Department of Human Resources
Office of Student Employment

UMD "Student Employee of the Year" 2007

UMD Student Employee of the Year

DERRIC JOHNSON

Derric Johnson is a senior in the College of Science and Engineering and he is majoring in Physics and Science Education. Derric has been a student employee since April of 2005 when he was hired by the Marshall Alworth Planetarium. Derric is still employed by the Planetarium; however, he has held three other positions as well. He has worked as an undergraduate research assistant II for Jonathan Maps in the Physics department, he has worked as an undergraduate research assistant II for Jay Austin at the Large Lakes Observatory, and he is currently working as an undergraduate teaching assistant in Physics. Derric has excelled in all of these positions, while maintaining a very good GPA.

Simply put, Derric is an outstanding student employee! Over the past two years he has been the cornerstone of programs at the Marshall Alworth Planetarium. The Planetarium offers weekly evening programs for the public and private shows throughout the week for schools and other organizations. The 2006 attendance at the planetarium was the highest over the past 10 years with over 7,400 visitors (up over 1,500 from the second largest attendance). Although there are three student workers at the Planetarium, Derric led the programs for over two-thirds of the patrons. I have drawers full of letters, cards, and banners (made by school children, teachers, and the public at large) that single out Derric for making the programs so interesting. Derric has a great sense of humor, which along with his extensive knowledge of physics and astronomy and his ability to convey these complex topics to kids captivates everyone in the audience.

More than just delivering interesting shows, Derric has become a master of program development. He has developed shows on Earth’s moon, the solar system, galaxies, and the history of astronomy. However, some of these shows I consider to be masterpieces. These include:

• The Universe in 30 minutes – a tour of the universe from galaxies to black holes, to star birth in gaseous nebulae;
• From Newton to Hawking – a summary of the contributions of Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Stephen Hawking; and
• his most popular show, Trans-Neptunian objects – a tale of what lies beyond the orbit of Neptune, including the passionate debate over Pluto.

All of his program development is based on his own initiative, and in addition to shows, Derric has taken it upon himself to integrate Minnesota teaching standards into programs for elementary school, make props, and organize equipment in the Planetarium. Because programming at the Planetarium involves presentation to the public, a great deal of professionalism is required. Derric is always prepared, well dressed, and organized. He has a great talent for explaining topics and educating the public.

These are the characteristics that Derric Johnson brings to his other campus employment too. As an undergraduate Research Assistant he brings his knowledge and enthusiasm to research projects in both the Physics department and the Large Lakes Observatory. However, where Derric really excels is in front of the students. Derric has been working in the Physics Department as an undergraduate Teaching Assistant since Spring of 2006, teaching lab sections for General Physics I-II and Introduction to Physics I. As a lab Teaching Assistant, he is responsible for funning the lab sections, guiding students through the experiments, helping them to solve problems that arise, and grading their lab notebooks. As stated by Professor Jon Maps (Physics department) “He has been a dependable resource for the department." He brings great energy and enthusiasm into the lab. Lab evaluations show that his students regard him highly and appreciate his efforts to make lab an enjoyable experience.”

I have also heard from Lori Johnson, Executive Secretary in the physics department, that she receives more compliments on his teaching from students than any other Teaching Assistant. To highlight his dedication to education, during holiday recesses and Spring break, Derric returns home and teaches physics at the high school he attended. He receives no compensation for this work, only a great sense of satisfaction.

I hope this letter has conveyed the Reliability, Quality of Work, Initiative, and Professionalism thatDerric Johnson has exhibited during his employment at UMD. In summary, Derric has truly made unique contributions to the Planetarium, the Physics Department, and faculty research. The greatest contribution being the knowledge and enthusiasm he displays while educating UMD students, Duluth K-12 students and the general public.