Dr. Karen Williams
President, Society of Physics Students
Associate Professor of Physics
East Central University

Session Title: 2005 World Year of Physics Session & Reception

Abstract
Kick-off celebration for the 2005 World Year of Physics! Presentations from association leaders on 2005 plans across the United States and around the globe; SPS chapter demonstrations; posters.

Biographical Sketch
Karen Williams has a BS from Arkansas Tech University, a MS from U. of AR and a PhD from the U. of OK. She is 38 years of age and is one of two full-time faculty members in the physics department at East Central University. ECU is located in Ada, Oklahoma and has an enrollment of 4000 students.

Dr. Williams has published in The Physics Teacher, Journal of College Science Teaching, The Announcer, Radiations, and Optics Letters and won the ECU Teaching Excellence Award in 2000. She has been the advisor for the East Central University Chapter of the Society of Physics Students for 13 years. During this time not only has the SPS chapter become more active (received outstanding chapter award 4 times), but the quantity and quality of physics majors at ECU has increased as well.

Dr. Williams has served as Zone 12 Counselor and on the council's long-range planning committee for the last year (2000-2001).