Nataša Erceg

Nataša Erceg is an Associate Professor of Physics Education at the Faculty of Physics, University of Rijeka, Croatia. She has been with the institution since 2009, progressing from Assistant to her current position as Associate Professor since 2022. Her academic career includes significant administrative roles such as Pro-dean of the Faculty (2022-2023) and Deputy Head of the Department (2018-2022). She earned her PhD in Methodological Sciences in Physics from the University of Sarajevo (2011-2013), following a Master's degree in Natural Sciences Education from the University of Split (2003-2006), and her initial teacher education at the University of Rijeka (1992-1998).

Before joining academia, Dr. Erceg taught physics and mathematics at primary and secondary schools in Rijeka from 1999 to 2009, providing her with practical classroom experience that informs her educational research.

Dr. Erceg's research focuses on physics education, particularly on conceptual understanding in physics, development of concept inventories, and physics teacher training. Her work examines how students understand microscopic models of electrical and thermal conductivity, gravitational acceleration measurements, and wave optics. She investigates the causes of physics teacher shortages in Croatia and develops pedagogical approaches to improve physics instruction at various educational levels.

Her research has resulted in numerous publications in high-impact journals including Physical Review Physics Education Research, European Journal of Physics, and Education Sciences. Her work often involves collaboration with international researchers and addresses both theoretical and practical aspects of physics education.

• 2019: Award for teaching excellence at the University of Rijeka
• 2009: Award from the City of Rijeka for exceptional work with a student who won 3rd place in the National Physics Competition

She actively mentors students, having guided numerous master's and diploma theses on topics related to physics education methodology. Her administrative service includes committee memberships focused on curriculum development, quality assurance, and academic recognition processes at both institutional and national levels. She organizes professional development workshops for physics teachers across multiple Croatian counties and leads popular science initiatives such as the 'Saturday Morning Physics' program for high school students.