Karen Jo Matsler, a Master Teacher at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), will be awarded the prestigious 2025 Melba Newell Phillips Medal from the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) in January. This recognition honors her significant contributions to physics education and her unwavering commitment to supporting educators nationwide. Established in 1930, the AAPT is a national organization dedicated to advancing the teaching and understanding of physics.
For over two decades, Dr. Matsler has been a dedicated advocate for physics education, collaborating with state legislators and educational agencies to enhance access to physics courses in high schools. Recently, she has led innovative initiatives in quantum education, creating resources that help high school science teachers seamlessly integrate quantum concepts into their classroom instruction.
Quantum science plays a crucial role in everyday technologies such as cell phones, satellites, MRI machines, lasers, cybersecurity, and solar technology. However, many students are often introduced to these concepts only late in their college careers, which can deter them from pursuing high-paying jobs in quantum technology fields. Matsler’s Quantum for All initiative equips science teachers with the tools needed to teach the fundamentals of quantum science at the high school level, ensuring students feel confident when encountering these topics in college.
“I’m very happy to see Karen Jo receive this well-deserved recognition from the AAPT,” stated Ramon Lopez, a UTA professor of physics and co-principal investigator on the $1 million National Science Foundation grant that launched the Quantum for All program. “Her passion and dedication to improving science curriculum is legendary, and her leadership in AAPT’s Physics Teaching Resource Agent program has been exceptional and highly impactful. Beyond improving access to science education for students and teachers, her ideas are preparing the next generation for careers that will significantly impact our national security.”
Matsler expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the recognition by my peers, but mostly, I’m just excited for another opportunity to talk about the importance of science education, particularly quantum science education, for students. I’m grateful to my colleagues at UTA and all the dedicated science teachers who work day in and day out to educate tomorrow’s leaders.”
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Situated in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive institution committed to teaching, research, and public service. With an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students, UTA is the second-largest institution in the UT System. Its combination of outstanding academics and innovative research has earned it the Carnegie R-1 designation for “Very High Research Activity,” marking a significant milestone of excellence. UTA is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and has received the Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to enhancing Latino student success. The university ranks as the No. 1 national public university for veterans (Military Times, 2024), No. 4 in Texas for advancing social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2025), and No. 6 in the U.S. for undergraduate ethnic diversity (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). UTA’s approximately 270,000 alumni hold leadership positions at many of the 21 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, contributing to the university’s $28.8 billion annual economic impact on Texas.
