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Westminster College Physics Professor Presents Paper at Dual Conference

Posted on Wednesday, November 8, 2000

Dr. G. Samuel Lightner, chair and professor of physics at Westminster College, recently presented a paper at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Physics Society Division of Plasma Physics which was combined with the 10th International Congress on Plasma Physics at Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

His paper, "CPEP Fusion/Plasma Physics Education Materials/Activities," centered on the teaching chart, "FUSION-Physics of a Fundamental Energy Source," which was produced by the non-profit organization, the Contemporary Physics Education Project (CPEP).

Lightner was also a leader of a workshop designed to help incorporate aspects of plasma/fusion physics in to a teacher's curriculum. The workshop included ideas on hands-on activities, student laboratories, Internet activities, and the best use of the wall chart mentioned above.

Lightner, who has been with Westminster College since 1970, is the Western Pennsylvania Section Representative to the American Association of Physics Teachers Council, and serves as vice president of the Plasma/Fusion division of the Contemporary Physics Education Project. Lightner earned his undergraduate degree from Randolph-Macon College, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.