Cottrell Scholar Awards
News
Spotlight on: Mats Selen
February 18th, 2009
Mats Selen: A Verve for Discovery
Public -spirited scientists are the hallmark of Research Corporation for Science Advancement Cottrell Scholars. Frederick Gardner Cottrell, founder of RCSA, was a tireless innovator, teacher and scholar. This verve for discovery, collaboration and support for students is found in the work of Dr. Mats Selen, a University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC) physics professor and a member of the RCSA Science Advancement Advisory Committee. In his research Selen is forging pathways in particle astrophysics. But he is also aware that education is critical to the future of science advancement, and so he has worked to become a regional leader in science education, kindergarten through graduate school. He says, "When people leave school with a positive experience of science, they will consider a career in the field," adding that even if they do not pursue such a career, they will have "a positive feeling for science in general" -- which is important for the future of the scientific workforce in the U.S.
Selen is working on the Dark Energy Survey, developing a new camera that will allow for a 10-fold increase in the ability to observe supernovas. In the area of science education, his work includes a variety of collaborations across UI. The multimedia learning tools he and colleagues developed for undergraduates are used by UIUC faculty. A recent article by UI's Dr. Timothy Stelzer and others has been published in the American Journal of Physics, (77, 184, 2009). Their findings tell the story of solid improvements in teaching physics to undergraduate students. In addition to their coursework, a steady flow of undergraduates are eager to work in Selen's lab. Their future lives as scientists and citizens are shaped by their direct experience of science research, as well as by running the Physics Van for K-12 schools.
Building on his Cottrell Scholars Award of 1996, Selen and colleagues won a 2008 NSF Math Science Partnership (MSP) Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership in STEM Teaching and Learning. This award was developed in collaboration with four UIUC departments -- physics, chemistry, curriculum and instruction, and business -- and local school districts. The grant engages school leaders and teachers in new patterns of conversation, resource sharing, innovation and collaboration for physics and chemistry education. Selen is confident that his experience as a Cottrell Scholar will be amplified through this new effort. He notes that his RCSA award and a supportive department gave him "the recognition and confidence to develop new ways for pursuing both research and teaching."
Selen is tireless as he pursues new research, develops tools for undergraduate science education, mentors undergraduate and graduate students, hosts a weekly television spot on science, is a frequent speaker for community groups on the importance of science and science education. He is delighted to be exploring new science in mid career and to be bringing the importance of science to business leaders and young people. As he says: "What is life about if not to be excited!"
-- Jaimie Leopold