CAP Medal Press Release - 2021 Teaching

The Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) is pleased to announce that the 2021 CAP Medal for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Physics is awarded to Richard James Epp, University of Waterloo, in recognition of to recognize his accomplishments in teaching and commitment to physics outreach. He consistently receives high teaching evaluations from majors and non-majors alike, and students commended his "Thinking Like a Physicist" series that replaced informal interactions during the pandemic lockdown. announcement

Richard Epp inspires his students to think like a physicist and embrace their passion for the field. As an award winning and much-loved Lecturer at the University of Waterloo, and previously through his work as the founding Director of Scientific Outreach at Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Richard has spread enthusiasm for physics throughout Canada for more than 20 years. With graduate degrees in both Theoretical Physics and Electrical Engineering, Richard has a remarkably broad and deep understanding of physics and its connections to other disciplines. He develops and teaches courses that focus on inspiring students, building their intuitive understanding, and helping them see interdisciplinary big ideas, as well as the power of physics to address our deepest questions. At Perimeter, he started world class programs that inspire both ordinary and gifted students to appreciate and pursue physics, and give their teachers training and tools to teach modern physics, including the well-loved Alice & Bob in Wonderland series of physics animations.

During Fall 2020, Richard was instrumental in the design and delivery of a radically-altered remote version of the University of Waterloo’s first-year Mechanics course for physics majors. This course engaged over 500 students in live group work twice each week involving materials based on physics education research or developed by Richard to connect Mechanics material to more advanced and exciting topics. There were no marks associated with tests or quizzes in the course. Instead, students were motivated towards genuine learning, building a peer support network, and maintaining their mental health. Richard’s COVID-19 “lightboard” lectures captured the beauty, care, and enthusiasm he always puts into his teaching. His extra "Thinking Like a Physicist" discussion sessions sparked many students’ love for physics. The course brought students as close as possible, in COVID times, to an in-person “university experience”. nominator citation

ABOUT the Medal

The CAP Medal for Excellence in Teaching honours faculty members who have a comprehensive knowledge and deep understanding of their subject and who possess the ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding in such a way as to lead their students to high academic achievement in physics. This medal was introduced in 1996.

A series of virtual plenary medal talks will be organized to honour the 2021 medal recipients. The talk schedule will be posted on the CAP's website and notification of each talk will be issued once arranged. The medal will be forwarded to Richard Epp with the congratulations of the community. medal description

ABOUT the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP)

The Canadian Association of Physicists, founded in 1945, is a professional association representing over 1600 individual physicists and physics students in Canada, the U.S. and overseas, as well as a number of Corporate, Institutional, and Departmental Members. In addition to its learned activities, the CAP, through its charitable arm - the CAP Foundation, also undertakes a number of activities intended to encourage students to pursue a career in physics. cap description

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For more information, please contact:

Mrs. Francine Ford, Executive Director
Canadian Association of Physicists
Tel: 613-562-5614
E-mail: execdir@cap.ca
www.cap.ca

The 2021 CAP Medal for Excellence in Teaching Undergraduate Physics

Richard James Epp