Newsmakers

Kagan joins American Indian Empowerment Fund

Harvard Law School Dean Elena Kagan has been named an advisory board member of the American Indian Empowerment Fund (AIEF). The AIEF, established by the Oneida Indian Nation, builds upon the Oneida Nation’s long-standing tradition of sharing resources to benefit others.

“We are gratified to have Elena Kagan join our board,” said Oneida Nation representative and CEO Ray Halbritter. “Her experience at Harvard and previous tenure at the White House working on domestic policy make her an outstanding addition,” added Halbritter, who also serves as chairman of the AIEF board of directors.

The AIEF programs focus on empowering children and families, and providing American Indians with the knowledge, skills, and resources to improve their quality of life.

AAPT to honor Mazur for contributions to teaching

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has named Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics Eric Mazur its Robert A. Millikan Medal recipient. Mazur will receive the award and deliver a lecture titled “Physics Reality Distortion: Why the World of Physics and the Real World Are Different in Students’ Minds” during the association’s July meeting in Edmonton, Alberta.

An internationally recognized scientist and researcher, Mazur leads a research program in optical physics. He has strong interests in education, science policy, outreach, and the public perception of science. His book “Peer Instruction” (1996) has had a wide impact on physics teaching. In 2006, Mazur helped produce the award-winning DVD “Interactive Teaching.”

The Millikan Medal, which includes a $7,500 award, certificate, and travel expenses to the meeting, recognizes those “who have made outstanding scholarly contributions to physics education.”