About the Expert
Dr. Kent Scheller is a Professor of Physics in the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Evansville in 1988, graduating summa cum laude. He received his master’s degree in physics in 1991 and his doctorate in nuclear astrophysics in 1994 from the University of Notre Dame. Since his arrival at USI in 1999, Scheller has taught at all levels in the physics curriculum—from Physics 101 for non-majors to upper-level physics offerings to majors. He has an uncanny ability to make physical science relevant, even to non-majors. A teacher with enthusiasm, Scheller can conceptualize physics concepts for a range of student backgrounds and develops a strong rapport with his students. He was recognized in 2007 with the H. Lee Cooper Core Teaching Award for the creativity and success of his teaching.
In 2014, faculty colleagues selected Scheller for the USI Distinguished Professor Award for his achievements in scholarship, teaching and University and community service. Scheller has been awarded the Pott College Service Award, the Dr. Jane Davis-Brezette Faculty Excellence Award and the Alumni Association Faculty Recognition Award. In 2011, Scheller was selected through a competitive process by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to serve a two-year term as the faculty representative on the 14-member Indiana Commission for Higher Education. As the faculty appointee, he represented the interests of all faculty at publicly supported institutions of higher education in Indiana.
Scheller has published journal articles and presented papers on a multitude of topics including nuclear energy, radiation and nuclear astrophysics, as well as education-related topics for instructional development. His current research is focused on the presence and nature of environmental radon in Southwestern Indiana.
