Congratulations to Assistant Research Professor Chandra Turpen for receiving the 2018 Women of Influence Award.  Established in 1977 by the President’s Commission on Women’s Issues, this award recognizes achievements of outstanding women on campus. 

Dr. Turpen received her Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Colorado, specializing in Physics Education Research.   As an Assistant Research Professor in the physics department at UMD, Turpen works with the Physics Education Research Group. Her work includes the design and research contexts for learning in higher education.  She uses perspectives of anthropology, psychology and the learning sciences. 

At UMD, she directs the Learning Assistant program which is focused on recruiting and preparing exceptional science majors for teaching careers.  This program allows students to collaborate, interact and problem solve.  She also leads an Introductory Physics course for Life Science (IPLS).