OU physics professor lectures, connects to Argentinean audience

By Katie Land, news editor

OU physics professor Dr. Rojo speaks to students and political leaders at an educational conference in Argentina.

On most days, Oakland University physics professor Alberto Rojo, Ph.D, conducts research and teaches theories to his college students. One day this September, he found himself in front of an Argentinean audience containing the country’s president and more than 1,000 Argentinean students.

Dr. Rojo, along with a biologist and an historian, was selected to lecture as part of the “Conectar Igualdad” program, a nationwide initiative where Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner provides new netbooks to high school students.

With a goal of placing 3 million netbooks in the hands of students, it is the largest program of its kind in the world. For the kickoff event, Dr. Rojo was asked to create an interactive presentation for the students to learn how to use new software.

“As an educator, I found in this process new ways of understanding concepts myself, and have an opportunity to implement new ideas and materials in a different environment,” Dr. Rojo said. “I am able to use my work at OU as a basis for this back and forth interaction.”

Dr. Rojo hopes these interactions and exchanges could result in collaboration with Oakland and educational institutions in Argentina.

“Physics is a universal language that is taught differently in specific cultures. In my view, scientific educational cooperation is important for comparing notes on which teaching methods are most universally effective,” he continued.

Dr. Rojo is no stranger to the science education scene in Argentina. His book, “Everyday Physics” has sold more than 19,000 copies, and he is currently working to produce a four part television series about art and physics for an Argentine education station.

A member of the Oakland community since 2003, Dr. Rojo has taught many courses including Everyday Physics, a hands-on course he developed, and graduate classes such as classical electrodynamics and quantum mechanics.

For more information about OU’s physics programs, view the website. For more information about Argentina’s “Conectar Igualdad” program, visit the website.