The Virginia Tech chapter of the Society of Physics Students is credited with being the largest chapter in the nation. Membership is restricted to members of the physics department. The chapter is actively involved in the community, traveling to schools in the region to help encourage interest in physics. Located in 222 Robeson Hall, the lounge serves as a meeting place and home away from home for members. Meetings are biweekly on Thursday evenings and serve as times for the group to discuss upcoming events. The chapter is responsible for two major events this year: the SPS Zone meeting (held in October this year), and the annual Chez Robeson professor appreciation dinner (held in April).
The VT SPS chapter is operated by the students, with an elected governing body. Positions include: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, Webmaster, and Lounge Sheriff (appointed).
Jon Hughes, President
I am a senior physics biology double major. I'm from Pocatello, Idaho, but I chose to come to Virginia Tech because of a family tradition. I have been with the Society of Physics Students every year I've been here, and I've been active since last year. Currently, I am also the student representative to the undergraduate committee for the physics department and the Associate Zone Councilor to the SPS National Council. I'm glad to be back at Virginia Tech for my last year, and I'm looking forward to a great year.
Justin Bangerter, Vice President
Studying for a B.S. in Physics and a B.A. in Chemistry. Lives with his beloved dog, Charlie. Justin likes long walks on the beach...
Anna Belak, Treasurer
I'm a senior physics major from Northern Virginia with minors in mathematics and Russian studies. This is my second year as an SPS officer. My duties as treasurer include collecting dues at the beginning of every year, sending the registration forms to the national SPS, and keeping track of the club's finances in general. In addition to taking hideous classes this year, I'm working on an undergraduate research project with Prof. Victoria Soghomonian and applying to graduate programs in Materials Science.
Ashley Tabb, Secretary
Ashley is majoring in physics with a minor in earth science and a concentration in education. Along with being SPS secretary, she is also a member of the Chi Omega sorority and the Astronomy club and is president of the Ladies of Robeson. Her duties as secretary are to write minutes for SPS meetings and the annual chapter report for the SPS national office.
Byron Wiedeman, Public Relations Officer
Byron, a Physics major with minors in Mathematics and Astronomy, is happy to be the Public Relations Officer for SPS. Byron has lived all over the world, if you must know, and couldn't be happier with his current location: Southwest Virginia, going to the best University in the world, Virginia Tech. Throughout his travels Byron learned much, but no matter what country he was in, he always found time to act. Byron has done theatre most of his life; in case you missed it, Byron used this experience and helped direct the scenes for Chez Robeson last year. Byron is excited to be an SPS officer and is looking forward to the upcoming year.
Lake Singh, Webmaster
Lake Singh is the SPS Webmaster. A junior double majoring in Physics and Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mathematics, Lake has been a member of SPS for a little over a year. His duties as webmaster include the design of a new website architecture (it's nice, isn't it?) in order to make it a more integral part of the chapter and department. In addition, he is responsible for keeping all information on the site current and up to date.
Elizabeth Bonnell, SPS Sheriff
I’m Elizabeth Bonnell the Sheriff of SPS. My job is mostly for comic relief, however I do many odd jobs including some cleaning and policing of the SPS lair should criminal conduct occur. I am also very active in the planning and execution of both menu and entertainment for Chez Robeson, often serving as Maître d' for the dining room. This is my 3rd year as a member of SPS, but I have been a physics major at Virginia Tech since 2000. I have worked on several research projects in the department. I currently work for Dr. Norm Morgan on a drift chamber for QWeak. In my spare time I play soccer and salsa dance. In everything I do, I seek to glorify God and give thanks to Jesus Christ.