UBC Educational Transformer Nominated for White House Science Post

Professor Carl Wieman, 2001 Nobel Laureate and director of UBC's initiative to transform undergraduate science education, has been nominated for the position of Associate Director of Science in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

Wieman joined UBC Science in 2007 as professor of Physics and Director of the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative (CWSEI), designed to help scientifically measure and systematically improve undergraduate education.



"Carl has a passion for, and profound understanding of how, science education is essential for an informed and engaged society to deal with the most challenging questions of our time," said UBC President Professor Stephen Toope.

"In just three years, his teaching and research and methods have touched more than 18,000 UBC students. His work here has attracted attention from around the world, so we are not surprised that President Obama would seek him out for this position."

Sarah Gilbert, CWSEI Associate Director, will become Acting Director upon confirmation of Wieman's appointment, a process that could take several months.

“This nomination is an exceptional validation of Carl’s ideas and of our collective efforts to transform undergraduate science education at UBC," said UBC Science Dean Simon Peacock. "I'm confident that we'll continue to move forward thanks to Sarah’s leadership and the ongoing efforts of UBC’s faculty, staff and students.” 
 


The science slot, which also oversees education, is one of four associate director positions at OSTP. Wieman will take an unpaid leave of absence from the university upon confirmation of his appointment by the US Senate.
 


"We are tremendously proud of how the CWSEI is improving the educational experiences of UBC students, and are firmly committed to it, so we are delighted that Sarah Gilbert will step in to advance the initiative in Carl's absence," said David Farrar, Provost and Vice President Academic. "We look forward to welcoming Carl back at the completion of his service in Washington."
   
Wieman came to UBC from the University of Colorado, where he won the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics and where he maintains a part-time appointment to head up an education project similar to the CWSEI.

White House Statement www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-announces-more-key-…