Contact:  Rick Peterson, Manager of News Services, 920/832-6590
For Immediate Release                                             
Nov. 23, 1999

Lawrence University Physicist Receives National Recognition for
Contributions to Science Education 


     APPLETON, WIS. -- John Brandenberger, professor of physics at
Lawrence University, has been elected a Fellow in the American Physical
Society for his contributions to physics education in America.  He is
the first physicist at Lawrence ever honored as a Fellow by the APS.  
     Election to fellowship status in the APS is highly selective and
limited to no more than one-half of one percent of the organization's
41,000 members. The fellowship program recognizes members who have made
advances in knowledge through original research or made significant and
innovative contributions either in the application of physics to science
and technology or in the teaching of physics.
     In announcing Brandenberger's selection, the APS cited him for
"stimulating incorporation of laser physics in undergraduate curricula,
for advocacy of undergraduate research and for creative leadership in
building an exemplary undergraduate physics program."
     A specialist in atomic physics and laser spectroscopy,
Brandenberger has played a leading role in building Lawrence's unique
"Laser Palace," expanding the physics department's instructional program
and introducing an annual series of weekend physics workshops for
outstanding high school science students from around the country.  The
success of the decade-long department development program was recognized
last fall by the National Science Foundation's "Physics Revitalization
Conference," in which Lawrence was selected to participate as one of 10
"case-study departments" in the country.
     "Selection as a Fellow of the American Physical Society is a
singular honor for Professor Brandenberger," said Lawrence President
Richard Warch, "and I am not only pleased for him, but grateful that his
exemplary work at Lawrence earned him this distinction.  He and his
departmental colleagues have worked hard to enhance our physics program
and this recognition is but the latest to affirm and applaud his
accomplishments."
     A member of the Lawrence faculty since 1968, Brandenberger was
named the Alice G. Chapman Chair in Physics earlier this fall.  He
earned his bachelor's degree from Carleton College and his Ph.D. at
Brown University.