We are saddened to share that Edward “Joe” Redish, a popular professor of physics passed away recently after a long illness at the age of 82. Globally recognized as a pioneer in the field of physics education research, Joe was most proud of his role in helping to build the field into a thriving international community.
Joe taught physics at UMD for more than 50 years and was a UMD Distinguished Scholar-Teacher. He received many awards for his research and his teaching, including the National Science Foundation Director's Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award and the ICPE Medal from the International Commission on Physics Education (bestowed at a conference in Istanbul).
Joe will be missed by all who knew him. He was a wealth of wisdom, a kind wit, and a friend to all.
Edward F. and Janice Redish established the E.F. Redish Endowed Professorship in Science Education in September 2011 and amended it in July 2024. This fund is now known as the E.F. Redish Endowed Professorship in Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. It supports a tenure-track faculty member in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.