��ɫ�� Faculty Member Ron Kumon Elected National President of the Society of Physics Students

lmadaus — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:42:24 +0000

lmadaus Tue, 01/20/2026 - 09:42

��ɫ�� recognizes Ron Kumon, Associate Professor of Physics, for his election as national president of the Society of Physics Students (SPS), a position he will hold for a two-year term through 2027. In this national leadership role, Kumon serves on the joint Executive Committee for SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honor society, and also serves as president of the SPS National Council.

The council serves as the governing body for both organizations and is composed of 18 students and 18 physics professionals, representing SPS’s 18 geographic zones. Together, the council evaluates policy, advances new initiatives, and shapes the future direction of physics and astronomy education nationwide.

On his new role, Dr. Kumon said:

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve the community of students in the 800+ chapters in the US and beyond. I look forward to maintaining and enhancing the benefits that SPS provides to its members, including scholarships, internships, leadership development, and networking opportunities. I also plan to advocate for strengthening physics and astronomy programs everywhere so that students can continue to achieve their goals to be professionals in these disciplines.”

Kumon has served as the SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma chapter advisor at ��ɫ�� for 14 years. During that time, the ��ɫ�� chapter has earned:

14 Outstanding Chapter Awards
10 Distinguished Chapter Awards
2 Chapter Research Awards
1 Blake Lilly Award, which honors SPS chapters or members who excel in physics outreach to K–12 students and the public.

In October, Kumon joined three ��ɫ�� students at the 2025 Physics and Astronomy Congress in Denver, Colorado. During the congress, Kumon was honored with the 2025 SPS Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award, the most prestigious recognition for advisors presented by the Society of Physics Students.

Reflecting on receiving the award, Dr. Kumon said:

“The credit for this award goes to the many physics majors and other students enamored by physics who have dedicated their time to maintain a regular weekly schedule of fun and engaging activities related to physics and astronomy for the campus community. I would also like to thank my colleagues in physics and natural sciences, and the ��ɫ�� Student Government for their support.”

The award recognizes exceptional leadership, mentorship, and sustained support of student-led SPS chapters. One advisor is selected each year nationally, with the award supporting the advisor, chapter, and academic department. This year, the ceremony was held at the Physics and Astronomy Congress, rather than the traditional winter meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Kumon earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from Michigan State University and his PhD in physics from the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include biomedical ultrasound, optical microscopy, and nondestructive evaluation of materials. Outside of his academic work, he is a jazz enthusiast and a licensed amateur radio operator.

Through national leadership, sustained student mentorship, and academic excellence, Ron Kumon’s election reflects ��ɫ��’s continued impact on physics education and professional preparation at the highest levels.

��ɫ�� Announces 2024 B-Section Physics Awards

rnorris — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:35:23 +0000

��ɫ�� Announces 2024 B-Section Physics Awards

Physics Club

rnorris Fri, 06/21/2024 - 13:35

��ɫ�� proudly celebrated its 2024 B-Section Physics Awards on June 3, 2024, recognizing outstanding academic achievements, dedicated service, and significant contributions within the physics community. The event highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of students, faculty, and various organizations associated with the university.

“The Physics Awards celebrate ��ɫ�� students' passion for learning. Our inclusive Physics Club welcomes all majors interested in diverse physics applications, like making liquid nitrogen ice cream while demonstrating superconductivity. We also take pride in clubs like Amateur Radio and Model Rocketry, which contribute to our academic community and engage in a variety of co-curricular activities and competitions,” said Dr. Daniel Ludwidsen, Natural Sciences Department Head. “Even while they take truly rigorous courses, ��ɫ�� students enjoy nurturing their inquisitive minds and have some pretty serious fun! The success of our clubs and awards ceremony reflects the dedication of our professors, especially Dr. Ronald Kumon, who orchestrated the celebration.”

Academic Awards: TOPP

The Outstanding Physics Performance (TOPP) Award was presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in ��ɫ��'s introductory physics courses (PHYS-114, 115, 224, 225). The awardees include:

Victoria Brender ‘26, Mechanical Engineering, Waterford, MI
Steven Bruck ‘27, Mechanical Engineering, Hartland, MI
Ian Gibson ‘26, Electrical Engineering, Highland, MI
Rachel Hillock ‘26, Mechanical Engineering, Madison Heights, MI
Kayla Hughes ‘26, Electrical Engineering, Germantown Hills, IL
Dean Kalebjian ‘25, Mechanical Engineering, Columbus, MI
Meadow Loukmas ‘26, Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Hills, MI
Nathan Nguyen ‘27, Mechanical Engineering, Cypress, CA
Katelyn Shepherd ‘25, Mechanical Engineering, Boyne City, MI
Amanda Smith ‘25, Industrial Engineering, Beverly Hills, MI
Han Truong ‘26, Computer Science, Novi, MI

Service Recognitions: Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders who have excelled academically and assisted their peers in challenging courses were also honored. SI Leaders must complete the course at ��ɫ�� with a grade of A− or better, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and be recommended by a professor. This year’s B-Section Physics SI Leaders are:

Kimberly Betty ‘24, Mechanical Engineering, Flint, MI
Nathan Cahilig ‘24, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Warren, MI
Eric Lozano ‘26, Engineering, Flint, MI

Service Recognitions: Physics Club and Society of Physics Students (SPS)

The Physics Club and the Society of Physics Students (SPS) were acknowledged for promoting interest in physics through hands-on activities and research information. The 2023–24 B-Section Physics Club officers include:

President: Samantha Chiang ‘27, Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI
Vice-President: Daniel Budd ‘27, Chemical Engineering, Chelsea, MI
Treasurer: Ethan Sims ‘27, Electrical Engineering, Jackson, MI
Secretary (Fall): Matthew Gaertner ‘27, Mechanical Engineering, Bucerias, Mexico
Secretary (Spring): Toby Mis ‘27, Mechanical Engineering, Big Flats, NY

Service Recognitions: Amateur Radio & Electronics Club

The Amateur Radio & Electronics Club, which aids students in obtaining amateur radio licenses and facilitates electronics projects, was also honored. The 2023–24 officers were:

President: Jake Dancel ‘25, Electrical Engineering, Farmington Hills, MI
Vice-President: Quinn Austin ‘24, Computer Engineering, Milan, MI
Treasurer: Justin Bankston ‘26, Electrical Engineering, Harper Woods, MI
Secretary: Jason Aurilia ‘25, Electrical Engineering, Novi, MI

Honor Society Induction: Sigma Pi Sigma

The Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society inducted a new member, recognizing her academic excellence and commitment to service. New inductee Darby Thomason ‘22, Applied Physics, pledged to uphold the pillars of Sigma Pi Sigma, encouraging knowledge, service, and fellowship in physics and astronomy.

Physics Club

��ɫ���� Faculty Member Ron Kumon Elected National President of the Society of Physics Students

��ɫ���� Announces 2024 B-Section Physics Awards

��ɫ�� Faculty Member Ron Kumon Elected National President of the Society of Physics Students

��ɫ�� Announces 2024 B-Section Physics Awards