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Hammond Today
By the People, for the People
Southeastern Professor Honored with National Physics Award
Rhett Allain recognized by American Association of Physics Teachers for exceptional science communication and mentorship.
Mar. 5, 2026 at 7:05pm
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Rhett Allain, a physics professor at Southeastern Louisiana University, has been awarded the 2026 Richtmyer Memorial Lecture Award by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). Allain was recognized for his exceptional ability to communicate physics concepts to broad audiences through books, digital media, and public platforms, as well as his sustained commitment to mentoring teachers and students.
Why it matters
Allain's award highlights the importance of effective science communication and the role that educators can play in inspiring curiosity about the physical world. His ability to make complex topics accessible to the general public aligns with AAPT's mission to advance excellence in physics teaching and learning.
The details
As a member of AAPT since 1997, Allain has been actively involved in the organization, serving in various leadership roles at both the local and national levels. In addition to his academic work, Allain maintains a popular blog on WIRED.com and regularly posts on Medium.com and social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to share physics concepts with the public. He is also the author of four books that communicate physics ideas to students and teachers, with a focus on model building and using tools like Python and video analysis.
- Allain has been a member of AAPT since 1997.
- Allain was awarded the 2026 Richtmyer Memorial Lecture Award.
The players
Rhett Allain
A physics professor at Southeastern Louisiana University who has been recognized by the American Association of Physics Teachers for his exceptional ability to communicate physics concepts to broad and diverse audiences.
American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
The premier international organization for physics educators, physicists, and industrial scientists, with members worldwide.
What’s next
Allain will be recognized at the AAPT's annual meeting in July 2026, where he will deliver the Richtmyer Memorial Lecture.
The takeaway
Rhett Allain's award demonstrates the power of effective science communication and the impact that dedicated educators can have in inspiring curiosity and understanding about the physical world, both within the classroom and beyond.
