ugalde is a nuclear astrophysicist whose research comprises the understanding of the origin of the elements of the periodic table in the Universe. In the laboratory, Dr. Ugalde works with particle accelerators to simulate the process of thermonuclear fusion in stars.

He obtained an B.S. in nuclear physics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a Ph. D. in nuclear astrophysics at the University of Notre Dame. He has been a scientist at the University of Chicago, at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and at Argonne National Laboratory. He is currently a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he has been the faculty advisor of the three undergraduate student organizations in the Physics Department for almost a decade. Dr. Ugalde is the author of more than a hundred scientific publications.

Nominee Statement
If elected, I will focus on expanding professional opportunities for students in our zone. I plan to coordinate a multi-chapter career panel and bridge connections with local industries for internship opportunities. My mission is to ensure that SPS is not just a social club, but a launchpad for our members’ future careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

The SPS thrives on community, and nothing builds that community better than getting people to conferences like PhysCon. However, the “physics tax"—the high cost of registration, flights, and hotels—is a massive barrier for many.

It will be my objective as Zone Councilor to explore ideas that ensure that financial constraints never prevent a student from presenting their research or networking at SPS conferences. While the passion for physics is universal, the means to travel often are not. Funding would help under-resourced chapters to contribute to the activities of the zone in an equitable form. If elected, I will implement a three-pillar work plan to bridge this gap:

1. The ""Travel Grant Roadmap"" Initiative
   Many chapters are unaware of existing funding sources. I plan to develop a comprehensive Funding Toolkit for our zone. This will include:
   
   1. A curated database of regional grants, university-specific travel awards, and national SPS scholarships.
   2. Grant-writing workshop: Hosting virtual sessions to help chapters craft compelling funding proposals for their student government associations and local alumni networks.
2. Corporate & Alumni Partnerships
   We need to look beyond university budgets. I will work to establish a Zone-Wide Sponsorship Program. By connecting with local aerospace, tech, and engineering firms, we can create “Industry Travel Awards” in exchange for recruitment access to our talented members. This creates a sustainable pipeline of funding that benefits both the students and the sponsors.
   
3. “The Power of Many": Collective Logistics
   Travel is expensive because we often plan in isolation. I intend to facilitate Cross-Chapter Coordination:
   
   1. Shared Transport: Organizing “Zone Caravans” or bus rentals for regional meetings to slash individual costs.
   2. Room-Share Registries: Creating a secure system for students from different chapters to coordinate shared lodging, making the most of every dollar.

Conferences are where students find their future sub-fields and mentors. By focusing on aggressive fundraising and logistical efficiency, we can transition from a zone that “wants to go” to a zone that shows up.

Radiation has long fascinated me due to its duality: on one hand, it can diagnose and treat, and on the other, it carries biological risk. This led me down a career path that I had not known existed until my senior year of high school: medical physics. To follow this journey, I enrolled in a combined B.S. in Physics and M.A.S. in Health Physics program, allowing me to conceptually connect the foundational topics of physics, like quantum mechanics and electromagnetism to medicinal applications like MRI and PET. I quickly realized that a meaningful understanding of medical physics requires hands-on research experience. Afterall, application of one’s skills truly leads to full understanding.

After my research in electrochemistry my freshman summer, I desired to conduct research in the field of medical physics. In Dr. Carolyn Anderson’s lab at the University of Missouri, I was introduced to theranostics. I synthesized a nanoparticle-based dual modality PET/MRI radiopharmaceutical, using high-performance liquid chromatography for purification, targeting the mannose receptor on the M2 macrophage for early detection of atherosclerosis. I then characterized the agent’s hydrodynamic size and zeta potential with dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic light scattering, as well as analyzing biodistribution data. Additionally, I independently arranged clinical shadowing with medical physicists, giving insight into clinical translation of imaging and radiopharmaceutical research. This experience, both clinical and research, solidified my desire to pursue a PhD in medical physics.

An experience during shadowing that resonated with me greatly was a simple interaction between the medical physicist and the patient’s wife. This was the husband’s first set of radiotherapy, and the wife asked, “Will he be able to snuggle with his puppy? He would be so sad if he couldn’t.” The medical physicist reassured that he would not be radioactive and could absolutely cuddle with his puppy. This interaction underscored how this is one of the scariest experiences people face in their lives, but also how clear communication and compassion shapes this experience for both patients and relatives alike. It reminded me that while it is easy to get focused on tests, coursework, and research, what has drawn me to medical physics is the way it affects people. Behind every treatment plan, quality assurance check, and years of research is a patient who seeks some normalcy during a time of uncertainty. This is what motivates me to pursue a career that combines physics with humanity, empathy, and service.

Nominee Statement
In addition to my academic efforts, I also aim to give back. Ultimately, circumstance is everything. If I did not have a single conversation, I would not be pursuing medical physics like I am today. Through SPS, we host many information and outreach events. While the scope may be larger than physics, I am always sure to demonstrate my passion for the subject at the high school bridge competition and events like the SPS REU workshop. I am also pursuing STEM volunteering, sharing my story, helping tutor, and assisting with activities. Illinois Tech lies within an underserved community on the South Side of Chicago. This is why volunteering at the local school, Pershing Elementary, lies so close to me because I was that student. Poverty is cyclical and a pitfall that is hard to escape, but I believe with these efforts, I can maybe uplift students out of it. Even if one of a hundred students finds a new passion in physics from my endeavors, I call that a win. This philosophy is what I intend to bring as Associate Zone Counselor and voice in committees, policy change, and on behalf of SPS students.

My name is John Sibley. I was born and raised in central Louisiana. I am a senior in physics and chemistry with a minor in math at Louisiana Tech University.

Throughout this past year, I have performed research in inorganic chemistry looking at the photophysical properties of fluorescent cerium compounds. I have been fortunate to present my research at SPScon 2025, Louisiana Tech’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, ACS Spring 2026 conference, and soon (as of writing this) the University of Louisiana Undergraduate Research Symposium. I have had the honor of being the treasurer and president of my local SPS chapter. I helped renovate an old computer lab which was hardly utilized to a student lounge where physics majors can be often found working on homework or mingling. My local chapter has also grown professionally by hosting the 2025 Zone 10 meeting and attending SPScon 2025 for the first time. We have put on a variety of events such as a quarterly “Studython” with the chemistry and math clubs, an REU talk to help students learn how to apply, and quarterly social events to build connections among physics majors. As I head into my last year at Tech, I feel confident that the work I have done has set the club up for continued success and growth for many years to come.

Outside of school, I love to play video games, watch plays at the local and college theater, and watch horror movies with my friends.

Nominee Statement
If elected as Zone 10’s AZC, I plan on increasing communications between chapters, bring personal experience to help plan the next Zone 10 meeting, and help bridge the gap between opportunities at the national level and local level. Having been fortunate to meet with the members of Zone 10 three times this past year, I know that communication between chapters helps generate ideas that people can use to improve both their local SPS chapter and physics department. A few ideas I have to do this are to maintain contact through GroupMe, help plan occasional check-ins with all the chapters, and encourage attending national meetings. I would also keep up with any potential scholarships, internships, and other opportunities from nationals that I could send to local chapters to be aware of. My goal for Zone 10 is the same as my local chapter, build a strong, sustainable foundation that promotes growth for years to come.

My name is Catherine Prabish, and I am a class of 2027 physics major at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee.

From dropping nitrogen-frozen pumpkins off our physics building for our annual Pumpkin Drop to hosting regular SPS chapter meetings, I have a deep admiration for SPS. I am so lucky to have the privilege of being the Zone 10 Associate Zone Councilor 2026, the Membership Officer of my school’s SPS chapter, and Vice President of the All-Engineering Club.

In past, I conducted research in pediatric auto-segmentation for radiation treatment planning at St. Jude’s POE Program (2025). This summer, I am excited to conduct medical physics research at WashU, St. Louis.

Not only do I love physics, but I also play flute, crochet, knit, and do puzzles in my free time. I am looking forward to continuing my involvement in SPS and spreading the physics joy!

Ariana Aria Hathorne is an undergraduate physics student at Mississippi State University, where she is pursuing a rigorous STEM curriculum with a primary focus on physics and strong interdisciplinary interests in mathematics, atmospheric science, and science communication. She is an active member of the Society of Physics Students, where she has consistently advocated for accessibility, mentorship, and community-building within physics education.

Beyond academics, Ariana brings substantial leadership and life experience to her work. As a primary caregiver for a disabled parent, she has developed exceptional organizational, time-management, and advocacy skills—balancing coursework, commuting, household responsibilities, and volunteer service. These experiences have shaped her commitment to equity and support structures for students navigating nontraditional paths in STEM.

Ariana has contributed to STEM outreach, peer support initiatives, and academic service efforts aimed at increasing retention and visibility for underrepresented and first-generation students in physics. She is especially passionate about strengthening connections between SPS chapters, sharing resources across institutions, and amplifying student voices at the zone level.

As Associate Zone Councilor, Ariana seeks to foster inclusive leadership, transparent communication, and meaningful engagement—ensuring SPS remains not only a professional society, but a supportive scientific community where students can thrive.

Nominee Statement
“If elected as Associate Zone Councilor, I will work to strengthen communication, collaboration, and inclusivity across SPS chapters within the zone. One of my primary goals is to ensure that chapters—especially smaller or resource-limited ones—feel connected, supported, and heard. I plan to actively listen to student concerns and share successful programming ideas, outreach strategies, and professional development opportunities between institutions.

I am particularly committed to improving access to mentorship and leadership pathways for students from nontraditional backgrounds, including first-generation students, caregivers, commuters, and those balancing significant responsibilities alongside their studies. SPS plays a critical role not only in professional development, but also in fostering belonging within physics, and I aim to help reinforce that mission at the zone level.

As Associate Zone Councilor, I would support the Zone Councilor and national SPS leadership by assisting with chapter engagement, promoting conference participation, and encouraging collaboration between SPS, Sigma Pi Sigma, and allied organizations. Above all, I will serve with transparency, reliability, and empathy—working to ensure that SPS continues to empower students, amplify diverse voices, and build a stronger, more connected physics community.

Jonathon is an undergraduate student studying Physics with a minor in Mathematics at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, anticipating graduation in May 2027. He has demonstrated dedicated leadership within his local SPS chapter, currently serving as Secretary after holding the role of Treasurer during the previous academic year. His involvement recently helped his local chapter secure the SPS Chapter Showcase Award at the 2025 Physics and Astronomy Congress in Denver, CO, and he was recognized as an Outstanding Student Organization Member by his university in 2025.

Beyond his work with SPS, Jonathon brings extensive university leadership and advocacy experience to the table. He serves as the Chief Financial Officer for his university’s Student Association Senate, where he oversees and distributes student activity fees. He is deeply invested in the academic success of his peers, serving as an Undergraduate Student Mentor and as a student representative on the Physics Departmental Action Committee an APS-funded initiative dedicated to improving the physics curriculum and advancing innovation in physics education. Furthermore, his research background is highly interdisciplinary; he currently serves as the lead researcher for sensor physics on an MRI pre-screening device in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. This upcoming summer, Jonathon will continue to advance his career in medical physics as a participant in the prestigious American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program.

Nominee Statement
If elected as Associate Zone Councilor for Zone 11, Jonathon plans to focus on boosting communication and collaboration between regional SPS chapters. Additionally, he aims to increase outreach efforts to promote physics to high school students and highlight the vast, interdisciplinary career paths available within the field. Drawing from his own aspiration to pursue medical physics, he is passionate about showing students the diverse, real-world opportunities a physics degree can offer. He is eager to represent his peers on the National Council and advocate for the needs of undergraduate physics students across the zone.

Chloe Flood is a Physics and Chemistry major at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with a keen eye on pursuing patent law in the near future. As a rising sophomore, her involvement with SPS truly began at 2025 PhysCON, where she received her first real interaction with SPS - and a desire to get engaged. Outside of physics and physics-esque activities, Chloe enjoys wrestling, spending well over her weekly budget on books, and learning foreign languages.

Nominee Statement
As the counselor for Zone 11, Chloe hopes to spread the wonders of physics and other STEM fields to both students inside and outside of SPS. Everyone deserves a chance to understand the intricacies of science, and how beautiful they can be.

My name is Miranda Menousek and I am a current freshman at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. I am currently majoring in engineering physics with a minor in biomedical science. I decided to major in a physics discipline because of my passion to understand and apply education to everything around me. I originally wanted to attend college to study biology, but once I took general physics and was excited to study, became eager to know more, and looked forward to exams, I knew where my heart and mind would be able to flourish. I aspire to one day work in the biomedical engineering discipline and give back to my community. At William Jewell, I am a member of the Women’s Lacrosse team and an active member of our SPS chapter. I strive to give 100% effort on the field and in the classroom. Before coming to college, I was very active in my high school community and held many positions including being the founder and president of environmental club, the National Honor Society President, a marching band drum major, the principle clarinet player in All-State band, and a member of jazz band and French club.

Nominee Statement
If I am elected as an Associate Zone Councilor I will share my passion and will to learn with others in any way that the zone may need. This year, I have found the true importance of being apart of something bigger than myself, and I would love to bring excitement and energy to Zone 12. The community in the William Jewell College Physics Department has built me up and sees potential in me, and I am confident in my ability to bring the physics community in my area closer to create a positive, uplifting environment for all members. As an AZC, I will make it a priority to stay on top of SPS tasks and communicate with my chapter.

Dr. Michael C. Holcomb is an Associate Professor of Physics at Angelo State University, specializing in theoretical and computational biophysics and granular flows. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from Texas Tech University and B.A. in Mathematics and Physics from Austin College. Since 2019, Dr. Holcomb has been Faculty Advisor for the Angelo State University chapter of the SPS. He mentors dozens of undergraduates on research topics like Voronoi tessellation, granular flow, and cellular mechanics in fruit fly embryos. As Co-PI on a U.S. Department of Education grant for a STEM+C education model through 2028, he boosts undergraduate physics by adding computational tools and sensors to classes. This supports SPS goals for student research and K-12 learning in Texas. He participates in and presents at Zone 13 joint meetings with Texas Section of AAPT and the Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma section of APS, including hosting the Fall 2023 event in San Angelo. He leads SPS outreach via physics road shows, solar eclipse events, and community demos. The Angelo State SPS chapter is one of Zone 13 strongest, winning Outstanding Chapter awards for several years.

Nominee Statement
As Zone Councilor, I hope to build opportunities for connection and support between all the chapters of Zone 13. With the support of the Associate Zone Councilors, I would encourage regular communication among the chapters and support more inter-institutional collaboration. It is my hope that supporting a thriving zone-wide community will promote a growth in membership and increased participation in our zone meetings.

I’m a sophomore Physics major at Abilene Christian University, and I’ve spent the last year diving into everything our SPS chapter has to offer. Whether it’s brainstorming for our next event or just showing up to help with the heavy lifting, I’ve loved being a consistent part of the “behind-the-scenes” team at ACU.

Lately, I’ve been balancing my physics labs with electrical and mechanical engineering classes, as I’m planning to head into an engineering-related field after graduation. I’m a huge believer that a physics degree can take you so many places, and I’m excited to help our zone grow as a supportive, resource-sharing community for everyone!

Nominee Statement
I’m running for Associate Zone Councilor because I believe our chapters have so much to learn from each other. At ACU, we’ve built a great community through outreach, but I’ve noticed that as students, we often don’t know what’s happening in the other chapters. My goal isn’t to come in with all the answers, but to be make sure that we listen and . I want to attend our zone meetings, find out what’s working for others, whether it’s a cool social or a new way to prep for grad school, and bring those resources back to everyone. As a physics major, I love seeing how broad our field is, and I’m excited to help our zone grow closer and more successful together.

Thor is a non-traditional student, Air Force Veteran, and a highly decorated intelligence analyst. He is a graduate of the prestigious United States Air Force Weapons School as an Advanced Intelligence Instructor / weapons officer.

For the past decade he has designed and instructed technical courses for military intelligence, cyber, space, and pilot training. He is pursuing Physics to ultimately become a collegiate professor and hopes to positively impact scientific education pedagogy across multiple levels of education.

Nominee Statement
Though I am new to the SPS, I fundamentally believe that we can make a significant impact on the future of the field and scientific education by increasing our community presence and involvement. I hope to be able to spark innovation in early identification and recruiting of future physics students at high-schools and middle-schools, while increasing the quality of life, support, and community for current physics students in the various university systems.

Hello, my name is Christopher Defore, I go by Lane. I am an Engineering Physics student at Abilene Christian University and someone who wants to build a better world.

I strive to help create a world that reflects the purpose and gifts God has placed in which of us, not just in the realm of physics.

I live by the words, “Protect those who cannot protect themselves.” Everything I pursue, I pursue with intentions, not for recognition, but I believe in the beauty of what God has created. Everyday I see that the beauty in the world and in the people around me and I’m driven by a simple question: can others see and feel it too?

Nominee Statement
If I am elected as Associate Zone Councilor. My goal is to help zone 13 where every student feels seen and supported. I want to use my experience and knowledge to help our regional chapters stay connected and inspired.

I believe that leadership is about service and protecting the interests of the group, not to the individual. I plan to work and ensure that every tool and communication to the chapter is used to succeed. I want to help build a physics community that reflects the beauty of the world around us. One that each of us are all apart of, as we move forward.

Dr. Kathryn R. Hamilton is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Denver, a position she has held since Fall 2022. She holds an MSci (integrated undergraduate Master’s) in Physics and Applied Math and a PhD in Physics, both from Queen’s University Belfast. She completed postdoctoral training at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa prior to arriving at CU Denver. Her research area is computational Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Specifically, she uses supercomputers to study laser-atom interactions and electron collisions with atoms and small molecules. At CU Denver she leads a vibrant group of undergraduate and Master’s students and was honored to be awarded CU Denver Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year in 2025. Dr. Hamilton currently serves on the American Physical Society Committee on Minorities in Physics and the Inclusive Community Structures Working Group. In her spare time, she enjoys playing traditional Irish music on the violin, banjo, and harp, and cheering for the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time—Sir Lewis Hamilton!

Nominee Statement
As an undergraduate student in Northern Ireland, I served as the Secretary for my institution’s Physics and Applied Math Society, our equivalent of an SPS chapter. The experience revealed to me the joy and empowerment of being involved in a community of physicists, and how we can be so much more personally fulfilled, and professionally successful, when we work together. I have tried to recreate this experience for students everywhere I go, from helping with the Women in STEM club and local Boys and Girls Club at Drake University, to serving as faculty advisor to the Girls Who Code loop at CU Denver. If elected as Zone Councilor, I hope to bring the same enthusiasm for community building and professional mentoring to students across Colorado and Wyoming. I will work closely with the Associate Zone Councilor and will aim to encourage greater collaboration between Zone 14 SPS chapters, and attendance at Zone events. I see the Zone Councilor role as a supporter, facilitator, and mentor, helping our excellent Zone 14 students achieve their professional and personal goals, and having a lot of fun along the way!

I am a first-generation student at University of Colorado Denver. I have always been interested in science and physics. After graduating high school, I joined the Marine Corps. During my enlistment I worked as a Signals Intelligence Analyst. As my time in the military came to an end, my interest in physics had grown due to the work I had been exposed to, and I wanted to know more. At CU Denver, I have focused my research on 3D scanning. Last summer I worked with two research groups. I scanned Native American rock art and petroglyphs near Caliente, Nevada. Later in the summer I spent a month scanning historical sites in Ireland, including Trim Castle and Bective Abbey. Our goal was to document these sites for future generations. While I enjoy research, education is my passion. I plan to teach physics at the high school level after I graduate.

Nominee Statement
As a nontraditional student, I will encourage all students, traditional or otherwise, to get involved with SPS. I am passionate about education and the opportunity that education can give. I want to help support a community that shares a passion for knowledge and education. Zone 14 has a long history of engaging Zone Meetings and if elected as AZC I will ensure that we have an exciting zone meeting. I will work with all chapters within the Zone to foster a more active community.

Hi, I’m Sydney Seltzer. Currently, I am a 2nd year Physics and Chinese major at the University of Denver. For the past two years I have been deeply involved with research and the society of physics students. My time with the society of physics students and my research has allowed me to learn so much more of the beauty of physics that is not traditionally taught in a classroom. I have been researching polarization entangled photons for the past 3 months, and before that, I was researching the orbital angular momentum of light for a year. Throughout the research process, I’ve learned how to communicate with others about complex scientific topics and become more curious about the field at large. Recently, I was elected as treasurer for the 2026-2027 academic year. As treasurer, I want to continue engaging in community outreach and leading our club. With my term ahead of me, I plan to take our chapter to a national physics convention, which DU has never done before, and much more.

Nominee Statement
If given the opportunity to be Associate Zone Councilor, I want to improve the Colorado and Wyoming zone’s overall community and structure by organizing the many chapters of our zone, communicating effectively with the Zone Councilor, and advocating for the needs and wants of Zone 14 to the National Council. As a Black woman in STEM, I understand the importance of creating a welcoming community for anyone interested in our mission. I want to foster this expansive, diverse community, and work to make it easier for all of us to connect with one another. The community and sharing of interesting ideas should not be overshadowed by the often difficult journey of studying physics at a college level. I’m excited to work with all of you to make this a reality.

I am a Physics major at Metropolitan State University of Denver and the current Interim President of our Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapter. My path to physics is defined by a rare duality: high-level theoretical inquiry backed by an extensive foundation of industrial expertise in wind turbine technology and high-voltage infrastructure. Currently working toward formal Sigma Pi Sigma induction, I already embody the society’s ‘four pillars’ through academic excellence, my research into the Aharonov-Bohm effect, and my commitment to peer tutoring. My background as a Model United Nations delegate for the State of Qatar has equipped me with the diplomatic and administrative maturity required to advocate for the honor and integrity of the physics community on a national stage.

Nominee Statement
As Associate Zone Councilor, my vision is to modernize the lifelong connection between our inductees and the global scientific community. I plan to leverage my experience in corporate outreach—specifically my work initiating partnerships with industry leaders like Lockheed Martin—to create robust mentorship pipelines between alumni and current student members. My goal is to ensure the society remains a vital, visible advocate for physics, fostering a culture where technical mastery and professional service go hand-in-hand.

As I transition into graduate research in 2027, I am committed to maintaining this leadership role as a bridge between the American physics community and the global research landscape, ensuring Sigma Pi Sigma remains a globally relevant honor society. I intend to increase the national visibility of the honor society, ensuring it serves as a prestigious, functional bridge between the academic classroom and the high-level industrial workforce.

Lindsay Taylor is a junior at the University of Utah, pursuing a degree in Physics. They have been an active member of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) for three years and currently serve as Co-President for the University of Utah chapter. In this role, they have helped organize events, facilitated communication among members and between organizations, and promoted engagement in physics-related activities, on and off campus.

Beyond SPS, Lindsay has gained valuable experience in leadership and coordination through their work as a Learning Assistant. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to coordinate among students and faculty, skills they now apply to their leadership in SPS. Their work has strengthened their commitment to fostering an equitable and welcoming environment in STEM. As a regional leader, Lindsay hopes to strengthen connections between chapters, support student engagement, and advocate for the needs of physics students across the region.

Nominee Statement
If elected as a regional leader, I aim to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in STEM by strengthening connections between Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapters and supporting their growth. I believe that a strong SPS community is built on collaboration, shared resources, and mutual encouragement, and I want to help facilitate those connections across the region.

One of my primary goals is to make it easier for students to connect with each other, even on opposite sides of the region. Whether through virtual meetups, shared resource databases, or platforms where students can exchange advice and experiences, I want to create opportunities for SPS members to engage with and support one another. By strengthening these connections, we can ensure that every chapter has the tools and inspiration needed to grow.

Additionally, I am committed to fostering an environment where all students feel valued and supported in their pursuit of physics. Through initiatives that promote inclusivity and equity, I hope to empower students from all backgrounds to find their place in SPS and the broader physics community.

I am excited about the opportunity to advocate for the region on the national council and work alongside students and leaders across the region to strengthen our SPS network and make STEM a more welcoming space for everyone.

Hi! I am Ari Duven, a third year physics major researching astroparticle physics. I am currently a co-president for the University of Utah’s SPS chapter. I love engaging with my community and encouraging younger students to pursue STEM degrees! In my free time, I love to spend time with my cats, read, and volunteer.

Nominee Statement
If elected, I want to focus on outreach to younger students to encourage them to participate in STEM. Outreach is essential to getting people interested in STEM. I also want to focus on creating open dialogue about mental health within physics, since so many people struggle with mental health during their college years. Through this dialogue, I hope that physics can become a more inclusive environment for all!

Ari Chai is an undergraduate sophomore ('28) in Space Physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has served as chapter Secretary for one academic year. In this role, he has maintained regular correspondence with chapter members, kept organized and detailed summaries of chapter activities, communicated with university leadership to arrange spaces and funding for events, and volunteered approximately five hours per week towards the chapter’s success. Having attended the 2025 SPS National Congress and the 2025 Zone 16 Meeting, he has a good idea of the organizational and communicational skills that are required for this position, which his other officer positions as oSTEM Chapter Vice President and Talonz Gaming Guild Treasurer have prepared him for.

For professional experience, Ari Chai has worked as an undergraduate student researcher in his campus’s LIGO Optics Research Laboratory since his first semester on campus and has recently helped to found the Stellar Polarimeter for Undergraduate Studies (SPUdS) observatory team. This has given him invaluable experience in working in both physics and astronomy research settings and an understanding of the difficulties that research can entail, which will allow him to help support our physics and astronomy undergraduate researchers.

Nominee Statement
If elected, my goals are to promote chapter communication by continuing the Zone 16 newsletter, encourage zone members to apply for the opportunities offered by SPS National, and organize an accessible 2027 Zone Meeting. For the Zone 16 newsletter, my plan is to build off the ideas of Bailey Wolf, the current Zone 16 Associate Zone Councilor. This includes spotlighting the awesome events held by our Zone 16 chapters, highlighting the projects of our wonderful undergraduate researchers, and mentioning upcoming SPS National opportunity deadlines. For this, I will be maintaining regular communication with our Zone 16 chapters’ leadership teams to make sure all chapters are fairly represented. This will also let me create a community space so that our Zone 16 chapters can support one another by suggesting events, sharing physics demonstrations, and providing general advice. Lastly, for the 2027 Zone Meeting, I will be seeking input from each chapter in the zone on the meeting’s location, date, and activity suggestions! I would love to invite all chapters, not just the host university, to hold research presentations, workshops, physics demonstrations, and other activities.

Juan Martinez is currently a third-year undergraduate honors student studying physics at Arizona State University. He has been with SPS for 2 years and served as the event coordinator for 1 year. Through SPS, Juan has been able to volunteer in outreach events such as the Open House at ASU. In addition, Juan Martinez is a mentor for the Sundials Program at ASU, which is a mentor/mentee program.

Nominee Statement
I am excited about the possibility of working with the SPS counselors to help build a strong community. I hope to bring the skills that I have accumulated through being the SPS event coordinator, such as communicating and working with a team, to bring memorable experiences to our SPS members.

Armaan is an undergraduate at the University of Washington, Seattle, majoring in Physics, Astronomy, and Applied and Computational Mathematics. He completed an Associates degree while dual enrolled through the Running Start program at Green River College, where he served as the secretary for their Society of Physics Students chapter. He is currently serving as the secretary for the SPS chapter at UW.

Nominee Statement
As an active member and officer of two SPS chapters, I have worked and interacted with many different students in physics. Joining SPS and taking a leadership position at my community college and at UW allowed me to not only have fun participating in club activities and outreach events, but build community and expand my network. From outreach at local schools, collaboration projects with other clubs and SPS chapters, and networking and information-sharing events, I have gained a lot of experience. As AZC, I would continue to encourage collaboration and communication between chapters, promote the sharing of resources and opportunities through SPS, and facilitate the planning of the Zone Meeting. After talking with our current AZC, I hope to have the Zone Meeting at a school in the eastern half of the state next year, to encourage more chapters from that area to participate.

I study physics with a minor in EECS at UC Berkeley. I began leading my astrophysics research team when I was 16, studying mass-gap black hole candidates where my love for Bayesian statistical analysis developed. I went on to publish a paper as the first author. Inspired by my work in this field, I created my own self-run research project to apply machine learning techniques to disentangle spectra, leading to plans to publish open-source work on convex, customizable NMFs. My love for deep analysis of the natural world led me to my current research in particle physics which I’ve been working on for nearly two years. I am now leading my own work in the Mu2e collaboration, studying radiative muon capture as a background source for the standard model breaking particle conversion process of muon to positron conversion. I went on to present this research and win runner up in the research category at Physics Congress 2025 where I was the only student representing and competing for UC Berkeley. More than this, however, I genuinely have a passion for physics and derive the greatest joy when I’m able to pull others into these alluring fields.

Nominee Statment
I am excited for the opportunity to represent zone 18 as Associate Zone Councilor and hope to encourage impact in the field of physics that extends beyond the individual.

I fear that many students often get left behind in the field of physics, not simply because of how difficult it is but because of the way it is often taught to favor certain ways of thinking and reacting under specific constraints. However, many of these features are not what make up the productive, passionate physicists that define change and growth. Instead, as AZC, I would urge the creation of more events that allow students in these chapters to come together and focus on developing student-run research projects and ideas, so that they can explore their place and passions in physics outside of a classroom environment but in a way that will not be as competitive and binding as established research groups. Additionally, I would like to implement more consistent presentations and mingling events for SPS students in the field of research to actually communicate with other undergraduates. While talking with professors and graduate students is often incredibly helpful, I’ve come to find that students are much more eager, willing to discuss, and receptive to advice with other students. Beyond developing professional connections, this will assist SPS students in developing personal ties with other physics students, cultivating a more open and understanding community. Additionally, I also plan to increase my outreach efforts with individuals outside of the college community. Our success and place in physics is often dictated by our uncontrollable circumstances in life. This is something I am familiar with, coming from an ethnic minority as a female Bosnian. I would like to encourage more community outreach events where willing students from our chapter are able to provide mentorship and guidance—cultivating the overall goal of unity in the field of physics.

Hi, my name is Merna. I am a STEM and pre-med student at Ohlone College with a strong interest in physics, healthcare, and research. I currently serve as the Associate Zone Councilor (AZC) for SPS Zone 18, where I work with chapters to share resources, improve communication, and help students feel more connected to the national SPS community. On campus, I am the President of the Physics Club, where I help organize events, outreach activities, and academic support for students interested in STEM. I am also involved in neuroscience research experiences and national programs like NASA’s L’SPACE Academy, which have helped me grow as a leader and team member. Outside of academics, I love to crochet and started a small project where I crochet handmade items and donate them to children’s hospitals. I also enjoy reading in my free time.

Nominee Statement
Serving as AZC this past term has been an amazing experience, and I would love the opportunity to continue this work. Over the last year, I’ve focused on improving communication with chapters, sharing SPS opportunities, and helping students feel more connected to what SPS offers at the national level. If re-elected, I want to keep supporting both active and smaller chapters by sharing ideas, leadership resources, and ways to stay engaged. I also hope to increase awareness of things like SPS scholarships, conferences, internships, and national programs so more students feel confident applying and getting involved. Most importantly, I want students in Zone 18 to feel supported and included, no matter the size of their chapter or their background. Just like in my crochet donation project, I believe small, thoughtful efforts can make a big impact and I hope to continue bringing that same care and dedication to SPS.