Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Brad Ambrose

Brad Ambrose

Associate Professor

ambroseb@gvsu.edu

Affiliations

Primary College:

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department of Physics

Brooks College Partnership:

 Frederik Meijer Honors College

 

 

 

 TEACHING FOCUS

Professor Ambrose currently team-teaches an interdisciplinary sequence of courses for non-science majors in the GVSU Honors College(HNR 243/244). The course focuses on examining the function of the human body through and understanding of physics, chemistry and physiology. Students also gain and understanding of the scientific method and conduct research that is presented at the annual Student Scholarship Day.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Professor Ambrose is currently conducting investigations of student understanding of topics in mechanics, optics, and quantum physics. He has developed, tested, and assessed research-based curricular materials as well as supervised senior research projects in physics education research.

RECENT AWARDS AND HONORS

2006 GVSU Pew Teaching Excellence Award
 
NSF CCLI-EMD Grant: “Developing a Tutorial Approach to Enhance Student Learning of
Intermediate Mechanics”
 
GVSU Summer Student Scholars Award: “Assessing Student Learning in the Introductory
Physics Laboratory: Friction and Conservation of Linear Momentum

 

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS (since 2005)

With Students:

  • K. Pachla, AY 2007 – 2008: Graphic organizers as assessment tools for the physics teacher.
  • T. Major, AY 2007 – 2008: Exploring student understanding of equations through the conservation of energy.
  • C. Carabulea, Fall 2005: Experimental modal analysis of an acoustic guitar (with Dr. Karen Gipson).

Other

  • B.S. Ambrose, “Probing student reasoning and intuitions in intermediate mechanics: An example with linear oscillations,” Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings, 2006, ed. L. McCullough, L. Hsu, and P. Heron, AIP Conference Proceedings.
  • J. R. Thompson and B.S. Ambrose, “A literary canon in physics education research,” APS Forum on Education Newsletter, Fall 2005, ed. K. Cummings.
  • B.S. Ambrose, “A repeat performance? Challenges in developing robust conceptual understanding among advanced students,” Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings, 2004, ed. J. Marx, S. Franklin, and P. Heron, AIP Conference Proceedings.
  • B.S. Ambrose, "Investigating student understanding in intermediate mechanics: Identifying the need for a tutorial approach to instruction", Am. J. Phys. Vol. 72, 453459 (2004).

INTEREST AREAS

In addition, Professor Ambrose is an avid ballroom dancer and runner. He also enjoys cooking and is a member of his church’s choir. 

WEB SITE

http://www.gvsu.edu/physics/index.cfm?id=6210BA01-E56C-555E-B2962C71DFF005B9

 

 

 

 

Page last modified September 21, 2012