2022 Physics and Astronomy Student Award Winners
Each year the WKU Department of Physics and Astronomy recognizes undergraduate students who have excelled in areas of scholarship, research, and service. The recipients of these awards for the 2021-2022 academic year are:
- Jordyn Elizabeth Hurley – George V. and Sadie Skyles Page Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Physics and Astronomy
- Isaiah Lucas Beauchamp – Dr. Randall Harper Award for Outstanding Research in Physics and Astronomy
- Jordyn Elizabeth Hurley – Dr. Douglas Humphrey Award for Outstanding Service in Physics and Astronomy
These students will be recognized at the upcoming Ogden College student awards ceremony on April 24, 2022 and at the Sigma Pi Sigma induction banquet on Friday, April 29, 2022. Please join me in congratulating these students when you have an opportunity.
Dr. George V. and Sadie Skiles Page Award for Excellence in Scholarship
Jordyn Hurley
Jordyn Hurley, a senior with majors in Physics and Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics, receives the Page Award for Excellence in Scholarship based upon her outstanding academic record while a student at WKU. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Jordyn has been very active in research and has co-authored a journal submission. Jordyn’s recent work, under the direction of Dr. Ali Er, involved studying the deactivation of pathogenic bacteria with nanoparticle assisted photodynamic therapy. Jordyn’s unique and challenging academic path puts her on a solid foundation as she begins her studies in medical school starting in the Fall of 2022.
Dr. Randall Harper Award for Outstanding Research in Physics and Astronomy
Isaiah Beauchamp
Isaiah Beauchamp, a physics major with minors in mathematics and astronomy, works with Dr. Steven Gibson as an undergraduate research assistant in galactic astrophysics. Isaiah’s work highlights the role of otherwise-hidden interstellar clouds in the process of star formation. These clouds, which are invisible to optical detection, were analyzed at infrared and radio wavelengths to discern their atomic and molecular composition. These and other properties revealed by the analysis track the clouds’ development prior to gravitational collapse. Isaiah has presented his research to the Kentucky Academy of Science and the WKU Student Research Conference. Isaiah has accepted a Research Experiences for Undergraduates summer internship at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
Dr. Douglas Humphrey Award for Outstanding Service in Physics and Astronomy
Jordyn Hurley
Jordyn Hurley wins the Dr. Douglas Humphrey Award for Outstanding Service because of her longstanding good citizenship in supporting a range of faculty and student activities in the department. Jordyn routinely volunteers to assist faculty host student-centered learning and social activities such as Physics Olympics, OCSE Preview Days, and many more. She has been instrumental in establishing a chapter of the Women in Physics at WKU. She led the efforts to get the chapter recognized on the WKU campus, to get recognition and financial support from the American Institute of Physics, and to bring in speakers and organize Women in Physics meetings at WKU.
