Teresa Larkin

Teresa Larkin is Associate Professor Emerita of Physics at American University, where she served as Associate Professor of Physics Education from 1996 to 2026. Based in Washington, D.C., she brings more than four decades of experience in physics and engineering education, including 11 years at South Dakota State University before joining American University. She earned an M.S. in Engineering Physics from South Dakota State University and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Physics and Science Education from Kansas State University. Her academic work has centered on Physics Education Research (PER), engineering education, assessment of student learning, and innovative approaches to teaching introductory physics and engineering.

During her tenure at American University, Larkin served as Faculty Liaison to the Dual-Degree Engineering Program from 2015 to 2026, helping establish the university's affiliation with Columbia University. She also founded the Women in Science (WIS) student organization in 2010 and served as its advisor for 16 years, providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for young women pursuing STEM careers. A longstanding leader in professional education organizations, she has been active in the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) for more than 40 years. Her ASEE service has included roles as Chair of the Engineering Physics and Physics Division, Chair of Professional Interest Council III, Vice President of Professional Interest Councils, and member of the Board of Directors. She was inducted into the ASEE Academy of Fellows in 2016.

Larkin's contributions have been recognized through numerous national and international honors, including the ASEE Distinguished Educator and Service Award, American University's Outstanding Teaching in the General Education Award, and recognition for global outreach and contributions to engineering and technology education at INTERTECH 2010 in Brazil. She was also selected as a National Science Foundation ASEE Visiting Scholar in 2000–2001 and received a Best Paper Award in 2017 for research on multitasking and millennial learners. Her scholarship includes publications on student writing as a learning and assessment tool and women's leadership in engineering. Although she has transitioned to emeritus status, Larkin remains engaged in physics and engineering education, mentoring young women in STEM and collaborating with former students on scholarly work that supports their continued professional development.