People

A collaborative effort built with educators.

PUM was developed through collaboration among researchers, teacher educators, and practicing teachers. The materials reflect both research and sustained classroom use.

Project leadership

Core developers and leaders of PUM.

Eugenia Etkina

Eugenia Etkina

Rutgers Graduate School of Education

Eugenia is an Emerita Distinguished Professor of science education at Rutgers. She is a lead developer of PUM and co-developer of the ISLE approach. She conceived and tested ISLE while teaching in Moscow and later co-developed its current form with Alan Van Heuvelen. She co-authored College Physics: Explore and Apply and the Active Learning Guide, and has used ISLE and PUM in teacher preparation. Contact: eugenia.etkina@gse.rutgers.edu.

Suzanne White Brahmia

Suzanne White Brahmia

University of Washington (formerly Rutgers)

Suzanne was co-PI on the ISLE NSF grant and a leader of the Physics Gateway Program at Rutgers. She is the “math heart” of PUM, developing math invention sequences that help students construct physical quantities and make sense of equations.

HL

Hector Lopez

High School Physics Teacher, NJ

Hector contributed to kinematics modules, photography, and project management during development through Rutgers SSI.

Rob Zisk

Rob Zisk

Rutgers GSE

Rob leads Rutgers Physics Teacher Preparation after Eugenia’s retirement, uses PUM in methods courses, and organizes NJ workshops. Contact: robert.zisk@gse.rutgers.edu.

Jim Flakker

Jim Flakker

High School Administrator

Jim has used PUM for many years as a high school physics teacher and contributed as a graduate student. He built and managed ISLE/PUM websites and designed this site. Contact: jflakker@gmail.com.

Danielle Buggé

Danielle Buggé

West Windsor Plainsboro Regional School District

Danielle has used multiple PUM modules for over 10 years and co-runs PUM workshops. Her classroom emphasizes student-developed concepts and projects. Contact: danielle.bugge@gmail.com.

Matt Blackman

Matt Blackman

PhET

Matt contributed design and graphics (including module icons) and later developed ISLE-based learning games. He is an effective AP physics teacher and has used PUM with strong results. Contact: matthewblackman1@gmail.com.

Teacher contributors

Teachers who participated in development and refinement of the modules.

Matt Blackman, Chris D’Amato, Ronalee Newman, Erin Siebenmann, James Finley, Tara Finley, Joe Santonacita, and Keith Thomas.

A shared effort

PUM reflects sustained collaboration between researchers and teachers, grounded in classroom practice.