Karen A. Topp

Karen A. Topp is Senior Lecturer in Physics at Bowdoin College focusing on accessible science education and curricular innovation. She develops introductory courses that blend physics fundamentals with real-world applications like musical acoustics, while promoting STEM participation among underrepresented groups. Her pedagogical work includes creating a Physics/Education interdisciplinary major for future teachers.

Prior research examined low-temperature properties of amorphous materials, ultrasonic tissue characterization, and disordered crystal systems. Current teaching includes Introductory Physics, Electric Fields/Circuits, and Physics of Musical Sound. She earned her PhD from Cornell University studying tunneling states in crystals.

Courses Developed:

• Physics of Musical Sound: Acoustics of instruments, psychoacoustics, and music theory
• Electric Fields and Circuits: Fundamentals of electromagnetism and electronics