The UMass Physics Department is an enthusiastic contributor to many forms of outreach.
Over the years, Physics faculty, staff, and students have hosted visiting students and educators on campus, and participated in public science fairs and a variety of celebrations on and off campus.
Above: Students and scholars visiting from Senegal and the Gambia with Prof. Jennie Traschen
The STEM Education Institute
The STEM Education Institute, which was founded by late Professor of Physics Morton Sternheim, continues to organize professional development workshops and seminars for K–16 educators under the guidance of Director Shubha Tewari, Senior Lecturer II in Physics. Please contact her for further information.
STEM Ed Institute Science and Engineering Saturday seminars
Eureka! Workshops
Eureka! is an innovative five-year program that addresses the gender gap in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Eureka! at UMass is a partnership between UMass Amherst and Girls Inc. of the Valley, launched in 2013 with the long-term goal of motivating girls to pursue postsecondary education and careers in STEM fields.
Opposite: Physics major Faizah explaining a point of granular physics at a Eureka workshop
Geek Is Glam
Geek Is Glam STEM Expo is an annual daylong interactive STEM conference for middle school girls (grades 4–8) since 2014. Hosted by Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute campus, GSCWM recruits some 60 to 80 education and adventure collaborators each year to give girls access to some of the region’s top scientific and engineering minds as they engage in the exploration and discovery of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Technical Specialist Lecture Support
If you are interested in visiting campus, or having us visit your school or classroom, please reach out to UMass Amherst Physics Department Technical Specialist Patrick Morgan.
The Physics Department sponsors two student clubs, or Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), which are advised by faculty and staff in Physics.
Opposite: The Science Outreach Club with Prof. Shubha Tewari before a UMass Fine Arts Center performance
UMass Science Outreach Club
The UMass Science Outreach Club, whose members are drawn from all over CNS, is dedicated to demonstrating and teaching science in local area schools and other public venues. It gives performances at public science fairs and expos, UMass homecoming celebrations, and dozens of classrooms in the Pioneer Valley. The club covers a wide range of science topics with a heavy dose of drama and fun. Arrangements to have the club perform at your institution can be made by contacting them at @email
Opposite: The Science Outreach Club with Prof. Stephane Willocq at the Waterfire festival in Providence, RI
UMass Science Olympiad Club
Now in its second year, the UMass Science Olympiad Club is a joint effort of engineering and science undergraduates that hosts annual tournaments for over 500 visiting high schoolers.
