Sarah LeGresley Rush

Sarah LeGresley Rush is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Based in Malott Hall room 1075, she focuses on bridging physics education research with quantitative biophysics through curriculum innovation and computational modeling.

Education:

• Physics, University of Kansas, 2017
• Physics, University of Kansas, 2014
• Mathematics, University of Kansas, 2008
• Mathematics and Mathematics Education, Peru State College, 2001

Research Focus:

• Physics Education: Develops calculus-enhanced energy-first curricula for introductory physics, rigorously assessing impacts on student performance in both immediate and downstream courses using educational research methodologies.
• Biophysics: Applies Monte Carlo simulations and single-molecule techniques to investigate molecular motor kinetics, nucleosome repositioning mechanisms, DNA damage response, and fluorescence data analysis in complex biological systems.

Publication Trends: Her work demonstrates dual expertise through high-impact publications in Physical Review Physics Education Research (education) and Physical Review E/Biosystems (biophysics). Recent research emphasizes quantifiable educational improvements while advancing biophysical understanding of chromatin dynamics and molecular machinery.