Kettering University Announces 2024 B-Section Physics Awards 

Kettering University proudly celebrated its 2024 B-Section Physics Awards on June 3, 2024, recognizing outstanding academic achievements, dedicated service, and significant contributions within the physics community. The event highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of students, faculty, and various organizations associated with the university.

“The Physics Awards celebrate Kettering students' passion for learning. Our inclusive Physics Club welcomes all majors interested in diverse physics applications, like making liquid nitrogen ice cream while demonstrating superconductivity. We also take pride in clubs like Amateur Radio and Model Rocketry, which contribute to our academic community and engage in a variety of co-curricular activities and competitions,” said Dr. Daniel Ludwidsen, Natural Sciences Department Head. “Even while they take truly rigorous courses, Kettering students enjoy nurturing their inquisitive minds and have some pretty serious fun! The success of our clubs and awards ceremony reflects the dedication of our professors, especially Dr. Ronald Kumon, who orchestrated the celebration.”

Academic Awards: TOPP

The Outstanding Physics Performance (TOPP) Award was presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in Kettering's introductory physics courses (PHYS-114, 115, 224, 225). The awardees include:

• Victoria Brender ‘26, Mechanical Engineering, Waterford, MI
• Steven Bruck ‘27, Mechanical Engineering, Hartland, MI
• Ian Gibson ‘26, Electrical Engineering, Highland, MI
• Rachel Hillock ‘26, Mechanical Engineering, Madison Heights, MI
• Kayla Hughes ‘26, Electrical Engineering, Germantown Hills, IL
• Dean Kalebjian ‘25, Mechanical Engineering, Columbus, MI
• Meadow Loukmas ‘26, Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Hills, MI
• Nathan Nguyen ‘27, Mechanical Engineering, Cypress, CA
• Katelyn Shepherd ‘25, Mechanical Engineering, Boyne City, MI
• Amanda Smith ‘25, Industrial Engineering, Beverly Hills, MI
• Han Truong ‘26, Computer Science, Novi, MI

Service Recognitions: Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders who have excelled academically and assisted their peers in challenging courses were also honored. SI Leaders must complete the course at Kettering with a grade of A− or better, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and be recommended by a professor. This year’s B-Section Physics SI Leaders are:

• Kimberly Betty ‘24, Mechanical Engineering, Flint, MI
• Nathan Cahilig ‘24, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Warren, MI
• Eric Lozano ‘26, Engineering, Flint, MI

Service Recognitions: Physics Club and Society of Physics Students (SPS)

The Physics Club and the Society of Physics Students (SPS) were acknowledged for promoting interest in physics through hands-on activities and research information. The 2023–24 B-Section Physics Club officers include:

• President: Samantha Chiang ‘27, Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI
• Vice-President: Daniel Budd ‘27, Chemical Engineering, Chelsea, MI
• Treasurer: Ethan Sims ‘27, Electrical Engineering, Jackson, MI
• Secretary (Fall): Matthew Gaertner ‘27, Mechanical Engineering, Bucerias, Mexico
• Secretary (Spring): Toby Mis ‘27, Mechanical Engineering, Big Flats, NY

Service Recognitions: Amateur Radio & Electronics Club

The Amateur Radio & Electronics Club, which aids students in obtaining amateur radio licenses and facilitates electronics projects, was also honored. The 2023–24 officers were:

• President: Jake Dancel ‘25, Electrical Engineering, Farmington Hills, MI
• Vice-President: Quinn Austin ‘24, Computer Engineering, Milan, MI
• Treasurer: Justin Bankston ‘26, Electrical Engineering, Harper Woods, MI
• Secretary: Jason Aurilia ‘25, Electrical Engineering, Novi, MI

Honor Society Induction: Sigma Pi Sigma

The Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society inducted a new member, recognizing her academic excellence and commitment to service. New inductee Darby Thomason ‘22, Applied Physics, pledged to uphold the pillars of Sigma Pi Sigma, encouraging knowledge, service, and fellowship in physics and astronomy.