CAP Medal and Award Winners
The Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) and its medal partners are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 CAP medals.
The 2024 medalists have been invited to give a plenary lecture as part of the 2024 CAP Conference program, and to receive their medals at the Medalists' Recognition Dinner in London, ON on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Please refer to the
Congress-at-a-glance for the schedule of plenary lectures by the CAP medal winners. If any of the medalists are unable to attend the conference, their medal will be presented at another mutually agreed upon time or sent to them separately after the conference.
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Dennis Thai , University of Alberta ,
in recognition of his excellent academic record as well as his work in undergraduate physics research. Additionally, he has demonstrated exceptional communication skills, being recognised as a passionate and engaging speaker when discussing and explaining physics within his research group. Dennis’ dedication to building his knowledge of physics and research on his way to becoming an educator will allow him to “foster the curiosity of [his] future students by discussing or providing guidance towards more advanced and current topics in physics”.
"I am truly honoured and grateful to the Canadian Association of Physicists for making me a recipient of the Allan Carswell Physics Educator Scholarship. Not only will this scholarship help me financially, but it will be a source of pride that will propel me to become an inspiring physics educator." view the press release
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Ben Giers , Mount Royal University ,
in recognition of his excellent academic record as well as his engagement in education research. Additionally, he has taken on a formal peer tutoring role, demonstrating his ability to effectively convey physics concepts to others. Ben’s undergraduate research projects have “deepened [his] appreciation for the beauty and complexity” of physics, “fueling [his] desire to share this enthusiasm with future generations”.
"Receiving the Allan Carswell Scholarship is an incredible honour that enables me to pursue my educational goals with greater focus and determination. This generous award strengthens my resolve and inspires me to foster a passion for physics in my future students." view the press release
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Kara Deane , University of British Columbia ,
in recognition of her excellent academic record and demonstrated ability in designing and delivering physics teaching activities. Additionally, she has made substantial contributions to the promotion and education of STEM subjects through her outreach and volunteer work with youth. Kara’s curiosity is what draws her to physics, and she hopes to share this with students by "[counteracting] narratives that place physics on a pedestal of impossible difficulty and [grounding] abstract concepts in the daily lives of students".
"Being chosen as a recipient is a tremendous honor. I feel sincerely grateful and excited to share the joys and wonders of physics with future students. I am committed to creating equitable, accessible opportunities in physics, and this support makes me feel like I can make a genuine difference." view the press release
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Elijah Adams , University of Calgary ,
in recognition of his excellent academic record and strong skills in communicating physics. He adopts a student-centered approach and has utilized this to explore inquiry-based learning and create high-quality physics course materials for hybrid learning. Elijah believes that "a compelling introduction to physics is crucial for students' continued interest in higher education" and that physics education can "cultivate unique problem-solving skills and enhance learning capabilities across all fields".
"Receiving this scholarship empowers me to pursue my educational goals, ensuring that the path to knowledge is paved with opportunity rather than obstacles. This award represents a vote of confidence that bolsters my commitment to make the most of my educational journey." view the press release
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Éloïse Faehndrich , UBC ,
in recognition of her excellent academic record as well as her proven passion for and skill at physics and physics pedagogy. She has done outstanding work over the years with young people, providing her with invaluable experience that will serve her well in her future career in education. Éloïse cites the love of mystery as one of the things that drew her to physics. As a teacher, she hopes to "engage students in that aspect of learning where mystery meets wonder.’'.
"Truly I feel honoured to be a recipient. Winning this scholarship feels like both a gift to be treasured and a responsibility to be fulfilled. I'm so excited to start walking alongside students and together look around at this beautiful and crazy and unbelievable world we live in and invite them into the art of asking questions." view the press release
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Eli Sollid , University of Calgary ,
in recognition of his excellent academic record and strong physics knowledge as well as his great communication and pedagogical skills. These were evidenced in part by his completion of an original physics education research project that used interdisciplinary applications to create and implement a physics course designed to improve student attitudes towards physics. Eli believes that with the proper support students’ way of thinking about physics can undergo a significant transformation. The desire to provide this support is what "...continually impassions [him] to teach.’'
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"This generous award from the Allan Carswell Family Foundation allows me to devote my all into learning how to facilitate student growth in physics. Through this learning, I hope to inspire a passion for the importance of physics in my students no matter the future they plan to pursue." view the press release
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Michelle Sullivan , University of Alberta ,
in recognition of to recognize her strong academic record and passion for teaching physics as demonstrated by her outstanding work as a teaching assistant and outreach activities. Ms. Sullivan takes "great personal satisfaction from sharing physics..." and is keen to point out that "physics is at play in [our] everyday activities".
"I am honored to be selected to receive the Allan Carswell Physics Educator Scholarship and to have the support of the Canadian Association of Physicists as I pursue my bachelor of education degree. I would also like to thank the Carswell Family Foundation for their generous endowment. I look forward to working in a classroom and inspiring the next generation of physicists." view the press release
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Jay Florica , University of Guelph ,
in recognition of to recognize his outstanding academic record and exceptional teaching potential. Mr. Florica is dedicated to explaining complicated physics concepts in simple and understandable ways. He wishes to inspire students to get excited about learning and make a difference in their lives.
"It is a real blessing to be selected for this award. I greatly appreciate the generosity of the donors who made this scholarship possible. Thank you very much." view the press release
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Samantha Scarfe , University of Ottawa ,
in recognition of Although the form does not allow it, we strongly recommend that both Samantha Scarfe and Joshua Mogyoros be awarded the Carswell Scholarship. Both are outstanding, highly motivated physicists and educators who have the ability to make a big difference to physics pedagogy at the secondary school level. If it proves impossible to give two awards, then the single award should go to Samantha Scarfe.
"I have often had the privilege of first-handedly observing that when students are challenged to step back, think slowly, intuitively, and meaningfully, a massive shift in attitude almost always takes place. As an educator, seeing this shift is indescribably rewarding, and what I will continue to seek in my career as a high-school physics educator." view the press release
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Joshua Mogyoros , University of Toronto ,
in recognition of Although the form does not allow it, we strongly recommend that both Samantha Scarfe and Joshua Mogyoros be awarded the Carswell Scholarship. Both are outstanding, highly motivated physicists and educators who have the ability to make a big difference to physics pedagogy at the secondary school level. If it proves impossible to give two awards, then the single award should go to Samantha Scarfe.
"The generous endowment from the Allan Carswell Family Foundation will allow me to pursue my Ontario College of Teachers certificate and maintain my volunteer commitments ... [It] will allow me to pursue this career path and hopefully inspire future students for a love of physics the way I have been, and continue to be, inspired." view the press release
