Richard Gelderman - Homer Dodge Citation 2017Richard Gelderman to be Recognized as a 2017 Recipient of the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

College Park, MD, November 7, 2016—AAPT has announced that Richard Gelderman will receive the association's Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT, during the 2017 Winter Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

Gelderman earned his B.S. in Physics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Astronomy at University of Virginia. Gelderman currently holds the position of Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Western Kentucky University where he is also the Director of the Hardin Planetarium.

Gelderman has been instrumental in increasing the vitality, scope, and effectiveness of the Space Science and Astronomy Committee. In particular, he has actively moved the committee toward strategic planning, extending the Space Science and Astronomy Committee's impact well beyond conference planning. Gelderman has also contributed to many other committees and activities in his many years of service to AAPT. In particular, he has served on the Membership and Benefits Committee, the Nominating Committee, and is currently the Chair for the Science Education for the Public Committee as well as a member of both the Programs and Meetings Committee.

Gelderman is a key member of the astronomy education community. He has made appreciable contributions to the local, regional, and national communities of practice and research in deepening students' understanding of astronomy. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Astronomy & Earth Sciences Education.

As commented by his colleagues, "He is often the first person to volunteer for organizing innovative meeting sessions, and appreciatively, always comes through on his commitments." "He is dedicated to mentoring others in the physics education community for the purpose of improving physics education for all students." "He has organized many sessions, facilitated the attendance of valuable plenary speakers, and provided workshops and invited presentations at AAPT meetings."

Gelderman has also been the Section Representative for the Kentucky Section of AAPT for many years.

About the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT
Established in 1953 and renamed in recognition of AAPT founder Homer L. Dodge in 2012, the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT is presented to members in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the association at the national, sectional, or local level.

About AAPT
AAPT is an international organization for physics educators, physicists, and industrial scientists—with members worldwide. Dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching, AAPT provides awards, publications, and programs that encourage teaching practical application of physics principles, support continuing professional development, and reward excellence in physics education. AAPT was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in the American Center for Physics in College Park, Maryland.

For more information: Contact David Wolfe, Director of Communications, dwolfe@aapt.org, (301) 209-3322, (301) 209-0845 (Fax), www.aapt.org.