Susan Nicholson-Dykstra

Nicholson-Dykstra’s innovative teaching idea, “Physics for Social Impact,” focuses on incorporating engineering design and service learning into physics classes to increase student engagement and the enrollment of female and other underrepresented students in physics. Throughout the year, students will be challenged to use physics to develop new products that will help specific groups in a local community, including residents at local nursing homes. Students will learn about the engineering design process and building functional prototypes to test and improve. The Voya grant will be used to purchase a GlowForge 3D laser printer that will allow students to develop prototypes that are professional, realistic, durable, and sharable. The program’s overarching goal is to provide experiences that engage students in helping their community, so they develop a greater appreciation of and a personal connection to the potential of physics.