Eric Burkholder

Eric Burkholder, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the department of physics at Auburn University. He studies a broad array of topics in physics education research (PER), including scientific decision-making in graduate physics curricula, student experiences and performance in introductory STEM courses, and educational change initiatives in international contexts. He currently serves as the secretary-treasurer for the Topical Group on Physics Education Research, is a member of the Effective Practices for Physics Programs Editorial Board, and volunteers as an APS Advocacy Champion, for which he was named a 2026 5-Sigma Physicist. He is also the current editor of PER-Central for the American Association of Physics Teachers. He does all of this with the support of his husband and partner of more than 10 years, Jason, who joined APS in 2025 as the Global Director of Development.