Society of Physics Students

Society of Physics Students (SPS)

The Society of Physics Students at UT Dallas, SPS, is our student club for those interested in physics and physics-based careers. It is not necessary to be a physics major or enrolled an any physics courses, but rather any student interested in physics can join.

Our activities include BBQ’s, movie nights, guest lectures on physics careers and physics in society, research opportunities, campus-wide physics events/competitions, and outreach to the public at large. UT Dallas SPS is part of the National Society of Physics Students, an organization that promotes physics through regional and national conferences, scholarships, and grant opportunities.

SPS Sponsors a Rocket Contest

To build and fly a rocket, you have to break some eggs. That simple lesson came home for several students and faculty members at a model rocket competition sponsored by the UT Dallas chapter of the Society of Physics Students.UT Dallas News Center – Rocket Contest Competitors Strive for Height, Cargo Protection.

Photos from Rocket Contest

Physics graduate student Ed Graef explains model rocket science.

Physics graduate student Ed Graef explains model rocket science.

UT Dallas' Dr. Phil Anderson makes a final safety check.

UT Dallas’ Dr. Phil Anderson makes a final safety check.

Ed Graef prepares his rocket for launch.

Ed Graef prepares his rocket for launch.

Mikaela McMurtry works on her rocket.

Mikaela McMurtry works on her rocket.

Alan Harrison, a physics graduate student, works with Dr. Phil Anderson to prepare a rocket for launch. Harrison and Anderson are members of the National Association of Rocketry.

Alan Harrison, a physics graduate student, works with Dr. Phil Anderson to prepare a rocket for launch. Harrison and Anderson are members of the National Association of Rocketry.

From left: Matthew Henderson, Mikaela McMurtry, Dr. Phil Anderson, and Brooks McMaster, physics major.

From left: Matthew Henderson, Mikaela McMurtry, Dr. Phil Anderson, and Brooks McMaster, physics major.

Matthew Henderson launches his team’s rocket with teammate Mikaela McMurtry.

Matthew Henderson launches his team’s rocket with teammate Mikaela McMurtry.

Mikaela McMurtry discovers that the raw egg payload on her team’s rocket has returned intact. Her team's rocket won the contest for going 383 feet and protecting the egg cargo.

Mikaela McMurtry discovers that the raw egg payload on her team’s rocket has returned intact. Her team’s rocket won the contest for going 383 feet and protecting the egg cargo.

Dr. Phil Anderson uses a drill to attach sections of a contestant’s rocket.

Dr. Phil Anderson uses a drill to attach sections of a contestant’s rocket.

UT Dallas physics professor Phil Anderson (right) assists teammates Matthew Henderson, a physics junior, and Mikaela McMurtry, an interdisciplinary studies junior, to prepare their rocket for launch.

UT Dallas physics professor Phil Anderson (right) assists teammates Matthew Henderson, a physics junior, and Mikaela McMurtry, an interdisciplinary studies junior, to prepare their rocket for launch.