Toni Sauncy Joins AIP as Interim Director of
Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is pleased to announce that Dr. Toni Sauncy will join AIP's Education Division on August 1, 2012, as interim director of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) and Sigma Pi Sigma, the physics honor society. Sauncy will replace Dr. Gary White during his temporary appointment as a program officer with the National Science Foundation's Education and Human Resources Division.

Sauncy will oversee the daily operation of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma, including the production of AIP's Education publications: the Journal of Undergraduate Research in Physics, The SPS Observer, and Radiations. Sauncy will also support outreach and service activities for society chapters, physics departments, AIP Member Societies, and the public. As a member of the Education Division, she will also assist in strategic planning, work closely with key volunteers and Member Societies in developing new education activities, and support AIP's presence in the science/physics education arena.

Sauncy has served as the president of SPS since 2009 and is currently a tenured professor in the Department of Physics at Angelo State University, where she has taught since 2000. Sauncy has a history of proven leadership as demonstrated by her service on numerous collegiate and professional association committees, including those of APS and AAPT. She is well known for her dedication to students in and out of the classroom and has mentored more than 40 student research projects, which have resulted in more than 50 presentations at regional, national, and international professional physics meetings and conferences. Sauncy holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, a M.S. in Physics, and a B.S. in Mathematics (magna cum laude), all from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. The SPS Executive Committee will arrange for the succession of a new president to complete the last year of Sauncy's term.

About American Institute of Physics
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is an organization of 10 physical science societies, representing more than 135,000 scientists, engineers, and educators. As one of the world's largest publishers of scientific information in physics, AIP employs innovative publishing technologies and offers publishing services for its Member Societies. AIP's suite of publications includes 15 journals, three of which are published in partnership with other organizations; magazines, including its flagship publication Physics Today; and the AIP Conference Proceedings series. Through its Physics Resources Center, AIP also delivers valuable services and expertise in education and student programs, science communications, government relations, career services for science and engineering professionals, statistical research, industrial outreach, and the history of physics and other sciences.

College Park, MD, May 31, 2012