Earl Blodgett

Dr. Earl D. Blodgett is an Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) where he taught for 35 years, where he was recognized as the UWRF Distinguished Teacher for 2014. He advised the UWRF Chapter of the Society of Physics Students for 23 years. During this time, the UWRF SPS Chapter was very active in science outreach and still maintains a vibrant presence on campus, earning recognition as an Outstanding SPS Chapter nearly every year. He was recognized nationally as the Outstanding SPS Chapter Advisor for 2004. Dr. Blodgett has served on the SPS National Council since 1999, in the roles of Zone Councilor (two terms), SPS President (two terms) and since 2009 as Historian for SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma. He was awarded Honorary Membership to Sigma Pi Sigma in 2016 and was presented with the Worth Seagondollar Award in 2019. He served as Interim Director of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma for four months in early 2024.

Born and raised in Dunn County, WI, Earl still lives on the family farm. He received his BS in physics and mathematics from UW-River Falls and his MA and PhD from Washington University, St. Louis, MO. His wife, Marguerite and children Matthew, Melissa and Jessica are all UWRF alumni. He enjoys reading, running, and geocaching.