Eugenia Etkina is a Distinguished Professor at Rutgers, the State University Of New Jersey. She holds a PhD in physics education from Moscow State Pedagogical University and has more than 35 years of experience teaching physics. She is a Recipient of the 2014 Millikan Medal, awarded to educators who have made significant contributions to teaching physics, and is a fellow of the AAPT. She is also a recipient of the 2010 AAAS award for the best science teaching technology resource for the physics video website that she co-developed with D. Brookes.

In 1993 she created a system in which students learn physics using processes that mirror scientific practice. That system, called Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) can be used in a physics course of any level (from middle school to graduate coursework). It engages students in learning physics by practicing it. ISLE serves as the basis for the textbook “College Physics: Explore and Apply” and supporting Active Learning Guide and Instructor Guide that are used in many universities and high schools for teaching algebra-based physics courses, especially AP Physics courses.

Professor Etkina designed and now coordinates the largest university-based program in physics teacher preparation in the United States (the foundation of the program is ISLE). She also conducts professional development for high school and university physics instructors and participates in reforms to the undergraduate physics courses.

Since 2000, Professor Etkina has led over 100 workshops for physics instructors. She is an active researcher who has published over a 100 peer-refereed articles.