2019
Worth Seagondollar Service Award
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Earl Blodgett has distinguished himself for his dedication and outstanding service to the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Sigma Pi Sigma for over 20 years. As a chapter advisor, zone councilor, and president of SPS, he profoundly impacted the Society and its members at all levels. Earl has continued to serve in the SPS Executive Committee as historian, keeping accurate records of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma, while year after year, the SPS leadership has relied on his experience, vision and passion to advance the Society. He has served a touchstone for his students and the leadership of the societies in a way no one else could. For his exemplary commitment and distinguished service to the physics community, the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma for many years (and many more to come), Earl Blodgett is recognized with the Worth L. Seagondollar Award.
Dr. Earl D. Blodgett is a Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) and advisor to the UWRF Chapter of the Society of Physics Students since 1997. During this time, the UWRF SPS Chapter has been very active in science outreach and maintains a vibrant presence on campus, earning recognition as an Outstanding SPS Chapter nearly every year. He was recognized nationally as the Outstanding SPS Chapter Advisor for 2004. Dr. Blodgett has served on the SPS National Council since 1999, in the roles of Zone Councilor (two terms), SPS President (two terms) and since 2009 as Historian for SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma. He was awarded Honorary Membership to Sigma Pi Sigma in 2016.
Dr. Blodgett greatly enjoys teaching the experimental side of physics at all levels, from introductory labs through advanced laboratory. He is also very interested in learning more about how students learn physics, with the goal of constantly reexamining and improving how introductory courses are taught. He was recognized as the UWRF Distinguished Teacher for 2014. He co-founded and serves as Director for STEMteach, a post-baccalaureate program for career changers with a STEM degree, enabling them to become well-prepared STEM teachers in one year of intensive graduate study. He is also Director of Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity (URSCA) for UWRF.
Born and raised in Dunn County, WI, Earl still lives on the family farm. He received his BS in physics and mathematics from UW-River Falls and his MA and PhD from Washington University, St. Louis, MO. His wife, Marguerite and children Matthew, Melissa and Jessica are all UWRF alumni. He enjoys reading, running, and geocaching.