Rate My Professor Jessica Lair

Jessica Lair serves as Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, Geosciences, and Astronomy within the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Eastern Kentucky University. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Engineering Physics and Mathematics from West Virginia University Institute of Technology. She further obtained her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Physics from Clemson University, completing her Ph.D. in 2006 with a dissertation titled 'An Observational Analysis of the Late Light Curves of Normal Type Ia Supernovae.' Her graduate research at Clemson focused on observational astrophysics, particularly the light curves of Type Ia supernovae.

Lair's research specializations encompass observational studies of Type Ia supernovae and physics and astronomy education research. A prominent publication is 'Late Light Curves of Normal Type Ia Supernovae,' co-authored with Mark D. Leising, Peter A. Milne, and G. Grant Williams, published in The Astronomical Journal in 2006. Another key paper is 'A Study of a Common Misconception in Appalachian Kentucky Middle School Classrooms: Free-Fall Acceleration Does Not Depend Upon Mass,' appearing in the Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Science in 2011. She has contributed to 12 publications, accumulating 53 citations as per ResearchGate. Lair has presented extensively on physics education topics, including active learning strategies in introductory physics courses, three-dimensional spatial concepts in astronomy, lunar phases misconceptions, and utilization of planetarium resources at conferences such as the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) meetings and Kentucky Academy of Science annual meetings. In 2023, she became department chair, overseeing programs in physics, geosciences, and astronomy. She participated in Eastern Kentucky University's Provost’s Faculty Internship Program, enhancing her administrative expertise. Her contributions span supernova observations and advancing STEM pedagogy at regional institutions.