David Meltzer

David Meltzer is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Applied Sciences and Arts, specializing in Physics Education Research. He holds a Ph.D. in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics from SUNY Stony Brook (1985) and has over 25 years of experience in education research and NSF-funded projects.

• Education
  • Ph.D., Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, SUNY Stony Brook (1985)

Meltzer’s research interests span physics education, science education, applied physiology, and active learning in STEM. His work focuses on conceptual understanding in thermodynamics, curriculum reform, and interdisciplinary teaching methods.

His publications (over 30 refereed papers) emphasize trends in physics education reform, active learning strategies, and cross-disciplinary thermodynamics instruction, with recent studies on online teaching during the pandemic and gender dynamics in sports science.

• Scientific Awards
  • Fellow of the American Physical Society

Meltzer has served as director of Iowa State University’s Physics Education Research Group (1998–2005) and led 11 NSF-funded projects. He has consulted for the American Physical Society and co-authored influential reports like Transforming the Preparation of Physics Teachers: A Call to Action. His lab, PhysicsEducation.net, develops active-learning materials and maintains a collection of Iowa State PERG papers.