Undergraduate Awards and Scholarships
Scholarships
- Arthur N. Pozner Memorial Scholarship
- David G. Seiler Physics Scholarship
- Frederik J. Belinfante Scholarship in Physics
- Kenneth S. and Paula D. Krane Physics Scholarship
- Margie and Don Bottorff Undergraduate Physics Scholarship
- Robert L. Mieher Physics Scholarship
- Shalim and Paula Sargis Memorial Scholarship
Awards
- Judith Peters Humnicky Memorial Award
- Lijuan Wang Memorial Award
- Ramdas Award
- Spira Undergraduate Summer Research Award
- Ralph Lefler Memorial Award
- Other Awards
Arthur N. Pozner Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes outstanding physics upperclassmen. The scholarship is possible due to the generosity of the Arthur N. Pozner Trust.
David G. Seiler Physics Scholarship
The Seiler Scholarship recognizes an outstanding physics upperclassman who is involved in Women in Science or Women in Physics programs. This scholarship is possible due to the generosity of Dr. David G. Seiler (PhD 1969).
Frederik J. Belinfante Scholarship in Physics
This scholarship recognizes outstanding physics upperclassmen. The scholarship is possible due to the generosity of Dr. Robert Newcomb (BS 1955).
Kenneth S. and Paula D. Krane Physics Scholarship
The Krane Scholarship recognizes outstanding physics upperclassmen. The scholarship is possible due to the generosity of Dr. Kenneth S. (PhD 1970) and Mrs. Paula D. Krane.
Margie and Don Bottorff Undergraduate Physics Scholarship
The Bottorff Scholarship is made possible by a gift from Ms. Celeste Bottorff (MS 1975). The scholarship is a 1-year award made to outstanding physics upperclassmen.
Robert L. Mieher Physics Scholarship
The Mieher Scholarship recognizes outstanding physics upperclassmen and is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Edward B. and Dr. Barbara A. Hale.
Shalim and Paula Sargis Memorial Scholarship
The Sargis Scholarship recognizes a physics upperclassman from outside the state of Indiana who also graduated from a U.S. high school. This scholarship is made possible due to the generosity of Dr. James Sargis (BS 1958).
Judith Peters Humnicky Memorial Award
Judith Peters Humnicky was relentless in pursuit of her goals and this award honors her memory by recognizing the persistence, diligence, and hard work necessary to obtain an undergraduate degree in physics and enhances the gender diversity of among the Department’s undergraduates. The Judith Peters Humnicky Memorial Award is made possible due to the generosity of Mr. Michael Humnicky (BS 1970).
The Lijuan Wang Memorial award is given annually to one or more outstanding undergraduate physics majors who promote the gender diversity of the department through participation in Women in Physics. Lijuan Wang was a graduate student in the department from 1989 until her untimely death in 1992.
The Ramdas Award was establish in 2018 by by Anant K. Ramdas, the Lark-Horovitz Distinguished Professor of Physics and his wife, Vasanti Ramdas. The purpose of the Ramdas Award is to recognize an exceptional senior who has completed a unique project in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Spira Undergraduate Summer Research Award
This award supports one or more students working on a research project under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and/or the Department of Mathematics. The Spira Summer Research Award is made possible thanks to the generosity of Dr. Joel S. (BS 1948) and Mrs. Ruth R. Spira.
This award recognizes outstanding undergraduate students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy who have demonstrated interest or commitment in teaching K-12 programs after graduation. The award also recognizes students who significantly contribute to Physics and Astronomy outreach programs offered to K-12 students. Professor Ralph Lefler was a pioneer of physics education at Purdue and the Ralph Lefler Memorial Award is made possible due to the generosity of a group of his former students.
Richard W. King Award (Award retired in 2021)
The Richard W. King Award recognized the Department’s outstanding physics junior and senior. Prof. King joined the Department of Physics in 1955 as an assistant professor, was promoted to associate professor in 1958, and to professor in 1961. He served as Department Head from 1966 to 1969. During his years at Purdue, Professor King gained a reputation as an inspiring teacher and sympathetic friend of students. He served for many years as the counselor for undergraduate physics majors. With other students he often took the opportunity to promote the value of a broad science background for students pursuing careers such as teaching, law, journalism, and medicine. Following his untimely death in August 1969, Prof. King’s family, friends, and colleagues established this award.