Laurie E. McNeil

Laurie E. McNeil is the Bernard Gray Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a Ph.D., M.S., and A.M. in Physics from the University of Illinois and Harvard University. Her research focuses on optical properties of organic semiconductors, Brillouin scattering in biological tissues, and vibrational spectroscopy of materials. McNeil has led transformative initiatives in physics education, including curriculum reforms and pedagogical innovations. She has served as Department Chair, Interim Chair of Applied and Materials Sciences, and led efforts to enhance STEM education through mentorship programs.

Her awards include the George B. Pegram Award for Excellence in Physics Education and the APS Five Sigma Physicist designation. McNeil has authored over 100 publications, including studies on organic phototransistors, charge transfer complexes, and education research. She co-teaches a First-Year Seminar on music and physics and actively contributes to national physics education initiatives through APS committees.