Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A science-focused campus organization at Mississippi State is receiving a national award from an affiliate of the American Institute of Physics.
The university's Society of Physics Students chapter recently was honored with a 2006 Marsh W. White Award by the national SPS organization for its proposal to promote the study and profession of physics. The award was accompanied by an approximately $300 check to support outreach activities to area high school students and the general public.
Principally developed by senior Brad N. Barlow and junior Ronald J. Unz, the organization's project involves an expansion of its classroom demonstration program and related outreach efforts to East Central Mississippi schools. Barlow, of Biloxi, is chapter president; Unz, of Santa Clara, Calif., is vice president.
"Altogether, we plan on bringing a wide array of physics demonstrations to some 10 high schools in the surrounding area," Barlow said.
The SPS chapter is sponsored by the department of physics and astronomy. Associate professor James A. Dunne is the faculty adviser.
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Barlow, who is scheduled to graduate in May, is the son of Richard and Marguerite Barlow.
Unz is the son of Elizabeth Unz and Brad Unz.