Erin Lavik

Erin brings a powerful blend of visionary, student-centered leadership, operational excellence, and deep scientific credibility that aligns strongly with AIP’s Centennial Vision as we expand our role in empowering the next generation of physical scientists. A recognized STEM educator, researcher, and administrator, she has spent more than two decades building inclusive academic communities, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, leading strategy across complex organizations, and creating innovative pathways that connect students to meaningful futures in science and engineering.

 Her experience spans the full ecosystem that AIP seeks to convene and positively impact—from research universities and federal agencies to workforce development initiatives and professional societies — giving her a broad understanding of how students enter, persist, and thrive in the physical sciences enterprise. Across Yale, Case Western, UMBC, the AAAS fellowship community, and the National Cancer Institute, Erin has consistently demonstrated the ability to translate strategic vision into high-impact programs that advance student engagement, faculty development, mentorship networks, career readiness, and inclusive opportunity.

 Particularly compelling for AIP’s future is her demonstrated commitment to the themes identified in both the VENUS report and the Centennial Vision: creating welcoming communities from day one, expanding mentorship ecosystems, connecting curriculum to real-world purpose, amplifying student voice, and building structures that remove barriers to opportunity for all students. Her combination of scientific credentials, organizational leadership, student advocacy, and growth mindset positions her to help AIP transform undergraduate engagement from a successful portfolio of programs into a defining pillar of AIP’s second century.

About her role:

The Senior Director of Student Engagement Operations provides senior operational leadership for AIP’s undergraduate focused student programs, including the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Sigma Pi Sigma, ensuring consistent execution of high-quality chapter services, scholarships, internships, leadership development, convenings, and alumni engagement activities. Reporting to the Career Opportunity and Advancement Officer, this role translates organizational priorities into day-to-day program delivery by overseeing staff, operational systems, budgets, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen student engagement outcomes and equitable member experiences. The Senior Director also supports governance and volunteer operations across councils, committees, and chapters, and partners with AIP development team by nurturing donor relationships, co-writing proposals, and contributing operational oversight for grant and sponsorship implementation, reporting, and stewardship.