May 2026: Carley Bennett

About Carley

The first time physics blew my mind was in 8th grade. It wasn't something cosmic; it was realizing that the kinematic equations are mathematically linked, but this small hint of an interconnected story dominated my thoughts for weeks. Physics didn't always come easily, but when it clicked, it was rewarding and exciting and worth the effort; I enjoyed the sense of mathematical worldbuilding. In graduate school, I jumped back and forth between research and teaching labs, and the teaching was my favorite part. I loved helping others build their skills and understanding and seeing them reach their own "aha" moments. It also gave me a new appreciation for the physics teachers I'd had, their patience and encouragement, and the way they provided a framework but made me work to put the pieces together.

I joined AAPT 12 years ago in the early days of my career as a professor. I had learned a lot from the PER groups at UC Davis and Cal Poly SLO, and my colleagues at College of DuPage were (and are) active members of AAPT and enthusiastic about physics education research. I appreciate how AAPT creates spaces to share and discuss pedagogical tools, experiments, and experiences, and connect with other enthusiastic educators. When I've attended national and regional meetings, I always come home full of new ideas and inspiration. It provides me with opportunities to grow continually as an educator. I've recently been involved in OER textbook and lab manual projects with my colleagues, and I'm proud to contribute to the same pool of resources I've used in the past.

My favorite thing about teaching physics is still seeing a student make connections. I am delighted when a student wants to explain something back to me, or works through a challenge they couldn't get past at the beginning of class. I don’t think the experience will ever get old, and being an AAPT member will continue to help me find new ways to do it.