About GPS

A Brief History

The Graduate Physics Society was founded in 2016 by Tyler Downey, a M.Sc. Candidate in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography. The idea was proposed by Dr. Keith Vanderlinde, of the University of Toronto, during a visit to MUN as part of his Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) Lecture Tour. Dr. Vanderlinde described the graduate society at his home university as a group of students dedicated to improving both the personal and professional development of their fellow students, which was the inspiration for the founding of the society. It was also born out of a need to reform many institutions affecting graduate students in the Department of Physics, the most significant of which was the role, expectations, and compensation of Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs). Mr. Downey was elected President of the GPS at the first society meeting, and the following missions were adopted: first, to advocate on behalf of graduate physics students, and to provide a clear line of communication between graduate students and the department. Second, to create a more welcoming and tight-knit community for both Canadian and International students within our department. Finally, to engage in science outreach and communication to better educate the general public on the wonders of the physical sciences. This first goal was the primary focus of the inaugural committee, and so, with the cooperation of the Department, the society solicited advice and opinions on how to improve the TA experience in our department from the graduate student body to present to faculty. This resulted in several desired changes and opened the lines of communication between the Department and graduate students. Many of the original committee members have since graduated, however the GPS is still active in the department today, keeping to the original missions from the founding of the society.

Photo by Ming Li