Stanley Micklavzina

A senior instructor in the Physics department at the University of Oregon since 1985, Stanley is best known for engineering the ‘Science Circus’ which is an annual event held off campus to promote science to the public. The shows are designed to entertain and educate community members of all ages. Younger participants get excited with the seemingly magical experiments performed on stage, while older ones gain insight to the powers of the physical realm through accessible explanations associated with the demonstrations.

Performance and entertainment value are important features of these shows; complex science concepts are presented in a creative way, for all to enjoy and to also open the audience’s minds up to a new, more resonant level of understanding. All types of performing arts have been incorporated for the show including circus juggling, music, story telling, dance, and even mini plays.

As well as being the presenter, writer and director for the amazing productions, Stanley carries over his energy into working with many regional, national and international professional societies in the area of physics education. He has published articles in various physics education journals and given presentations, organized workshops, and coordinated lecture demonstrations at national meetings and international gatherings. His efforts to advance science education at all pedagogic levels have garnered him honorable recognition around the country, as well as significant grant money to further the propagation of physics education in the public sphere.

http://hendrix2.uoregon.edu/~stanm/ScienceCircus/