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Megan Anderson
William Jewell College
AIP/ Society of Rheology History
American Institute of Physics
Final presentation
From the creation of plastics to the Digital Revolution, the past century of scientific discovery has impacted society in profound ways. This history is crucial to understanding and appreciating the current state of the physical sciences, and a significant portion of this history is preserved through the American Institute of Physics (AIP) and the AIP member societies. My work this summer has focused on preserving the history of the Society of Rheology, one of the five founding members of AIP, through a project begun by Mikayla Cleaver last summer. I have researched and written biographies on Bingham Medalists, individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field of rheology, and I have worked on public engagement initiatives with both the Society of Rheology and the Niels Bohr Library & Archives. By documenting the faces behind scientific facts, we can learn more about the scientific community and make this information available to future generations.
I recently graduated from William Jewell College with degrees in Physics and Philosophy. I have been involved with the Society of Physics Students since my first year of college, most recently serving on the SPS National Council and Executive Committee. These opportunities have expanded my appreciation for the people and organizations supporting physicists, and I’m very excited to invest in one of these organizations as an intern with the Society of Rheology this summer.
My research experiences have included Electron Paramagnetic Resonance analysis of tellurium glass systems, Schlieren imaging of fluid instabilities, and philosophical work on the rationality of scientific methodology. Additionally, I spent a year furthering my studies at Oxford University. Outside academics, I’ve enjoyed volunteering with science outreach programs at local elementary schools and with the University of Oxford Museums. In the future, I hope to contribute to the professional scientific community in ways that nurture communication and engagement with people outside that community.