The American Institute of Physics designated the Illinois Tech Society of Physics Students (SPS), under the guidance of Carlo Segre, interim chair of Department of Physics and Duchossois Leadership Professor of Physics, as an SPS Notable Chapter for 2017. They received this honor based on their accomplishments and activities during the 2016–17 academic year, and Segre’s commitment and engagement with the students in his chapter.

SPS president Alexandra Detweiler (PHYS 2nd year) said, “SPS takes what is already a small, intimate physics department and forms an even more close-knit group; it’s more like a family than anything else, and helps keep students excited about physics.”

In both the spring and fall semesters, SPS hosted workshops and professional development activities for students. They partnered with Grant Bunker, chair of Department of Physics and professor of physics, on Mathematica workshops throughout spring 2017. Weekly Python workshops were held in both spring and fall, taught by SPS student volunteers and Master of Computer Science student Melanie Cornelius.

In August, the group, in conjunction with Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers (SHPE) and Sally Laurent-Muehleisen, adjunct professor of physics, hosted a solar eclipse viewing party. Free solar eclipse glasses were handed out to attendees, and a telescope, pinhole camera, and other viewing devices were available for use on the John T. Rettaliata Engineering Center lawn, where the event took place. The view party attracted more than 100 students, faculty, and staff.

A group of SPS students attended the American Physical Society (APS) March Meeting in New Orleans, they held general body meetings throughout the year where physics professors, grad students, and SPS students spoke, they hosted physics-themed game nights, movie nights, and luncheons, and they participated in the Pumpkin Launch last fall, improving upon their design from the previous year.

To learn more about the Illinois Tech Society of Physics Students and view their upcoming events, visit their website.