Vice President

[thomason]

Below are statements from the two candidates running for Vice President.  The first statement is from Sathappan Ramesh, the second from Adam Beehler.


Statement from Sathappan Ramesh:

Graduated with an MS in Physics from Clemson University, South Carolina.  Here
I had the golden opportunity to work under Prof. Raymond Turner, who is well
known for his works on "Physics with Toys." Later I worked as a high school
physics teacher at Greensboro Day School, Greensboro, North Carolina, for 1½
years. Came to Johns Hopkins University in Nov 2002 as the Senior Lab
Coordinator, and have been here since then.

In my current job, I train the lab TAs, develop new lab experiments, maintain
and repair the equipment. I also setup the demonstration equipment for physics
major lecture classes. During the summer I am also actively involved in
programs for high school physics teachers, organized by the Johns Hopkins
Physics Department. Have been very active in the AAPT, with presentations in
the introductory lab workshops and currently serving as a member of the
apparatus committee.  I was also a part of the organizing team for the Winter
2008 AAPT meeting in Baltimore and provided all the lab arrangements at the
Johns Hopkins campus.

If elected, as VP, I will be primarily in charge of the PIRA resource room. I
would like to make the room more attractive and cordial to our members and
visitors. So that they hang out, socialize, share ideas and provide support to
each other. This will also encourage visitors to become members of PIRA. This
can be developed further into a support cell for all the physics instructional
personnel, especially for those who are in a very hostile work environment.
Raise more money for Mary Creason fund.  I will also try to create an award,
which recognizes the lifetime achievement of lab/demo manager. Because several
of our members have worked hard their entire lifetime and have had no
recognition. Enhance all the current activities - the sales of books, used/new
lab equipment, display of apparatus. Introduce more hands on activities, make
and take stuff, etc in the resource room. Also keep myself available for
members, listen to their advice and suggestions and put them into action. As I
am more of a "man of action," than a speaker.


Statement from Adam Beehler:

I was born and raised in Kansas.  I have been teaching physics in one
form or another since 1994.  While majoring in Physics and French at
Kansas State University, I was given the opportunity to teach physics
laboratories as an undergraduate.  Shortly after beginning, I was
promoted to Lab Coordinator and also supervised associate instructors. 
I also edited and developed one of their lab manuals.  Upon graduating,
my family moved to Colorado, where we remained for the next nine
years.  I was hired by Colorado State University as the Assistant
Coordinator for Laboratory Instruction and Outreach.  I worked closely
with Brian Jones in their laboratories, demonstration room, and
outreach program called the Little Shop of Physics.  Now my family
lives in Utah because I was hired as the Lecture Demonstration
Specialist at the University of Utah.  Even though these were my main
jobs, I have also been involved with local science museums, summer
programs, community college teaching, MCAT instructing, science fair
judging, planetarium operating, research labs, Science Olympiads,
teacher workshops, a school district television program, and many a
public presentation.  I feel that PIRA is a wonderful organization, and
I fully support it and its many activities.  I am willing to help it
continue its success.