Lauren Rast

Lauren Rast is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her work bridges education research and materials science, focusing on equipping students with skills for the modern workforce and lifelong learning. She leads Project RAISE (Remotely Accessible Interdisciplinary STEMM Education) and directs the Magic City Data Collective, which received statewide recognition for work-based learning initiatives. Dr. Rast serves on multiple UAB committees, including as Chair of the Technology-Enabled Physics Education Committee and former President of the UAB Chapter of Sigma Xi.

• Education: B.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from UAB; National Research Council Fellow at NIST Boulder.

Her research and teaching interests emphasize STEMM education, workforce development, and data/digital fluency, with a focus on evidence-based frameworks for distance-accessible learning. She has received grants and awards for innovative online course design and community STEMM outreach efforts.

At NIST, she modeled 2D materials for plasmonics and photonics using density functional theory. Her interdisciplinary approach combines theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques in biomedical and energy applications.

• 2006 Samuel B. Barker Award for Excellence in Graduate Studies at the Master’s Level
• 2021 UAB Faculty Development Grant
• 2024 Governor's Work-Based Learning Best Practices Award
• 2021 UAB Provost’s Award for Transformative Online Courses
• Business Alabama Top Women in Tech '24 in 24' (2024)

Dr. Rast’s leadership roles include Chair of the Technology-Enabled Physics Education Committee, Director of the Magic City Data Collective, and membership in the UAB eLAC Enabling Technologies Committee and QEP Advisory Council. She has also contributed to curriculum reform and Quality Matters-certified course development.