Gordon J. Aubrecht II *71

Gordon Aubrecht, retired professor of physics at Ohio State University (OSU), died of cancer Nov. 21, 2016. He was 73.

Aubrecht graduated from Rutgers in 1965 and earned a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton in 1971. Positions at OSU and Oregon followed. In 1975, he became an assistant professor at the Marion campus of OSU, and then a full professor in 1987. He retired after almost 40 years at OSU.

Initially Aubrecht focused on elementary particle theory in the field of high-energy physics. He published more than 200 articles and presented more than 450 papers. His book, Energy: Physical, Environmental, and Social Impact, is now in its third edition.

Aubrecht later focused on physics-education research, which involved how physics is taught using a hands-on, group-oriented, inquiry-based approach to student learning. He received grants enabling him and his research team to work with teachers in Ohio public schools. Among his many honors, he received the 2008 OSU Faculty Award for Distinguished University Service. He was a lifetime activist for academic freedom and equality, as well as for environmental and other public-interest issues.

Aubrecht is survived by his wife, Michelle; four children; and four grandchildren.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.