Roderick M. Grant

1935-2026

Roderick M. Grant died Feb. 4, 2026, at his home in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Grant was a dedicated physics professor at Denison University (1965–1994) and a prominent figure in science education, serving as secretary for the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the AIP Governing Board. He specialized in medical physics, computing in education, and was an avid lover of the Rocky Mountains.

Grant earned a BS from Denison University (1957), a MS (1959) and a PhD (1965) in physics from the University of Wisconsin. He taught at Denison University from 1965 to 1994, becoming a professor in 1977 and chairing the department. In 1977 he became the Henry Chisolm Chair of Physics (1978-1994). Upon his retirement he continued his work at Denison as Professor Emeritus. He served on the Denison University Senate (1971-74): Chair, Academic Affairs Council (1972-73); The University Information Technology Committee (1983-85, 86-94).

He was very actively involved with the American Association of Physics Teachers, joining in 1958 and becoming Secretary of the association 1977-1983. In 1985 was given the Distinguished Service Award by the AAPT. He also served as the Secretary for the American Institute of Physics (1982-1999).

His work focused on medical physics (thermoluminescence, optical absorption) and the application of computers in physics education. In 1992 he co-authored “Medical Physics: The Physics of the Body" with John R. Cameron and James G, Skofronick.

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