2017
SPS Outstanding Chapter Advisor
Northern Virginia Community College
Dr. Walerian Majewski earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the Institute of Physics in Poland. He has been the Advisor to the Northern Virginia Community College SPS chapter since 1990 and has been contributing both within and outside of this organization throughout that time. He has taught many introductory undergraduate courses, upper-level undergraduate courses, and graduate courses during his teaching career. He serves as a Chair for Physics for the Virginia State Science and Technology Fair and has participated in many research fellowships in several countries.
Dr. Majewski’s advising and teaching style has been embodied through his “relentless efforts” that “helped and inspired many students in his career”. Whether he is encouraging unsure, struggling students to become involved in Physics and guiding them through the process or participating in community Physics events, Dr. Majewski uses his passion and knowledge in the field to help others. He has been described as “constantly striving to gain [the] chapter recognition among [the] school departments, other schools, and companies”. The way in which Dr. Majewski has led the NVCC SPS chapter since 1990 has been so exceptional in the eyes of his students due to the “unique style that is so captivating” he utilizes to drive them forward. His 27 years at NVCC has resulted in a consistently productive chapter in which his students are frequently invited to give talks and presentations on their work. Majewski has been described as exposing students to the “magical power of physics” and this type of excitement and passion is why he has led a successful, fulfilled SPS chapter for many years.