Instructional Faculty Bios

Dr. Eric Brunsell
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Program Component: Education Core Courses and Earth/Space Science Track

Eric Brunsell completed his undergraduate degree in physics education at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He taught physics and physical science in Appleton, WI. From 2000 - 2006, Eric directed Space Education Initiatives, a non-profit organization focused on providing professional development opportunities for teachers throughout the nation. While at Space Education Initiatives, Eric administered a number of education programs for NASA, including a plant growth experiment on the International Space Station. In 2006, Eric joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. He is currently and assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Excel Center at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.

Eric completed his Masters of Science degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in 2002. He was a doctoral fellow in the NSF funded Center for Teaching and Learning in the West and completed his doctorate in science education at Montana State University in 2006.

Dr. Mark Lattery
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Physics/Astronomy
Program Component: Physics/Physical Science Track

Lattery is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He received a Ph.D. degree in physics from the University of Minnesota based on experimental studies of quarks. A leader in field of physics education, he has held such positions as President of the Wisconsin Association of Physics Teachers, Director of the Modeling Physical Science Program (2001-2005), and Chair of the American Association of Physics Teachers on the History and Philosophy of Physics (2003-2005). Lattery teaches courses at all levels of the physics curriculum, including physical science, astronomy laboratory, modern physics, quantum mechanics, and graduate-level courses for practicing physics teachers. 

Lattery was named UW-System Wisconsin Teaching Scholar (2006-2007) and Wisconsin Teaching Fellow (2000-2001).  Recently, he received the Wisconsin Association of Physics Teachers (WAPT) Award for Service to Teaching at the Secondary Level. The author of many peer-reviewed research articles, he has published in such diverse journals as Physical Review Letters, The Physics Teacher, School Science and Mathematics, Physics Education, Science & Education and the Electronic Journal of Science Education.  His research integrates the history and philosophy of science and physics education research. Currently, Lattery is PI of "Student Model Formation and Development," a two-year education research project funded by the Spencer Foundation.

Mr. Jeff Elmer
Oshkosh North High School
High School Physics Instructor
Program Component: Physics/Physical Science Track

Jeff Elmer received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry education from UW-Madison and a master’s degree in physics education from UW-River Falls.  He is the upper-level physics instructor at Oshkosh North High School and a 21–year veteran of physics teaching.  Jeff has previously taught a Science Teaching methods class at UW-Oshkosh in 1999 and was on staff at the Modeling Physics and Physical Science Institute at UW-Oshkosh during summers from 2002 through 2005.  His students have received national recognition as U.S. Physics Team Quarter-Finalist in 2008, Semi-Finalists in 1992, 2000, 2001, and Finalist in 1993. Jeff has been honored for his teaching, including the 2006 and 1996 Milwaukee School of Engineering Excellence in Teaching Awards, 2004 Wisconsin Association of Physics Teachers Excellence in Teaching and Service Award, and the 1999 Kohl Fellowship Award.

Dr. John Lemberger
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Program Component: Education Core Courses

Prior to entering the doctorate program at UW, Dr. Lemberger taught science at the high school level for three years. Subjects taught were physical science and biology. Some of this teaching was in a stand alone ED program in Fond du Lac. Additionally, Dr. Lemberger spent several years as a substitute teacher for the Wild Rose School District. Dr. Lemberger had to opportunity to substitute teach in almost all subject areas and grade levels.

Dr. Lemberger has developed a line of research on conceptual change learning and teaching that includes several presentations and publications. Dr. Lemberger also has many years of experience helping in-service and pre-service teachers learn how to teach science by conceptual change and inquiry. From this prior work, it has become apparent that more knowledge about the personal epistemologies that students use to support misconceptions is necessary to develop new, more effective science teaching strategies. Dr. Lemberger's current research on personal epistemology will provide further insight into the kind of teaching strategies needed to move students' thinking toward more scientific conceptions of natural phenomena.

Mr. Jason Marcks
Space Education Initiatives
Program Component: Earth/Space Science Track

Jason is a former high school Earth and space science teacher, He has a MS in Geoscience and is currently working on a Masters of Aeronautical Science in space launch management. He has served as the professional development director and lead instructor for the Wisconsin Initiative for Math, Science and Technology Education program, the Nevada Science of Aerospace Project, and the Oklahoma Science, Technology, and Education Program. He is an adjunct faculty member at Montana State University, Northwestern State University, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and University of Wisconsin Green Bay where he teaches a combination of undergraduate and graduate courses in science. Jason was recently recognized for his professional accomplishments being named as the 2005 Frank G. Brewer Award winner for excellence in aerospace education.

Mr. Edward Wyrembeck
Howards Grove High School
Science Chair and High School Physics Instructor
Program Component: Earth/Space Science Track

Edward received a Master's degree in Education from Marian College and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin  Oshkosh.  He is a 23-year veteran of physics teaching at Howards Grove High School.  For excellence in teaching, Wyrembeck received the: 2007 Delta  Education Award for Excellence in Inquiry-based Science Teaching; 2006 Kohl Teacher Fellowship; and the 2005 NSTA/Vernier Technology Award  (one of only three recipients nationally).  He was also selected five times by Howard Grove students to receive The Most Influential Educator Award.  He published four articles in The Physics Teacher, served on  the UW Oshkosh Modeling Physical Science staff for two years, and co-taught Waves and Fields for Teachers in Summer 2009.