Harpole

A physics education organization representing more than 11,000 teachers is recognizing a Mississippi State faculty member for outstanding service.

Professor Sandra H. Harpole of West Point is receiving an American Association of Physics Teachers' Distinguished Service Citation.

The College Park, Md.-based association works to promote the advancement and effectiveness of physics education throughout the world. Presented annually to fewer than six persons, its service citation recognizes exceptional contributions to physics teaching.

Harpole, director of MSU's Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology has twice been selected for Outstanding Faculty Woman awards. She also has been honored with John Grisham Master Teacher and Faculty Achievement awards.

In 1994, the Mississippi Science Teachers Association presented Harpole with its College Science Teaching Award.

She has directed several National Science Foundation projects for teacher preparation and teacher enhancement. In cooperation with the Peavey Electronics Corp. of Meridian, she currently heads an NSF-funded effort to provide teachers real-world experiences in industry. She also leads another NSF project pairing middle school teachers and students with research scientists working to improve water quality in the Mississippi Delta.