Richard Gelderman is a long time supporter of AAPT’s leadership to improve physics teaching and learning at all levels. Since 1999, Richard has been a member of AAPT and of the Kentucky Association of Physics Teachers. He was elected Section Representative for Kentucky in 2007. Within the AAPT he has been a member and chair for multiple terms with both the Area Committees for Space Science & Astronomy and Science Education for the Public.

Education
Ph.D., Astronomy, 1994, University of Virginia
M.A., Astronomy, 1990, University of Virginia
B.S., Physics, 1986, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Professional Experience
Emeritus Professor, Dept. Physics & Astronomy, Western Kentucky University (2021 - present)
Director, Hardin Planetarium, Western Kentucky University (2012 – 2021)
Professor, Dept. Physics & Astronomy, Western Kentucky University (2008 – 2021)
Science Co-Director, Western Kentucky University (2007 – 2009)
Associate Professor, Dept. Physics & Astronomy, Western Kentucky University (2002 – 2008)
Assistant Professor, Dept. Physics & Astronomy, Western Kentucky University (1999 – 2002)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University (1997)
Visiting Asst. Professor, Dept Physics & Astronomy Western Kentucky University (1996 – 1999)
National Research Council Resident Research Associate, Laboratory for Astronomy & Solar Physics, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (1994 – 1996)
Instructor, Hampden-Sydney College (1993)
Instructor, University of Virginia (1987 – 1991)
Instructor, Piedmont Community College (1986)

AAPT Activities

• Section Representative Vice-Chair (2023 – 2025)
• AAPT Fellow (2023)
• Section Representative for Kentucky (2007 – present)
• Executive Board, Kentucky Association of Physics Teachers (KAPT) (2007 – present)
• Chair, Committee on Space Science and Astronomy (2019 – 2022)
• Chair, Committee on Science Education for Public (2015 – 2018)
• Organizer, KAPT Next Generation Physics Teaching Conference (2015, 2018)
• Homer L. Dodge Distinguished Service Award (2017) Meetings Committee, sm2017, Covington, KY (2014 – 2017)
• Meetings Committee, sm2017, Covington, KY (2014 – 2017)
• National Nominating Committee (2013)
• Membership & Benefits Committee (2009 – 2014)
• Governance Retreat (2007)

Honors and Recognitions
American Association of Physics Teachers, Fellow Award (2023)
Western Kentucky University, University Faculty Award for Public Service (2020, 2007)
Western Kentucky University, Faculty Award for Public Service, College of Science & Engineering (2020, 2016, 2007, 2002)
American Association of Physics Teachers, Homer Dodge Distinguished Service Award (2017)
Kentucky Academy of Science, Excellence Award for Education & Public Outreach (2016)