Dr. Robert Hawkes
Even if you've never taken a course in physics or astronomy, you may have had the pleasure of learning a thing or two from Dr. Hawkes. Besides being an exceptional teacher in Mount Allison's Physics Department, Bob Hawkes has given pubic talks ranging from backyard astronomy to extraterrestrial life.
His outings have attracted children and seniors and everyone in between; most never look at the night sky quite the same again. Bob's enthusiasm fuels his audience's imagination; seeing the moons of Jupiter through Bob's eyes - or, more precisely, his binoculars - opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
Bob's passion for star-gazing and teaching has earned him a global reputation and numerous awards - most recently the 2000 Medal for Excellence in Teaching Physics awarded by the Canadian Association of Physicists. The (CAP) awarded recognized his "superb innovative teaching both inside and outside of the classroom, his development of multimedia teaching materials, and his many presentations on teaching and curriculum development. He has been recognized within the university and across the country as a pioneer in physics education for his varied approaches to teaching. He has been an innovative leader in multimedia education, publishing two CD-ROM textbooks and developing tele-education programs."
His research on the origins and nature of meteors, and the danger they pose to spacecraft, has taken him to such exotic locations as the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and the Negev in Israel as part of major international research programs. He serves on the Space Exploration Advisory Committee to the Canadian Space Agency.
Bob's commitment to communicating his ideas about education are reflected in his workshops, public talks and school presentations - most recently to students at Salem and Marshview. He has presented these programs for audiences around the world, on national radio and television shows as well as to cubs, guides, naturalists and other community groups.
His devotion has truly inspired his students and all the other 'star people' who have had the good fortune to have met him.