Quider imparts enthusiasm for science

by Karen Keefe
Grand Island Dispatch, December 22, 2006

Anna Quider, a University of Pittsburgh honor student in physics and astronomy, teaches students at Kaegebein Elementary School this week (photo by Fred Claus)

Grand Island can be proud of Anna Quider, a young astrophysicist who has earned a prestigious Marshall Scholarship for 2007, one of only 43 students from across the country to receive this honor.

Quider, the daughter of Dan and Theresa Quider, plans to seek her Ph.D. in astrophysics research at the University of Cambridge. A proclamation in Quider’s name was presented at the Dec. 18 Grand Island Town Board meeting to acknowledge her accomplishments.

Quider currently is a University of Pittsburgh Honors College and School of Arts and Sciences student majoring in physics and astronomy, the history and philosophy of science, and religious studies.

The Marshall Scholarships were established by the British government in 1953 as a gesture of thanks to the people of the United States for the assistance received under the Marshall Plan following World War II. In addition to intellectual distinction, the awards honor people who are likely to become leaders in their field and to make a contribution to society.

Financed by the British government, the scholarships provide an opportunity for outstanding American students to continue their studies for two to three years at a British university of their choice.

While in town for the holidays, Quider volunteered to teach third-graders in Janice Ahne’s class, as she had done last spring, as well. The lessons were hands-on, and eyes-on, as students looked through a telescope and learned from Quider about the sun and its relationship to other stars – and how scientists use the telescope to learn about the universe.

“Everyone’s very curious about about extraterrestrial life – is there life on other planets,” Quider said. She explained that the young students have already seen and heard facts about the universe through movies and cartoons. “They’ve heard the term ‘black holes’ and want to know ‘what does that mean?” They are interested in dark matter, stars, planets, galaxies and asteroids,” she said. “They ask about aliens,” she said, because some of them have seen movies such as “Men in Black” and “Zathura.”

Quider points up to the students “the differences between what real scientists do and what movie scientists do.”

“Getting them to think about science and talk about science is the main goal,” Quider said. Another goal is “making science accessible to everybody.”

She believes the outreach with Kaegebein’s students will help her to be a greater educator – a step on the path to becoming a research professor of physics and astronomy.

Quider’s accomplishments

•Chambliss Student Achievement Medal (2006)

•American Astronomical Society national award for exemplary research by one undergraduate student poster presenter

•Gerald Bloomfield Memorial Award (2006)

•National Society of Physics Students scholarship recognizing one undergraduate student for enthusiasm, leadership, and academic excellence in physics

•Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2005)

•National Congressional scholarship recognizing outstanding undergraduate science and mathematics researchers

•Halliday Award (2005)

•University award for the outstanding undergraduate physics researcher

•Academic Achievement Award (2004)

•University award for the academically outstanding undergraduate sophomore/junior physics student

•Chancellor’s Scholarship (2002)

•Highest merit scholarship for entering freshman at the University of Pittsburgh; one of 10 awarded.