Brian Pyper 2018 Election Bio

Brian PyperBrian A Pyper

Department of Physics, Brigham Young University-Idaho
118 Romney Sciences Building, Rexburg, Idaho 83460-0520
pyperb@byui.edu

Education

B.S. Physics, Brigham Young University 1991; M.S. Physics, University of Utah 1995; PhD Physics, Utah State University 2003.

Professional Experience

MoxTec multilayer optics, Provo, Utah, Undergraduate Research Assistant (1989-1991); Los Alamos National Laboratory, Graduate Research Assistant (1991-1992); Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s School, Salt Lake City, Utah, Faculty – Physics, Math, Band (1995-1999); Brigham Young University – Idaho, Faculty, (1999 – Present); Brigham Young University – Hawaii, Visiting Faculty (2008); Utah Army National Guard (1985-2000); Madison County Idaho School Board of Trustees (2012-present)

Honors

Exemplary Faculty Award 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010; Distinguished Faculty Award 2011, BSA Silver Beaver Award 2009, BSA National Scoutmaster Award of Merit 2008, Idaho School Boards Association Trustee Award of Boardsmanship 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.

Memberships

American Association of Physics Teachers; American Physical Society; Idaho Science Teachers Association; Sigma Pi Sigma; Idaho-Utah Section AAPT; Idaho School Boards Association.

AAPT/APS Activities

Idaho-Utah Section, AAPT, Executive chain 2004-2007, 2010-2013; President 2006, 2011, Section Representative 2012-present; AAPT Women in Physics Area Committee, member 2007-2010, chair 2010; AAPT Physics in High Schools Area Committee 2011-2014; AAPT National Nominating Committee 2014-2015; AAPT Science Education for the Public Area Committee 2015-present, vice chair 2018; American Physical Society:  member, Forum on Education, Forum on Physics in Society.

Commentary

I’ve been a member of AAPT for all my professional career, and have benefitted both professionally and personally from the associations I’ve made though AAPT. I have a pretty good sense of what AAPT stands for and how it operates, and I agree with and am committed toward achieving AAPT’s mission of enhancing the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching. From one perspective, I am happy to give back to AAPT for its many rewarding blessings to me through giving presentations, serving on its committees, and, if elected, on the executive board as Secretary. On the other hand, I am personally committed to serving well with ethical integrity in each area of my life, and promise to extend that type and level of service in this capacity if elected.