Suzanne White Brahmia, PhD.

I am passionate about physics learning as a human endeavor, which drives my research, my teaching and my service. My work is built on a foundation that everyone, regardless of their background or the identities they hold, can be given a fair shot to experience the thrill of success with understanding physics.

Our team explores mathematization in physics: Novice-to-expert transition, quantification, proportional reasoning, negativity, covariational reasoning, and inventing with contrasting cases. Our mathematization research activities include:

• Assessment: development of the PIQL reasoning inventory and its underlying framework and analysis targeted at pre-calculus mathematics level; we are currently working on an algebra-based version
• Curricular intervention: student-designed experiments using both real and virtual reality in the physics laboratory; we are currently developing activities that help student develop physics covariational reasoning
• Frameworks: developing physics expert frameworks of signed quantity, proportional reasoning, and covariational reasoning

We’re implementing Assessable Learning Objectives (ALOs) across the introductory curriculum as a departmental practice with a special emphasis on experimental physics, ALOs associated with mathematization, collaboration and communication.

Enjoy the journey!