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APS Student Ambassadors The Division of Atomic, Congressional Back Page: Physics 02│ Engage with Units 03│ Molecular, and Optical Physics 04│ Visits Day 08│ Teaching Goes Virtual

April 2020 • Vol. 29, No. 4 aps.org/apsnews

A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY

A Message from the APS CEO and the APS President

e face a of to from home. APS has The APS’s Office of extraordinary chal- prepared for this, and thus far Affairs (OGA) has focused on W lenges. We know, the staff have maintained most ensuring that our graduate however, that our physics core activities as usual. Research students and postdocs continue community will be resilient meetings have been affected pro- to receive support, despite the and resourceful in the face of foundly, however. APS meetings shutdown of labs and uni- crisis as the world confronts are essential to our worldwide versities across the country. the coronavirus pandemic. We physics community, and so we Through a grassroots-driven saw this in Denver following the have taken several steps: partnership with the Forum on sudden cancellation of the March • The APS Board Executive Graduate Student Affairs, APS Meeting, as many members Committee agreed that the OGA is urging federal agencies to stepped forward to schedule April Meeting, originally to continue to provide salaries and and conduct online sessions to be held in Washington, DC, benefits. In addition, in prepa- ensure the continuity of scien- is canceled as an in-person ration for any future phase of Kate Kirby Philip Bucksbaum tific exchange. APS staff worked meeting, but will be held federal economic stimulus to tirelessly to support, encourage, online to the greatest respond to COVID-19, OGA has and enable these sessions, but and small, are taking place current situation is an existential extent possible. The April prepared a proposal for including the drive to push so much online throughout our community to challenge, which can accelerate Program Committee and scientific infrastructure in the so fast came from the March address critical needs resulting positive change, spur innovation, APS IT support are working funding package. meeting . from the pandemic. Physics labs and make us stronger and more together to implement a We acknowledge the stress This spirit is also seen in across the country are donating resilient. APS exists to serve its robust virtual meeting. so many in our community physics departments and labs much- needed personal protec- members, the physics community, • All spring section meetings are experiencing as they close worldwide, where physicists tive equipment to local hospitals. and society broadly. Learn more have been canceled. down research have suspended research with Several groups engaged in bio- about our efforts on our COVID-19 and laboratories and pivot to almost no prior warning, and • DAMOP leadership will make logical and are response page. If there are addi- teaching all courses online and students and staff have dis- a decision about their June busier than ever, racing to develop tional actions you think we should persed. Now and in the coming meeting soon. hold office hours in cyberspace. knowledge that could lead to be taking at this time, please let weeks, we will all be called • APS is supporting several The April APS News Back Page effective treatment. Although us know ([email protected]). upon to do what we can to keep community-driven efforts article contains some sug- many national laboratories are We send all best wishes to our communities healthy, keep to continue to place many of gestions regarding successful temporarily shut down, some you and your families, and hope our research and education the planned March Meeting transitioning to online teaching. beamlines at synchrotrons such that you are able to stay healthy missions alive, and prepare sessions online. We are In addition, we must especially as SSRL at SLAC remain open for and strong. look for ways to help our early for an uncertain future. all exploring new ways important research related to the Sincerely, As a result of the corona- to disseminate scientific career and student members, COVID-19 virus. Kate P. Kirby virus, APS—like most other information and interact whose lives have been upended Like other global threats our APS CEO professional societies around with our colleagues. You can as institutes are shuttered and society has faced, from world the world—has canceled con- read more about this on the campuses are closed. wars to national disasters (both Philip H. Bucksbaum ferences and requires staff March Meeting website. Other actions, both large natural and man-made), this APS President

Resources for Online Physics Physicists and COVID-19: APS News and Physics Magazine would like to hear from you. How are you carrying out your research? How are you moving your classes online? How Instruction are you using your physics training during the pandemic? Please send your story to BY MONICA PLISCH [email protected]. any physics departments can be run on the web and all have quickly moved can be downloaded. Curricular M their courses online materials are available for in response to the COVID-19 most sims, which can be used COVID-19: APS Actions and Resources pandemic. Some leading resources to supplement or substitute for include: hands-on laboratory exercises. • PhysPort (physport.org)— PS understands that our Journals • Virtual Chairs Meeting—APS APS Fellow Sam McKagan members and the physics The APS and the Physical Review and AAPT jointly organize the is founder and director community are under con- editorial office are fully equipped Physics Department Chairs A of this user-friendly web siderable stress at this time. Please and actively working to support Meeting and will be holding portal hosted by AAPT that be assured that we will continue to researchers by continuing to carry a shortened version of this supports physics faculty in do all that we can to support you out all editorial and peer-review meeting online, likely on June implementing research-based and the physics enterprise. If you functions and publish research in 19. Chairs and other depart- teaching practices. The Expert have any questions or concerns, the journals as well as minimizing ment leaders are welcome to Recommendations tab has a please let us know via the form disruption to journal access. attend and discuss lessons well-developed page titled at aps.org/about/contact/. Remote Journal Access. Many learned from the unexpected “I suddenly have to move APS has created a central researchers now find themselves with online educa- my face-to-face physics/ website with updated information working away from their insti- tion, among other topics. Look course online! What about Society activities during this tutions and may have trouble for announcements on the should I do?” Sourced from time. Please check the website accessing the Physical Review APS Education Programs page dozens of experts, this vetted regularly: aps.org/about/covid-19/. journals. To address this, we are facilitating access via several (aps.org/programs/education) page includes ideas and links different mechanisms: Google to stay in the loop. from how to structure your Scholar CASA, Go Mobile, and Please contact us at educa- class, to group work online, Shibboleth. For full details visit: [email protected] if APS staff can be to online teaching resources. journals.aps.org/remote-access. of assistance regarding questions For any questions, please • PhET Simulations (phet. with online education. Also see contact our journals Help Desk colorado.edu)—Winner of the APS News Back Page article by at [email protected]. the 2018 APS Excellence in Chandralekha Singh in this issue Education Award, this website for additional links. hosts over 100 interactive simulations of physics phe- The author is APS Director of COVID-19 CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 nomena. Most simulations Programs.

Revised 4/20/20

COVID-19 CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 2 • April 2020

MEMBERSHIP APS Student Ambassadors Engage THIS MONTH IN with Units BY LEAH POFFENBERGER Physics History

he APS Annual Leadership Meeting (ALM) in T Washington, DC, held at the April 13, 1942: Death of Annie Jump Cannon end of January is an important resource for connecting leaders stronomer Annie Jump Cannon was a rare of APS membership units to APS creature for her time, when most women staff and leadership, and this year A did not receive higher education, and were it also acted as a training ground for expected to pursue traditional domestic priorities. a new type of APS leader: the APS She defied those societal expectations and gave Student Ambassadors. APS Student us a classification system still in use today. Ambassadors are undergraduate Born in December 1863, Cannon’s father was and graduate physics students who a shipbuilder in Delaware and a former state have committed to acting as APS senator. Cannon recalled being fascinated by the representatives for their fellow Student Ambassador Huei Sears glass prismatic pendants in the family candelabra, students in their home institutions. detaching them occasionally to catch sunbeams The Student Ambassador and play with the light. It was her mother, Mary program was first launched in In a student-ambassadors-only Jump, who encouraged young Annie’s interest in Spring of 2019, and now has 20 session at ALM, the ambassadors the , observing them from the family attic. ambassadors at 18 institutions who were given resources, both for their She learned about the constellations with the Annie Jump Cannon inform their peers about APS and own career growth and for their help of an old astronomy textbook. “Stars and its resources. Ambassadors are work as representatives for APS. prisms!” Cannon later said. “How prophetic was brightness, position and color; and classifying provided with materials about APS A workshop titled “Finding Your this baby amusement of the profession which the stars fell to the women in Pickering’s employ. programs and support from APS Voice: On Campus and Off” helped was destined to fill my life. At the time, Harvard astronomers used a prism staff to act as a valuable bridge give the students tools to better Cannon’s mother also pushed her to study placed in front of a telescopes eyepiece to observe between students and APS. communicate about themselves, math and the at what is now Wellesley a star’s spectrum, and then drawing that spectrum “APS is almost 50% students, their research, and as APS repre- College. Her mentor was Sarah Frances Whiting, sentatives. Crystal Bailey, Head of by hand. Eventually, they began using one-inch and APS is definitely making a big a rare woman in the US at the time. square photographic plates to record the spectra. push to help support students and Career Programs at APS, headed up Cannon excelled academically and graduated Pickering was able to speed up the process even early career scientists more—[the a careers roundtable, sharing the with a degree in physics in 1884, serving as more by placing the prism at the gathering end of Student Ambassadors Program] resources APS has for students and valedictorian of her graduating class. the telescope. This enabled astronomers to image is part of that,” says Sarah Monk, early career scientists, and Monica Cannon did not immediately pursue a career more than a single star at a time. Any star within Unit Operations Coordinator at Plisch, APS Director of Programs, in after leaving Wellesley, returning to the telescope’s view could be captured on 8”x10” APS. “The Student Ambassadors provided information on Society her Delaware home instead, where she worked photographic plates. serve as representatives of APS efforts dedicated to education, as a tutor in math and history. She also devel- Cannon spent many nights scanning the night at their institution, so if students diversity, and inclusion. Monk led oped a great deal of skill in photography, even sky at the observatory, recording all the tiny have questions about APS, they can a training session, ensuring the traveling throughout Europe taking pictures fluctuations in the brightness of various stars, as go to that representative who can ambassadors had all the tools they with a box camera. She published a pamphlet of well as synthesizing data from citizen scientists answer their questions or put them need to be successful representa- her photographs from Spain in 1893, which was tives to fellow students. making their own observations around the globe. in touch with a person at APS who distributed at the Chicago World’s Columbian But she particularly excelled at classification, able can help them.” “It was very useful to have a Exposition that year. to classify spectra in as little as three seconds. As part of the program, student semi-informal presentation of all Sometime during these years, Cannon had She would place each plate on a stand, and a ambassadors are given free APS the resources APS has to offer,” survived a bout with scarlet fever, but the illness mirror at the base would catch the sunlight to memberships, as well as unique says Huei Sears, a graduate student left her mostly deaf. Then her mother died in illuminate the horizontal spectral bands on the opportunities for career growth. at Ohio University and one of the 1894, and Cannon found herself at loose ends and plate. Then she used a microscope to determine Seven student ambassadors repre- Student Ambassadors who attended desiring change. She wrote to Whiting asking the spectral patterns and verbally communicate senting five institutions attended ALM. “I know that joining APS about a job opening, and her former mentor the classification to an assistant. ALM, and participated in all ALM allows students to present at APS hired her as a junior physics teacher. This also Two of Cannon’s fellow computers, Williamina has to offer, from being a part of conferences for an affordable price, enabled Cannon to pursue graduate studies in Fleming and , had devised com- Congressional Visits Day (see p. but I’ve struggled in finding reasons physics and astronomy, and begin to learn about peting classification schemes. Fleming’s system 4) to ramping up their skills at a to join APS for students who maybe spectroscopy. Eventually she enrolled at Radcliffe divided stars into 15 spectral categories, depending special professional development aren’t ready to present yet. This College, with the aim of gaining access to a on how strong their hydrogen lines were. There workshop. presentation gave me that infor- better telescope, as well as the were 22 categories in Maury’s more complicated “Part of the Ambassador program mation, and I now feel prepared to Observatory. system, based on the lines of a given star. is providing professional develop- encourage all graduate students to In 1896, the director of the observatory, Edward Cannon devised her own compromise classifi- ment and networking opportunities join [APS].” Pickering, hired Cannon to join his “Harvard cation scheme that is still used today, preserving for these ambassadors, and we Both undergraduate and graduate Computers,” thanks to her academic background some elements of both, which (we now know) thought ALM would be a really students can become Ambassadors and considerable experience with telescopes. essentially ranked stars in terms of temperature, great opportunity for them to learn upon nomination from the chair of Their task was to help complete the from hottest to coldest. She based her scheme on a lot more about APS,” says Monk. their physics department or from Catalog and to map and define every star in the how strong the Balmer absorption lines were for “At the ALM, we paired each of other faculty members. Students night sky by their optical spectra. Male astron- each star, dividing them into the spectral classes the student ambassadors with a will also be able to apply to be an omers handled the telescope observations and unit leader as their mentor for the Ambassador online starting August took the photographs; the tedious task of pains- whole meeting, so they had that 1, 2020. takingly sifting through each plate; measuring CANNON CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 unit leader to answer questions for them or talk about their career path, whatever they needed.” AMBASSADORS CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Series II, Vol. 29, No. 4 APS COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES 2020 General Councilors and Fields), Stuart Henderson (Division of April 2020 Vivian F. Incera*, Andrea J. Liu*, Physics of Beams), Amitava Bhattacharjee* (Division President Robert McKeown, Robin L. B. Selinger* of Physics), Murugappan Muthukumar © 2020 American Physical Society Philip H. Bucksbaum*, Stanford University and (Division of ), Charles H. Bennett SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory International Councilors (Division of Information), Noah Finkelstein Ursula Keller, Marta Losada*, Ahmadou (Forum on Education), LaNell Williams (Forum on Editor...... David Voss President-Elect Wagué*, Enge Wang Graduate Student Affairs), Virginia Trimble (Forum Sylvester J. Gates*, Brown on the History of Physics), TBD (Forum on Industrial Staff Science Writer...... Leah Poffenberger Center, Chair, Nominating Committee and ), Emanuela Barzi (Forum on Contributing Correspondent ...... Alaina G. Levine Nora Berrah*, University of Connecticut International Physics), TBD (Forum on Physics and Design and Production...... Nancy Bennett-Karasik Vice President Society), Philip R. Johnson (Mid-Atlantic Section), Frances Hellman*, University of California, Chair, Panel on Public Affairs Nora Berrah* (New England Section) Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Dan Dahlberg, University of Minnesota APS News (ISSN: 1058-8132) is published APS News, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD Laboratory Senior Management Team monthly, except for a combined August-Sep- 20740-3844, Email: [email protected]. Editor in Chief Mark Doyle, Chief Information Officer; tember issue, 11 per year, by the American Past President Michael Thoennessen, Michigan State University Jane Hopkins Gould, Chief Financial Officer Physical Society, One Physics Ellipse, College Subscriptions: APS News is an on-membership David J. Gross*, Kavli Institute for Theoretical (on leave) Beth Gunzel, Chief Human Resources Officer Park, MD 20740-3844, (301) 209-3200. It con- publication delivered by Periodical Mail Postage Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara Kate P. Kirby, Chief Executive Officer; tains news of the Society and of its Divisions, Paid at College Park, MD and at additional mail- Division, Forum, and Section Councilors Matthew M. Salter, Publisher; Topical Groups, Sections, and Forums; advance ing offices. Chief Executive Officer Michael Coleman Miller (Division of ), Francis Slakey, Chief Government Affairs Officer; information on meetings of the Society; and re- Kate P. Kirby, Harvard Smithsonian (retired) David Schultz (Division of Atomic, Molecular, and James W. Taylor, Deputy Executive Officer and ports to the Society by its committees and task For address changes, please send both the old Optical Physics), William Bialek (Division of Biological Chief Operating Officer; , as well as opinions. and new addresses, and, if possible, include a Speaker of the Council Physics), Robert Continetti (Division of Chemical Michael Thoennessen, Editor in Chief mailing label from a recent issue. Changes can be Andrea J. Liu*, University of Pennsylvania Physics), TBD (Division of Condensed Physics), Letters to the editor are welcomed from the emailed to [email protected]. Postmaster: TBD (Division of ), Howard * Voting Members of the APS Board of Directors membership. Letters must be signed and should Send address changes to APS News, Membership Treasurer Stone (Division of ), Beverly Berger* include an address and daytime telephone num- Department, American Physical Society, One James Hollenhorst*, Agilent (Division of Gravitational Physics), John Fourkas ber. APS reserves the right to select and to edit Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3844. (Division of Science), Samuel Bader (Division for length and clarity. All correspondence re- Coden: ANWSEN ISSN: 1058-8132 Corporate Secretary of ), Baha Balantekin* (Division of garding APS News should be directed to: Editor, Jeanette Russo, American Physical Society ), Elizabeth Simmons (Division of April 2020 • 3

MEMBERSHIP UNITS The Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics BY ABIGAIL DOVE

he Division of Atomic, The move toward subdivisions largest units at APS, approximately Meeting. With a typical atten- Molecular, and Optical was initially met with some skep- 3,200 members strong. Notably, dance of 1,000 to 1,200 people, this T Physics (DAMOP) is a ticism from some in the physics over 40% of DAMOP members are meeting provides a more intimate home for physicists engaged in community, who feared that it students, underscoring the vibrancy forum to discuss AMO physics spe- fundamental research on , would incite too much fragmen- of this rapidly developing field and cifically—itself already a broad molecules, , and their tation in what was then a much reinforcing what DAMOP chair field. Besides a large selection of interactions. These researchers smaller field. On this issue, Karl John Bollinger (NIST) characterized invited talks (the topics of which investigate a wide range of phe- Darrow, the Secretary of APS at as “a culture of sharing, support, are proposed by the broader AMO nomena, including ultrafast the time, noted in 1943 that “The openness, and scientific curiosity.” community), the meeting also and strong field physics, colli- natural tendency of any growing Fundamental research in the includes graduate student symposia, sions and spectroscopy, quantum science is to subdivide itself. domain of atomic, molecular, and career development events, and , plasmas, and precision Paradoxical as it may sound, this optical – or “AMO” – physics has an annual workshop on precision measurements. is regarded by […] the Society as a been instrumental in the devel- measurement and fundamental Founded in 1943 as the “Division step in the direction of unity and not opment of methods for the control concepts from APS’ GPMFC (which of and Ion Optics,” DAMOP disintegration.” He emphasized that and manipulation of atoms, mole- rotates between the DAMOP Annual has the distinction of being the APS benefits from the emergence cules, charged particles, and light. Meeting and the APS April Meeting). oldest division in APS. It evolved of specialized subdivisions because As DAMOP Past Chair Marianna “It’s the best conference on over the years into the “Division it ensures that everyone in the Safronova () AMO physics in the United States of Electron Physics” in 1947 and physics community, no matter how explained, the natural synergy to see the perspective of the entire became the “Division of Electron different their academic interests, between these aspects of funda- field,” noted Safronova, “I would and ” in 1966, finally can “continue to regard themselves mental AMO research and other encourage even first year graduate Computer simulation showing tor- becoming DAMOP in 1986. and to be regarded as being phys- areas of physics has enabled close students to attend.” nado-like vortices forming within a spinning Bose-Einstein condensate of As the first APS division, DAMOP icists and members of a society of relationships and collaborations Echoed Bollinger, “AMO science ultracold atoms. IMAGE: NIST led the way for other specialized physicists.” with several other APS units, has undergone much growth units within APS, which since its Almost 80 years later, this has including the Divisions of Quantum during the last 30 years, and this founding in 1899 had been a single proven to be the case: Today APS Information (DQI; see APS News has produced a proliferation of sity is important for progress to body with no internal subdivisions. has 17 divisions, 13 topical groups, December 2019), Laser Science smaller topical meetings. DAMOP, be made.” Just one year after DAMOP’s estab- 10 geographical sections, and 9 (DLS), and Nuclear Physics (DNP), in particular through its Annual Looking to the future, Bollinger’s lishment the Division of Polymer forums, all operating synergis- and the Topical Group on Precision Meeting, brings together the dif- top priorities for DAMOP are Physics (DPOLY) was formed in tically with ample crosstalk and Measurement and Fundamental ferent topical areas of research. two-fold – to “build connections 1944, followed by the Division of collaboration. Constants (GPMFC). One of my biggest aspirations is to (DCMP) In addition to being the oldest, A particular point of pride for keep these connections healthy and in 1947 (see APS News April 2019). DAMOP also ranks among the DAMOP is its long-running Annual vibrant because scientific diver- DAMOP CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

APS Members Named “5 Sigma Physicists” for AMBASSADORS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Outstanding Advocacy When asked what she would tell hesitate to reach out and ask— students who may be interested in APS wants the best for the physics BY TAWANDA W. JOHNSON joining the program, Sears’ advice community, and including students is simple: “Jump right in & join,” is imperative in securing a bright hey wrote op-eds that Affairs (FGSA), were lauded with Nadia Fomin and Christine she says. “I’ve learned a lot about future.” appeared in top media the award after working with Nattrass, assistant and associate APS (and the physics community T outlets throughout the APS OGA to organize a 12-week, physics professors, respectively, in general) during my time as a country, participated in meetings letter-writing campaign on the at the University of Tennessee, Student Ambassador, and I greatly Applications for the Student with congressional staff, and one Combating Sexual Harassment in Knoxville (UT Knoxville), joined enjoyed attending ALM. If you have Ambassador program open August 1, even used her expertise to testify Science Act. The result of their work: Elizabeth Mae Scott, a graduate any questions or concerns don’t 2020: go.aps.org/ambassador2020 during a hearing on Capitol Hill. As The US House of Representatives student at UT Knoxville, to a result of their outstanding science passed the legislation within advocate for the Combating Sexual policy advocacy throughout 2019, eight months from the time of Harassment in Science Act. They APS has selected 16 members to introduction. participated in meetings with receive the 5 Sigma Physicist Award. Kevin Nuckolls, a PhD physics staff representing US Sens. Lamar Awardees are honored for par- student at Princeton University, Alexander and Marsha Blackburn. ticipating in high-impact advocacy said, “There’s still a lot we must do “These meetings took a lot of activities with the APS Office of to further combat sexual and gender work, but they are important first Government Affairs (APS OGA) and harassment in the STEM com- steps in knocking down barriers for maintaining communication munity, but I believe the passage to sexual harassment in STEM,” with the office throughout the year. of HR 36 [the bill in the House of said Nattrass. APS Fellowship This year’s awardees requested Representatives] marks a concrete Lauer, physics postdoc- that members of Congress: support step in the right direction toward toral associate at Duke University, ei iis the Combating Sexual Harassment transparency and inclusivity.” and Saeed Pegahan, PhD physics in Science Act; cosponsor the Keep Added Tiffany Nichols, an student at North Carolina State STEM Talent Act; introduce legis- attorney and a doctoral candidate University, teamed up during a lation to keep the Federal Helium in the /physics meeting with Sen. Thom Tillis’ Reserve open and create a robust at , “I hope to staff in support of the Keep STEM helium recycling program; and continue devoting my time and Talent Act. Pegahan also arranged a raise the budgetary caps on the efforts to program development lab tour for Tillis’ staff, and during esi is disi siii FY21 federal budget. and activism that make physics the tour, he underscored the case eii es essi ees “The advocacy that I’ve been and related fields more inclusive, for keeping international talent ese side ii ees able to do this year with the help equitable, and diverse. We are better in the US. ve de eei iis e of the APS Office of Government together.” Lauer wrote an op-ed in The Affairs has been its own reward,” Being selected for the 5 Sigma Raleigh News & Observer newspaper sis eeise said Stephen Albright, a PhD physics Physicist Award was a “pleasant in support of the bill, which would student at Yale University, who surprise,” said Midhat Farooq, enable high-skilled international Deadlines through Spring helped urge US Rep. DeLauro APS Careers Program Manager and graduate students to both study (CT-3rd) to support the Combating former member-at-large of FGSA. at US universities and provide a evi divese d isive i Sexual Harassment in Science Act “Advocating for sound policies path to a green card if they secure siiss dide is i and the Keep STEM Talent Act. More supported by science is a responsi- job offers from US employers after iis e d ees specifically, Albright organized a bility that falls on many, including graduation. deeeseed ii s e team of advocates who met with US APS and its members. What makes Pegahan pointed out that he Rep. Rosa DeLauro’s staff in support me truly happy is that APS goes was elated to advocate for the Keep esei eed of both pieces of legislation. Those one step further and advocates for STEM Talent Act. efforts paid off: DeLauro became policies that affect the people doing “Thanks to all the amazing APS Learn More: go.aps.org/fellowship a co-sponsor of the Combating the science, such as tackling topics Office of Government Affairs staff, Sexual Harassment Act shortly like sexual harassment and immi- I am glad that I had an opportunity after meeting with Albright’s team. gration. I think these social issues to speak with staff in the sena- Tiffany Nichols, Kevin Nuckolls are just as important as research and Midhat Farooq, leaders of the funding, and I am glad to see APS APS Forum on Graduate Student addressing them,” said Farooq. 5 SIGMA CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 4 • April 2020

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Accepting submissions mid-2020 APS Members Take to Capitol Hill to Make Case for Science Policy Issues BY TAWANDA W. JOHNSON

PRX QUANTUM early 70 APS members A Physical Review journal recently advocated for the N Society’s policy priorities on Capitol Hill during APS’s annual Congressional Visits Day (CVD), and based on their feedback, the expe- rience was positive and productive. The event was held just before the start of the APS Annual Leadership Meeting at the end of January. Representing 26 states across the country, groups of these volunteers participated in nearly 100 meetings to make the case for science policy PRX Quantum will be a highly selective, open access priorities determined by APS journal featuring quantum information science and research with an emphasis on lasting and members and leadership. During the Almost 70 APS members from 26 states in the US visited Capitol Hill during profound impact. meetings, APS volunteers requested that members of Congress: support APS Congressional Visits Day. Expanding on the excellence and innovation of Physical the Combating Sexual Harassment Review X (PRX), PRX Quantum will provide a home for and gressional members’ districts and Shannon Swilley Greco, a connection between the numerous research communities in Science Act; cosponsor the Keep that make up quantum research, from pure science to STEM Talent Act; preserve methane states. Thirteen sitting members science education senior program engineering to computer science and beyond. emissions regulations for the oil of Congress participated in the leader at Princeton Plasma Physics and gas industry; introduce legis- meetings—a record number for Laboratory, said she appreciated Article publication charges (APCs) will be waived for the APS CVD. the opportunity to be “civically submissions in 2020. lation to keep the Federal Helium Reserve open and create a robust “APS is once again elated to have engaged.” She added, “I think I am helium recycling program; and our members advocate on crucial a good ambassador for these issues, Learn more and sign up for updates: journals.aps.org/prxquantum include funding increases of at science policy issues that are not and I’d like to think I’m effective. least 4 percent real growth for key only beneficial to the physics com- And the experience helped me hone PUBLISHED BY THE science agencies during the fiscal munity but to society as a whole. my communication skills.” AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY @PRX_Quantum year 2021 appropriations process. We are committed to being the Leslie Atkins Elliott, professor During the Capitol Hill meetings, leading voice for physics in the of curriculum, instruction, and leaders of APS membership units US, and that means supporting foundation studies at Boise State shared personal stories related to member engagement in effective University, said she was drawn to these science policy issues and science advocacy to help shape explained to the staffers how federal science policy,” said APS APS Honors those stories affected their con- President Phillip Bucksbaum. CAPITOL HILL CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 ese sieide ies d ds eie Signal Boost is a monthly email video newsletter ievees ss ieds sis ese side alerting APS members to policy issues and identifying ii desevi ees e i opportunities to get involved. Past issues are available at go.aps.org/2nr298D. Join Our Mailing List: visit the APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research sign-up page at go.aps.org/2nqGtJP. Deadline: , 2020

Dannie Heineman Prize for FYI: SCIENCE POLICY NEWS FROM AIP Deadline: e , 2020

Edward A. Bouchet Award Deadline: e , 2020 Proposals Proliferate to Inject Billions Into R&D

George E. Valley, Jr. Prize Programs Deadline: e , 2020 BY ANDREA PETERSON

Julius Edgar Lilienfeld Prize n R&D spending surge could incorporate ideas from the bill into Deadline: e , 2020 be on the horizon, if senior bipartisan legislation Democrats A Democrats and Republicans hope to introduce later this year. Award follow through with proposals to In the Senate, interest has Deadline: e , 2020 channel billions of dollars into begun to coalesce around the fields they deem critical to national five “Industries of the Future” Prize for a Faculty Member for Research at an interests. The proposals circulating the White House has identified Undergraduate Institution on Capitol Hill differ widely, but as key to US global competitive- Deadline: e , 2020 all cite either climate change or ness: artificial intelligence (AI), but he reiterated his interest in competition with China—or both— quantum information science (QIS), the idea in a recent letter to the LeRoy Apker Award For Undergraduates as justification for turbocharged 5G telecommunications, advanced White House encouraging it to Deadline: e , 2020 funding. manufacturing, and synthetic significantly increase funding for In January, Republican . NSF and NIST in its latest budget members of the House Science In January, a bipartisan group of evi divese d isive i siiss request. The administration ulti- Committee introduced the Securing senators led by Commerce, Science, dide is i iis mately proposed steep cuts to both American Leadership in Science and Transportation Committee e d ees deeeseed ii agencies, though it did propose and Technology Act, a sweeping Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS) intro- s e esei eed ramping up spending on QIS and AI. policy bill that recommends roughly duced the Industries of the Future Proposals for bolstering R&D doubling the budgets of select science Act, which would direct the White spending to address climate change agencies over ten years. Among House to sketch out its vision for have likewise proliferated in those included are the Department these areas. It would also require the Congress. The House Republican of Office of Science, the administration to develop plans for bill is part of that party’s new effort National Science Foundation, and doubling civilian agencies’ annual to develop an innovation-cen- LEARN MORE: aps.org/programs/honors the National Institute of Standards spending on QIS and AI over the tered climate policy, but a similar and Technology. next two years and for scaling up idea was articulated a year ago Committee Ranking Member their investments across emerging by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Frank Lucas (R-OK) has said he technology areas to $10 billion who called for doubling energy hopes the bill will “start a bipar- annually by 2025. research funding over five years as tisan conversation about what we Senate Minority Leader Chuck part of a “New Manhattan Project need to do to ensure America's lead Schumer (D-NY) has floated a for Clean Energy.” in the technological revolution of separate proposal to create a new Although his proposal has not the 21st century.” Commenting on funding entity that would channel been embodied in legislation, from the legislation, Committee Chair $100 billion over five years into his position as chair of the Senate News and commentary about Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said “” in areas such as appropriations subcommittee research from the APS journals she is pleased with its call to put AI, quantum computing, robotics, Sign up for Alerts: physics.aps.org TM science agencies on a sustained and 5G. Schumer has not yet intro- growth path and that she will look to duced legislation for the proposal, R&D CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 April 2020 • 5

MEETINGS MARCH MEETING Using Autonomous Vehicles for Agriculture, How To Protect A Quantum Environment, and Infrastructure Monitoring Computer From Itself BY LEAH POFFENBERGER BY SOPHIA CHEN

echnologies that are putting he race to build the first useful self-driving cars on the quantum computer is on. In T road, such as laser sensors T the last year, researchers and multi-spectral cameras, are have announced a flurry of results: now enabling a different type of in October, a team at Google reported autonomous vehicle: self-flying that they’d demonstrated the first drones. Researchers like Pratap task, in which a quantum computer Tokekar, an assistant professor beat a conventional one in solving an at the Maryland Robotics Center abstract math problem. Meanwhile, at the University of Maryland, are IBM’s quantum team solved simple developing small, unmanned aerial problems relevant to chemistry vehicles (UAVs) that can be deployed and finance on prototype quantum as tools to improve agriculture, hardware that, if scaled up to future inspect infrastructure, and monitor larger machines, may offer utility the environment. beyond classical computing. This Scientists Hanhee Paik (left) and Tokekar described his research March, Honeywell claimed they’d Sarah Sheldon (right) examine the at the September 2019 Frontiers built the most powerful quantum hardware inside an open dilution in Optics/Laser Science meeting, computer yet, a machine made of fridge at the IBM Q Lab at IBM's T. J. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles loaded with sensors are providing new eyes on Watson Research Center in Yorktown, organized by the Optical Society and agriculture and infrastructure. trapped-ion qubits. the APS Division of Laser Science. However, existing quantum NY. IMAGE: IBM His work was done while at Virginia computers cannot run arbitrarily magnetic field, for example, that Tech and focuses on precision agri- instruments, UAVs can be loaded up because now you need these vehicles complicated tasks because the might change a qubit’s quantum culture, which uses technology with a number of different scientific to coordinate with each other,” hardware works imperfectly. state—and from mistakes inside the to improve crop yields. UAVs are sensors, depending on the task at says Tokekar. “Then the questions These errors arise from external great for applications outside of hand. For precision agriculture, the become: How do you coordinate the interference—changes in ’s QUANTUM CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 farms, such as bridge inspection and UAVs are typically equipped with actions between these aerial and aquatic pollution tracking. However, thermal cameras, multi-spectral ground vehicles? How do you get UAVs are especially well-suited to cameras, and temperature sensors. few ground vehicles to support a agriculture because of the nature Data from these sensors can show larger fleet of aerial vehicles? That’s of the work and the relatively safe whether some plants on a farm, something that we've actively been flying environment. like a new genetic variant, are working on.” “The goal of UAVs is really to growing better than others, pro- Coordination between different TM do any task that is dull, dirty, and viding farmers with information on types of vehicles is also important dangerous,” says Tokekar. “In terms what crops will be most profitable for UAV applications in aquatic envi- AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY SEEKS NEW CEO of agriculture, there are certainly to plant. ronments where UAVs and robotic boats can be deployed together a lot of tasks that are dull, such as However, UAVs can’t carry an The American Physical Society (APS) seeks a compelling leader unlimited sensor package: even in response to oil spills or other going and taking images of all the with top-level management experience as its next CEO to create a with the best battery technology, pollutants in a body of water. plants on your farm…this is some- high-performance culture that inspires members, staff, and the broader thing that is easily automated with the vehicles have a short time in “We’re been working on devel- physical sciences community. robots that can help us improve the the air. “Ten to 30 minutes may oping algorithms to use a team of efficiency of our farming in general, not be enough for what you want aerial robots with aerial sensors The APS is a strong and successful 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership using data-driven techniques.” to do, and so you have a trade-off: that can quickly disperse in the corporation, headquartered in College Park, Maryland with offices in Tokekar’s use of UAVs for agri- if you want to put more interesting environment and map the extent Ridge, New York and in Washington, DC. The new CEO will advance cultural monitoring was made scientific sensors on a platform, of a pollutant, find the source of a the mission of the world’s leading physics professional society with possible about eight years ago, you are reducing the flight time pollutant, and then coordinate with a budget of $68 million, leading and managing more than 55,000 thanks to advances in battery life you have,” says Tokekar. “This a robotic boat that can go and collect and improved GPS technologies. is, in some sense, good for us as physical samples,” says Tokekar. members and 250 staff. Since farms are relatively free of robotics researchers because now As autonomous vehicles like aerial obstacles, vehicles equipped we have a constrained platform. UAVs improve and become more The ideal candidate is excited by the of scientific discovery with onboard GPS and inertial mea- Instead of just flying everywhere widespread, robotics researchers and research dissemination, the changing scientific publishing surement units for navigation can in the environment, now it is upon like Tokekar recognize the potential landscape, and opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability of be deployed to begin collecting data us to find the most interesting for such technologies to impact the Society. They will address membership growth and retention, with relative ease. locations in the environment to the workforce. Tokekar has been effective meeting strategies, and will further strengthen APS through “The agricultural domain was collect samples from.” involved with a research project, collaboration with scientists and staff at all levels of the profession. the perfect fit because it’s structured To meet the challenge of short as part of the National Science The successful CEO will: enough that the UAVs can navigate battery life in aerial vehicles, Foundation’s Future of Work • Possess excellent management, strategic, communication, and easily in the environment and focus Tokekar’s team has been working program, to study the intersec- diplomacy skills on the more interesting data col- on algorithms that can coordinate tion between UAV technology and • Advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics lection aspect and not worry about teams of vehicles, both aerial and workers. One focus was on how • Engage, support, and further energize an active, multidisci- things like obstacle avoidance or ground, to maximize the amount using UAVs will impact infrastruc- plinary, and diverse membership ture inspectors. safety as one would for self-driving of time UAVs spend in the air in • Advance scientific discovery and research dissemination “We are not only improving cars,” says Tokekar. interesting locations. Unmanned through world class journals and meetings UAVs deployed in other appli- ground vehicles (UGVs), which have the technology [for infrastructure • Advocate for physics and physicists, amplifying the voice for cations, such as infrastructure much longer battery lifetimes, can inspection], but also working with science inspection, might operate in be used to transport UAVs to areas stakeholders: This includes govern- • Promote effective at all levels areas where GPS signals may be of interest and act as charging ment agencies as well as inspection interrupted, so they are equipped stations, where a depleted UAV companies, and economists too, to • Promote opportunities for underrepresented groups, valuing with other navigational tools like could land and recharge before see what the workforce [require- diversity, inclusion, and equity cameras and LiDAR—a laser sensor completing its mission. ments] would look like if such a • Bring their own vision and values to a highly functioning strate- that allows the vehicle to build a 3D “If you have one vehicle that has technology would become feasible gic framework, implementing initiatives through clear business map of its environment. Such UAVs only 10 minutes, then the solution in the near future,” says Tokekar. processes, goals, and resource allocation are ideal for inspecting bridges, a is to have multiple vehicles that “How would training requirements dangerous job for humans. In par- can all operate simultaneously: change, would inspectors need to The top candidate will be a qualified scientific leader with knowledge ticularly tricky flying conditions, you can have a swarm or collec- also be pilots and so on and so forth. of the U.S. legislative process, science policy, and global scientific some UAVs are mixed autonomy tion of aerial vehicles all going It’s an interesting program, but I collaboration. They will have experience with the needs of diverse, and can be guided by a remote pilot. and doing data collection, but that think this is something that can multidisciplinary audiences and appreciate the intricacies of working have a tangible impact.” In addition to navigational introduces newer challenges now with member-elected governing bodies. They will manage, lead, and inspire staff and members to accelerate organizational change and R&D CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 resilience. for DOE, Alexander marshalled this year. Efforts could continue The author is a science policy reporter Jackie Eder-Van Hook, PhD, President, Transition Management for FYI. a funding boost for the current into the next Congress, perhaps Consulting, Inc. is conducting this search for APS. Interested can- year that aligns with his doubling under significantly different cir- Published by the American didates should read the Organizational and Candidate Profile at goal. However, he is retiring at cumstances should there be a new Institute of Physics since 1989, FYI TransitionCEO.com/careers and submit their cover letter, resume, and the beginning of 2021, leaving the occupant of the White House. Joe is a trusted source of science policy salary expectations as soon as possible, but not later than Thursday, matter in his hands for only one Biden and Bernie Sanders have both news that is read by congressional April 30, 2020. Questions should be mailed to APS2020_Search@ more budget cycle. included major energy innovation staff, federal agency heads, and TransitionCEO.com. With the election season now pushes in their platforms and could leading figures in the scientific well underway, time is short to also prove receptive to the ideas in community. Sign up for free FYI assemble a major legislative push Congress. emails at aip.org/fyi. 6 • April 2020

5 SIGMA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 QUANTUM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 tor’s office, and the discussion on ular, lawmakers about the impact current generation of scientists machine itself, such as imprecisely require a fraction of the qubits immigration policies for physics that science and science policy has to further and deepen our under- calibrated . needed relative to one commonly graduates at North Carolina State on society.” standing of ourselves, our world So one major hurdle on this used code. “We should be optimistic University was a great chance to Raju Ghimire, a PhD student and our . It also contrib- decades-long track is to build a about the resources required for share our thoughts.” focused on nanoscience and utes to the process of mentoring machine capable of correcting error correction,” he says. James Vary, physics professor microsystem engineering at the the next generations of scientists, hardware errors in real time. Still, an error-corrected quantum at Iowa State University; Klaus University of New Mexico (UNM) so that ours will not be the last,” “Quantum error correction is computer will require lots of qubits. Bartschat, physics professor at and a visiting PhD student at the said DiVerdi. how we’re going to turn the noisy The computer that Google used in Drake University; and Wayne University of Texas at Austin (UT Dany Waller said “wow” after qubits we have right now into actual its widely reported experiment, for Polyzou, physics professor at Austin), pointed out, “As scientists, receiving word that she had been devices capable of solving real- example, consists of 54 supercon- the University of Iowa, attended we have the knowledge and exper- selected for the award. She wrote world problems,” says Ted Yoder, ducting circuit qubits. To perform meetings with staff in the offices tise to serve as crucial advisers to an op-ed in The Louisville Courier a theorist working at IBM. error correction, most of those are of US Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck lawmakers to ensure that their Journal that asked congressional This year’s cancelled APS March ancilla qubits, with only a few par- Grassley concerning the Keep STEM policies are supported by sound, leaders to lift budgetary caps to Meeting was to feature presen- ticipating in the main computation Talent Act. scientific data.” Ghimire helped promote investment in scientific tations from researchers across task. Because existing hardware Vary also wrote an op-ed in design and implement a survey research and STEM job growth. both academia and industry on contains relatively few qubits, it has the Cedar Rapids Gazette about of international physics graduate “I’m so honored to be recog- the latest research in quantum thus far been difficult to implement the Keep STEM Talent Act. In his students on their experiences nized for my work. Collaborating error correction. While theorists error correction algorithms. “We’re piece, he stated, “Our nation’s role with US visa processes and their on an op-ed really spurred me began considering quantum error just now getting to the point of as a global leader in innovation, perceptions of the US as a desti- to stay involved at a local and correction more than two decades having enough qubits to do error however, remains in jeopardy as the nation to study and work. He said national level at a time when I ago, researchers have only recently correction,” says Brown. number of international students his advocacy work would not have was considering disengaging from begun to move toward actual exper- Brown, who recently defended applying for physics PhDs at essen- been possible without the support advocacy entirely,” said Waller, iments. “We’re transitioning from her PhD, has used simulations of of his advisers Mehran Tehrani (UT tial US institutions [is] experiencing former president of the University being mostly a theorist’s playground a 36-qubit computer to study a Austin) and Yu-Lin Shen (UNM). a major decline...Fortunately, our US of Kentucky’s Association of Women to actual practical implementation,” particular type of error known as Sophia Hayes, chemistry pro- Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley in and Physics. “We says Yoder. a leakage error. These errors arise are in a position to help by co-spon- fessor at Washington University can’t expect the public and poli- A collaboration between IBM because qubits are not perfect two- soring the Keep STEM Talent Act, in St. Louis, said she was “both cymakers to support our work if and Raytheon, for example, has state systems; they can include which would enable high-skilled honored and humbled” to receive we are not putting in the effort to recently reported a demonstration third, fourth, or more energy levels, international graduate students to the distinction. Hayes used her convince them of its impact.” of error correction in real time and a so-called “leakage” occurs both study at US universities and expertise on helium during a Capitol Francis Slakey, APS Chief using five qubits. Meanwhile, on when the qubit is accidentally put [would] provide a path to a green Hill hearing. She was also widely Government Affairs Officer, said the theoretical side, researchers in one of these higher states. In card if they secure job offers from quoted in media articles on the the 5 Sigma Physicist awardees continue to optimize existing codes an analysis of these errors, Brown US employers after graduation.” topic. represent the best of the best in and develop mathematical for- found that leakage errors in ancilla Bartschat said he was pleased “We scientists often have spe- science policy advocacy. malism to better understand how qubits were much more damaging to be among the 5 Sigma Physicist cialized, detailed knowledge at “APS greatly appreciates the the algorithms work. Another active than those in data qubits. awardees. times, and if that can be put to time and effort these volunteers area of research is how to apply Brown’s project was funded “When I looked at the list of good use outside the lab for the committed to advocacy initiatives theoretical insights to existing through the Quantum Information awardees from recent years, I recog- betterment of society, then it’s a that benefit not only the physics quantum hardware. Science and Engineering Network nized some of them, and I am very tremendous opportunity,” she said. community but society as a whole. The basic task of quantum error (QISE-NET), a new NSF-funded happy to be in such distinguished Joseph DiVerdi, chemistry pro- They set the standard for out- correction can be broken into two fellowship that began in 2019, company,” he said. “I am certainly fessor at Colorado State University, standing advocacy, and we look steps: first, to detect errors that associated with the University of determined to keep doing what I published an op-ed in The New forward to working with them and occur during computation, and Chicago and Harvard University. can, and I hope that more of my York Times about keeping open the many other APS members who second, to undo those errors. These The fellowship, geared toward colleagues will devote some energy Federal Helium Reserve beyond its are determined to let their voices errors arise for a variety of reasons: graduate students in fields related to support the efforts of APS.” 2021 closure date and creating a be heard on crucial science policy operations on one qubit may to quantum technology, facilitates a Added Polyzou, “Today, with helium recycling program modeled issues,” he said. unintentionally alter an adjacent project among the student, academic tight budgets, and some public after one sponsored by the National qubit’s state, for example, which adviser, and an industry partner. skepticism about science, it is Science Foundation. is a specific error known as cross- Brown’s industry partner was IBM. important for all scientists to try “Advocating for and helping to The author is APS Senior Press talk. Researchers working on error Both Brown and Yoder work to educate the public, and in partic- shape science policy assists the Secretary. correction develop algorithms that on undoing errors with software. are robust to these unintended Michael Biercuk of the University hardware errors. of Sydney, on the other hand, Quantum errors present phys- has founded a startup company icists with unique challenges. called Q-CTRL (pronounced “cue Classical algorithms correct errors control”) that sells machine learn- in part by duplicating data. For ing-driven tools to identify and example, in so-called classical rep- minimize hardware errors in the etition codes, a classical computer first place. Q-CTRL’s customers works with multiple copies of include quantum computing startup the same bit, so that if one bit is Rigetti, the Massachusetts Institute Stephen Albright Klaus Bartschat Joseph DiVerdi Midhat Farooq somehow flipped in transmission, of Technology, and the University the computer can apply a “majority of Southern California. rules” algorithm to correct that This design approach is called error. But this code doesn’t translate “control engineering,” and is to a quantum computer because inspired by the way the Wright qubits are restricted by the so-called brothers invented the first airplane. “no-cloning theorem,” which pro- Prior to the Wright brothers, hibits the duplication of a quantum airplane developers avoided giving state. pilots much control over the aircraft, Summed up broadly, “in order instead trying to make an airplane to do quantum error correction, I that flew mostly on its own. “The Nadia Fomin Raju Ghimire Sophia Hayes Amber Lauer need to check the state of the system Wright brothers said, ‘Forget that,’” without directly measuring it,” says Biercuk. “They were bicycle says Natalie Brown of the Georgia engineers. They knew that you Institute of Technology, who is can ride a bicycle upright down the slated to start work at Honeywell street with a lot of control. They this summer. took that mindset and applied it One popular strategy is to to the development of aircraft.” employ a constellation of “physical” Most famously, the Wright plane qubits—multiple trapped ions flew with deformable wings whose or superconducting circuits, for shape the pilot could control. example—to collectively work as Christine Nattrass Tiffany Nichols Kevin Nuckolls Saeed Pegahan This hardware approach, one “logical” qubit of information. combined with quantum error In this scenario, several “data” correction, could lead to useful qubits hold the information being quantum computers. “Within this computed, and it is coupled to sup- decade we feel like we can see a porting qubits known as “ancilla” quantum advantage, and error cor- qubits. The computer infers errors rection will be part of it,” says Yoder. by directly measuring the ancilla qubits, but it leaves the data qubit untouched, preserving its quantum state. Yoder has recently shown that The author is a freelance writer in Wayne Polyzou Elizabeth Mae Scott James Vary Dany Waller a class of error correction codes Tucson, Arizona. April 2020 • 7

CANNON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 CAPITOL HILL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

O, B, A, F, G, K, and M. Astronomy Payne-Gaposchkin, who used the APS CVD because she “knew Office of Government Affairs (APS advocacy efforts. As follow-up and students still use a handy mnemonic Cannon’s data to prove that stars very little about how groups like APS OGA). communication continues, we aim to remember the classifications: were mostly made up of hydrogen help shape policy decisions.” Elliott “We equipped nearly 70 APS to see more results and co-spon- “Oh Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me.” Her and helium, was the first honoree, continued, “I enjoyed the insights members to confidently go into sorships,” said Pruett. scheme was formally adopted by and received a gold pin in the shape into that process and thinking about meetings and speak on five key “CVD is a great example of the International Astronomical of a spiral . “Isn’t it the first how science isn’t serendipity, but issues. And we strengthened our APS staff across departments Union on May 9, 1922. That same universe ever made by a woman?” the outcome of deliberate actions coalition of APS members who have and locations working together year, Cannon spent six months Cannon remarked when she saw by scientists and lawmakers.” already taken an active role in advo- to provide a unique opportunity photographing stars in the Southern the pin. Prizewinners still receive The APS CVD experience was cating for the future of science,” for APS members,” said Mark hemisphere in Peru. a handcrafted piece of jewelry to “quite positive,” said Pushpa Bhat, she said. Elsesser, Associate Director of The nine of the Henry this day. senior scientist at Fermi National APS members provided good Government Affairs in APS OGA. Draper Catalog were published In 1938, Cannon became the Accelerator Laboratory. feedback about their meetings on “The day continues to be a success between 1918 and 1924, and when William C. Bond Astronomer She noted that congressional Capitol Hill, added Pruett. because of the strong coordination “There are new avenues now between several APS departments, Pickering died in 1919, Cannon took and Curator of Astronomical staffers were “supportive of over the oversight for the remaining attracting the best and brightest” open with congressional offices including OGA, Communications, Photographs, a position she held six volumes. She also contributed to students to study and work in the to help advance the Keep STEM and Membership,” he said. until her death on April 13, 1941, the Henry Draper Extension Charts, US—a primary goal of the Keep Talent Act and the Combating Keeping members engaged at the age of 77. She catalogued the first part of which was published STEM Talent Act. Sexual Harassment in Science Act, on important science policy some 350,000 stars in her lifetime, in 1937. The full extension charts “It doesn’t make sense to have address the helium crisis, counter issues is a key goal of APS OGA, discovering 300 variable stars, five were published in 1949. these students trained here and then the proposed rollback on methane explained Francis Slakey, APS Chief , and one spectroscopic binary Cannon was the first woman have them leave,” she explained. emissions, and increase the federal Government Affairs Officer. star in the process. to receive an honorary doctorate Much to the delight of Jason Fry, research and development budget,” “We want to make sure our of science from Oxford University, Further Reading: assistant professor of physics and she explained. “Our teams were members are fully equipped to take and the first woman to receive Gerber, Carole. Annie Jump Cannon, Astron- astronomy at Eastern Kentucky well-prepared, organized, and on advantage of as many opportunities omer. Gretna, LA: Pelican, 2011. the National Academy of Science’s University, he received great news their A-game, and the feedback as possible to make their voices Greenstein, George. (1993). “The Ladies Henry Draper Medal, thanks to a about the Keep STEM Talent Act from the offices reflected that.” heard on crucial science policy of Observatory Hill,” American nomination by Pickering’s suc- Scholar 62(3): 437-446. during his meetings. Following the CVD, Pruett said US issues that impact the physics com- cessor, Harlow Shapley. “US Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-2nd) Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD) and US munity and scientific enterprise,” Sobel, Dava. The Glass Universe: How the She also established the American Ladies of the Harvard Observatory and US Rep. Andy Barr (KY-6th) both Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) signed he said. Astronomical Society’s Annie Jump Took the Measure of the Stars. New said they would like to co-sponsor on to co-sponsor the Combating Cannon Prize. Astronomer Cecilia York: Penguin, 2016. it,” he said, excitedly. “Everyone Sexual Harassment in Science Act we talked to said it sounds like a in the Senate. Additionally, US Rep. good idea.” Himes (CT-4th) and Van Hollen have The author is APS Senior Press APS CVD continues to be a high- both added their co-sponsorships Secretary. To get involved in APS’s light event for APS members and the Keep STEM Talent Act in the grassroots advocacy initiatives, con- the Society’s advocacy efforts, said House and Senate, respectively. DAMOP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 tact Callie Pruett, Senior Strategist Callie Pruett, Senior Strategist for “These legislative developments for Grassroots Advocacy, at pruett@ with other divisions and units in clocks, which involve a geographi- Grassroots Advocacy in the APS have a direct connection to APS’s aps.org. APS” and to “increase the diver- cally distributed network of clocks. sity of the DAMOP membership” Overall, over 77 years and (currently >80% male). Safronova counting, DAMOP has proven itself also emphasized the importance as a major cornerstone of APS as a of increasing international col- whole, and a leader among divisions COVID-19 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 laborations. She elaborated that toward openness and collaboration. with largely table-top research, More information on this unit can APS Meetings Registration refunds. APS has Note: Some funding agencies international collaboration wasn’t be found here: aps.org/units/damop. The in-person APS March and processed the majority of the March permit investigators to use grant an intrinsic requirement part of April Meetings have been canceled. Meeting registration refunds. Upon funds to pay for nonrefundable AMO physics historically, but that APS is supporting virtual access to processing the refund, it will take travel costs resulting from can- is beginning to change – most The author is a freelance writer in March Meeting presentations and up to three days for the credit to cellations. Among these are the notably in subfields such as atomic Stockholm, Sweden is working actively to provide a appear on the credit card from which DOE Office of Science and NSF. Visit virtual April Meeting. the payment was initiated. energy.gov/science and nsf.gov for Virtual content from the March In addition, each registrant more information and check with Meeting. There have been a number should receive an email from your program manager or agency of spontaneous initiatives by [email protected] that contact to verify eligibility. individuals and small groups of includes a copy of the refund APS News and researchers aimed at enabling the invoice. 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aps.org/apsnews 8 • April 2020 THE BACK PAGE Moving Physics Courses Online on Short Notice BY CHANDRALEKHA SINGH

n the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many physics 6. Remind yourself that these are extraordinary circum- instructors have suddenly found themselves in an unprec- stances and feel free to change assessment approach and I edented situation: their institutions are immediately be considerate. It is ok to change assessment strategies transitioning to a completely online format. Here are some as well as grading rubric and adjust the emphasis before strategies and resources that can help you and your colleagues and after going online. For example, it is ok for you to in such a situation. Keep in mind that being compassionate reduce the weight on the final exam or even eliminate and providing maximum flexibility to students is critical, the traditional final exam in favor of many low-stakes particularly because they did not sign up for an online course assessments, final projects, and online presentations and many of them may not have necessary resources, e.g., (that can be pre-recorded or can be synchronous so that access to a computer with reliable internet connection or students can field questions from their peers and you). a quiet room at home or required time due to being sick or Students should be allowed to work in groups on these caring for a sick family member in order to complete all of projects to reduce isolation (particularly because isolation the requirements of your online course. Everyone is anxious can increase anxiety) and to benefit from interactions. and trying to do their very best, so whatever you and your You can come up with novel group projects that meet the students can accomplish is good. Communicating frequently goals of your course in lieu of the final exam especially and clearly with students is key. for your upper-level courses that require students to There are many online resources, for example, Linda work in groups but have some individual accountability Strubbe and Sam McKagan’s excellent crowd-sourced built into them (e.g., all students must present some resources on PhysPort [1], that can be invaluable so you part of their project individually and answer questions should definitely go over it in its entirety. Below, I sum- by peers and instructor). If you must give final exams marize seven things to keep in mind while preparing for that students will do at their own pace at home, use and executing your online physics courses, including labs: an honor code. Try to be especially considerate to 1. Keep the focus on the learning goals and objectives students who may not have resources at home to take of your course. For example, if your big picture goals advantage of the full online learning environment. Be are to help students learn to think like a physicist and inclusive and think about whether it is appropriate and help them become independent learners and excellent equitable to give students who cannot do the work due problem solvers, think carefully about strategies for to constraints an incomplete so they can make up later how your online course will accomplish that [2-3]. or modify requirements for them commensurate with Reduce the overall content coverage and instead focus their constraints so that they can finish with everyone. on effective approaches to engaging students and Consider not giving a grade lower than what they would assessing their learning. have gotten based upon their performance on the course 2. For lecture-based courses, decide whether it is better to thus far before going online. deliver your lectures synchronously or asynchronously. 7. Remember that technology is a tool and not the goal. Synchronous approach involves streaming your lectures with online assessments. This design is conducive to Make sure the focus is always on your students and their live to students, e.g., via Zoom, BlueJeans, Skype or other maintaining students’ attention and giving them an learning based upon your course goals and personalize platforms, and interacting with students as you would opportunity to assess their learning between different learning as much as possible in this online environ- do in a brick and mortar classroom. You can record the modules. Each of these pre-recorded sub-lectures ment so that students who are already disadvantaged streamed lecture for students who could not join the can be, e.g., voice over point or similar to Khan in many ways are not penalized further. Share your live streaming. While the synchronous format allows Academy offerings [9] (you will need a laptop or iPad ideas with your colleagues and help each other. We interactivity, not requiring real-time attendance and with ability to write on it). Try to incorporate good will learn a lot about online learning at the end of this posting recorded videos of live streamed sessions is visuals and if possible lecture demonstrations especially challenging period! critical for those students who do not have the resources for introductory physics. If you are using pre-recorded or means to connect live. video lectures, you can use the existing resources for Chandralekha Singh is a professor in the Department of Physics 3. Consider establishing virtual office hours and have introductory physics [4], although it may cost money. and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a past chair them at different times of the day so that students in 5. For lab courses, take advantage of interactive virtual of the APS Forum on Education and is currently the President of the American Association of Physics Teachers. different time zones can connect with you. These live labs, simulations, and journal articles. There are many one-on-one or few-on-one sessions will give your such virtual labs (e.g., see [10-13], some of them are free References students an opportunity to ask questions after they while others may cost money beyond a 30-day trial [1] physport.org/recommendations/Entry.cfm?ID=119906 have had time to reflect on the material and work period). Articles in the American Journal of Physics (AJP) [2] Z. Chen, T. Stelzer, and G. Gladding, Using multimedia modules on homework. A discussion board, e.g., Blackboard and The Physics Teacher (TPT) can be great resources to better prepare students for introductory physics lecture, or Canvas, where students and you can discuss what in online teaching not only in lecture-based courses Phys. Rev. STPER 6, 010108 (2010). students are finding challenging and there is a record but particularly for your lab courses at all levels. For [3] S. DeVore et al., Challenge of engaging all students via self- of those discussions for all students can be invaluable. example, there are many experiments that have been paced interactive electronic learning tutorials for introductory physics, Phys. Rev. PER 13, 010127 (2017). Also, using low-bandwidth methods like chat apps may discussed in a pedagogical manner in AJP and TPT. be particularly helpful for students whose internet In these articles, e.g., instructors have often shared [4] flipitphysics.com connections do not reliably support video. insights about classic experiments, e.g., single- [5] G. Novak et al., Just-in-time teaching: Blending active learning 4. Consider using pre-recorded lectures, created either experiments for which video data are available [14], the with web technology. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J. by you or by others. This way you can use all of the Millikan oil drop experiment [15], muon decay [16], and 1999. synchronous time with students for interactions, dis- many others. You could ask students to read about the [6] R. Sayer et al., Case study evaluating Just-In-Time Teaching cussions, and reflections. This approach is common in experiments and then write about which aspects of and Peer Instruction using clickers in a quantum course, Phys. Rev. PER 12, 020133 (2016). the "flipped mode" [4] of teaching in which most of the those experimental set ups made them effective, how meeting time with students is devoted to activities in the things evolved in that field and how trouble shooting [7] perusall.com/ spirit of "Just-in-time-teaching" [5,6]. Students interact was done, what the experimental errors were, and their [8] R. Mayer. In Multimedia Learning. Cambridge Press. 2001. with their peers and instructor after having gone over implications to physics in general and various other [9] khanacademy.org the pre-lectures and the corresponding pre-assessment issues based upon your goals. You can have a virtual [10] phet.colorado.edu/ tasks. Videoconferencing solutions such as Zoom have discussion with the students about what they got out [11] physlets.org/tracker/ breakout rooms so that a smaller number of students of those papers and assess them on their writings can work with each other on the physics problems you and discussions. If possible, combine these tasks with [12] macmillanlearning.com/college/us/product/iOLab-Version- 2.0/p/1464101469 assign. Then, students can go back into the same virtual interactive simulations and data analysis. Similarly, for room for a general discussion. In large classes, you may upper-level lecture classes, AJP and TPT articles often [13] pivotinteractives.com/ poll students by asking multiple-choice questions [7] provide nice overview of a field including common [14] R. Aspden et al., Video recording true single-photon double-slit that focus on your learning goals although it may be student difficulties that can make it easier for students interference, Am. J. Phys. 84, 671 (2016). more difficult to engage students in peer interaction to understand the concepts. This can help students [15] R. Jones, The Millikan oil‐drop experiment: Making it worth- in this mode. Also, if you are pre-recording your own learn to read and reflect upon journal articles (good while, Am. J. Phys. 63, 970 (1995). lectures [8], make sure that you break your lecture into for becoming a lifelong learner) and enjoy the whole [16] B. Braua et al., Determining the muon in an instructional roughly 10-minute sub-lectures and intersperse them experience. laboratory, Am. J. Phys. 78, 64 (2010).

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