Ben Pollard

Ben Pollard is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder (2017), an MS in Physics from the same institution (2014), and a BA in Physics and Computer Science from Pomona College (2011). His research focuses on improving teaching and learning in physics laboratory courses, emphasizing measurement uncertainty, experimental skills, and student epistemological development. He is also a core organizer of The Access Network, a community-driven initiative promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in STEM. Previously, he served as a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Heather Lewandowski's Physics Education Research group at CU Boulder.

Education:

• PhD, Physics, University of Colorado Boulder (2017)
• MS, Physics, University of Colorado Boulder (2014)
• BA, Physics & Computer Science, Pomona College (2011)

Research Interests: Dr. Pollard explores pedagogical strategies for enhancing laboratory education, including curriculum design, assessment development, and fostering inclusive STEM environments. His work addresses measurement uncertainty concepts, interdisciplinary course alignment, and near-peer mentorship programs. He employs mixed-methods approaches, such as clustering algorithms and natural language processing, to analyze student learning outcomes.

Grants & Community Work:

• Recipient of Planning Grants for DEIJ initiatives at WPI
• Core organizer of The Access Network Emergency Fund (2021)

Labs & Collaborations: Collaborated with the Physics Education Research group at CU Boulder. Active in The Access Network, focusing on financial support systems and leadership development for marginalized STEM students.