https://physcira.com/wp-admin/edit.php?post_type=pageInnovation in Technology and Education

The Mission of Physcira

The Mission

What can your teachers
do with the right tools?

Giving education innovators the ability to innovate school STEM engagement is imperative for the future of education. We can partner with you to elevate your curriculum to new heights.

Developing U.S. Physics STEM curriculum icon

Developing Future STEM Innovators: Economic Imperative

Our future depends on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

Almost 10 years ago, the US National Science Board estimated “the US deep need for a world-leading STEM workforce and a scientifically, mathematically, and technologically literate populace, which will determine whether the United States will remain a leader among nations and whether we will be able to solve immense challenges in such areas as energy, health, environmental protection, and national security.” Today, the gap in the workforce continues to grow. Our highest-achieving students are lagging behind students in other countries. Over 75 percent of science and mathematics teachers in grades 7-12 are under-qualified in these disciplines.

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Teaching Physics to the Future

Our Physics in a Box program offers rigorous, proactive, sustained growth for scientific, technological, mathematical, and pedagogical knowledge and skills. It provides the tools, curriculum and training that allows teachers to learn in a fashion that elicits engagement, intellectual curiosity, and creative problem solving—essential skills for the leaders of future innovation.

Imagine what our teachers could do knowing they won’t fail, received weekly support from the best education and science experts, had the best tools available, and were able to immediately implement everything they’ve learned. If that were the case, their emerging students would be on fire about their classroom experience!

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Physics for Everyone

We are creating tomorrow’s talent TODAY. Studying physics promotes critical thinking and develops a foundation for strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills. It is the core of all science, math, engineering, and technology (STEM) skills and jobs.

Physical Science Research Associates is the fastest growing teacher development and student program. It’s completely hands-on, and creates a physics classroom experience that blows results from both teachers and students out of the water. Through accessible experiments containing high-quality instruments, every student in the classroom can be a leader in math and science. Teachers will have the tools to meet each student where they are, and elevate them.

Take the first step to a greater future of your kids, your education system, your region!

Our Team

Founder of Physcira, Anatoliy

Dr. Anatoliy Glushchenko

Founder & President

Gary Trip

Gary Tripp

Director of Development

Larry Chavez

Larry Chavez

Director of Development

Director of Community Impact

Dina Nazarchuk

Director of Community Impact

Physcira team member Mark Lautman

Mark Lautman

Senior Advisor, Economic & Workforce Development Impact

Angelica Olivas

Angelica Olivas

Instruction and Support Advisor & Science Educator

Travis Arnold

Travis Arnold

Instruction and Support Advisor

Dr. Frank D. Curcio

Physics in a Box Evangelist

Doug Hetzler

Director of Communications
Videography

Creative Team Member Sean Craig

Sean Craig

Creative Director

Honorary Team Members

Physics in a Box team picture Laurie Elwick

Laurie Elwick

Physics in a Box team picture Chuck Hendrick

Chuck Hendrick

Physcira team member Kate Kacou

Kate Kacou

Physcira team member Kristi Rieger Campbell

Kristi Rieger Campbell

Physcira Creative Team Member Allison Coombs

Allison Coombs

"We already see that it will flatten the remediation in our community colleges, reverse the current 80% wash out rate in our STEM programs at universities, and in seven years, we’ll flood our local market with tech-savvy new workers.”

Mark Lautman, World-Renowned Thought Leader and Economic Architect

Why Make the Investment?

When you invest with Physical Science Research Associates, you invest in a top quality program and equipment, excellent teacher development, and everything you hope to expect from an expert in the field. When looking for an advantage for your children, your teachers, and your community, the bigger win is creating a fertile field of possibilities for them with our program.

5-star rating from Physics education professionals

5 star rating

From teachers, administrators, and students

15 minutes average physics experiment preparation time icon

15
Minutes

Average preparation time per lesson with Physics in the Box
(compared to 60 minutes without)

30+ years of physics education experience icon

30+
Years

Experience with educators and business leaders globally

18,000+ hours of professional curriculum development and teacher training experience

18,000+ hours

Of delivered teacher professional development

Let's Connect

If you are interested in uplifting your education to the next level while giving your students the edge to push them higher earlier, please fill out the form to the right. We have already helped school districts all over the U.S. uplift their physics education process while helping reduce cost and energy.

We believe in a world with a physics lab in every classroom, let us achieve that goal

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    Portrait of Travis Arnold

    Travis Arnold

    Instruction and Support Advisor | Educator

    Physcira is excited to have Travis Arnold as an Instruction and Support Advisor, bringing his passion for education, physics, and hands-on learning to classrooms across New Mexico. With a strong background in both history and STEM education, Travis has dedicated his career to engaging students in meaningful, inquiry-driven learning experiences that bridge the past and present while fostering a deeper understanding of scientific principles.

    Born and raised in Colorado, Travis earned his B.A. in History from MSU Denver in 2016, followed by a Master’s degree in History from the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs in 2023. His journey in education led him to the National Museum of World War II Aviation (NaMoWWIIA) in Colorado Springs, where he served as Lead Educator for K-12 education programs. In this role, he developed and led interactive physics and history lessons, helping students make real-world connections between aviation science, historical events, and physics principles.

    At Physcira, Travis applies his expertise by guiding educators through physics labs and lessons, ensuring that both teachers and students experience the excitement of discovery. His enthusiasm for hands-on learning and his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging have made him a valuable asset to the Physcira team.

    Beyond teaching, Travis is an avid runner and jiu-jitsu practitioner, and he enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Abrigail, and their three Boston Terriers—Ellie, Dex, and Bug. His dedication to education and lifelong learning continues to inspire students and educators, making him an integral part of Physcira’s mission to bring physics to schools.

    Portrait of Angelica Olivas

    Angelica Olivas

    Instruction and Support Advisor
    Science Educator

    Physcira is proud to have Angelica Olivas as an Instruction and Support Advisor, bringing her 22 years of experience in science education to our mission of expanding physics and STEM learning across New Mexico schools. A passionate educator and mentor, Angelica has dedicated her career to engaging students in hands-on, inquiry-driven science learning while working to close educational gaps and create equitable opportunities for all learners.

    Angelica began her teaching career with Rio Rancho Public Schools after earning her degree in Biology Pre-Medicine from Colorado College. Over the years, she has taught a diverse range of science courses, including Biology, AP Biology, Forensics, Earth and Space Science, Integrated Science, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Physics. Her student-centered approach has inspired countless students to pursue careers in STEM fields.

    Beyond the classroom, Angelica has enriched science education through leadership roles such as Co-Director of the Rio Rancho Public Schools District Research Expo and sponsorship of a Health Professionals Club with the UNM Health Sciences Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These programs provided students with mentorship and exposure to careers in healthcare and biomedical sciences.

    At Physcira, Angelica supports educators in refining curriculum strategies, ensuring Physics in a Box reaches classrooms across New Mexico. Her ability to connect with teachers and students, paired with her deep understanding of science instruction and curriculum development, makes her a key asset in Physcira’s mission to transform STEM education.

    Currently, Angelica also serves as an Academic Advisor at New Mexico Connections Academy, guiding students on their educational journeys while championing equitable access to science education. Her dedication to fostering curiosity, equity, and excellence in STEM continues to make a lasting impact on students, teachers, and the broader community.

    Portrait of Mark Lautman

    Mark Lautman

    Senior Advisor, Economic & Workforce Development Impact

    Mark Lautman is a founding director of the Community Economics Lab, a private not-for-profit think tank that develops innovative approaches to economic development in labor- and capital-constrained environments. He also leads Lautman Economic Architecture, LLC, which works with community leaders to transform economies and elevate professional practice in workforce development.

    Mark has three decades of experience as an economic developer, having managed programs responsible for more than 15,000 new jobs, six million square feet of industrial space, and $11 billion in new investment. He previously served as Vice President of Economic Development at Mesa del Sol, where he recruited major employers including Albuquerque Studios, Schott Solar, and Fidelity Investments.

    Mark’s consulting projects include: Spaceport America, Live Work New Mexico, Cibola County, Rio Rancho Economic Development Corporation, and Fort Bayard masterplan. His recent conference speaking engagements include the Summit on the Business of Aging, NAIOP, TEDx, International Economic Development Council, and the National Association of Workforce Boards.

    Mark is also the author of When the Boomers Bail: A Community Economics Survival Guide. He has served as a columnist for the New Mexico Business Weekly and is a frequent speaker on demographic and workforce issues. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico in Economics, Architecture, and Geography, and a former Peace Corps Volunteer.

    Mark lives in Albuquerque, NM with his wife Mary Anne. They have three children and four grandchildren.

    Portrait of Dina Nazarchuk

    Dina Nazarchuk

    Director of Community Impact

    Dina brings over a decade of experience in leadership and organizational development, with a strong background in nonprofit program development. She has joined the Physcira team as the Director of Community Impact, where she leads efforts to build meaningful community partnerships and expand the organization’s outreach.

    Portrait of Dr. Anatoliy Glushchenko

    Dr. Anatoliy Glushchenko

    (aka: Dr. G) — Professor of Physics, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

    Born and raised in Ukraine, Dr. Anatoliy Glushchenko received superb preparation as an educator and professional physicist. His M.S. degree in K-12 education is from one of the best European Pedagogical Universities, where all four years included lectures on physics and math alongside philosophy, psychology, and pedagogy of how to introduce physics and math to K-12 students of different ages.

    He earned a full scholarship for his Ph.D. at the Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine. His research in liquid crystal displays has contributed to innovations now used in cellphones, laptops, and large LCD TVs. One of his discoveries during his research stay at the Liquid Crystal Institute (Kent, OH) is utilized in all cellphone screens today.

    Currently, Dr. Glushchenko is a Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. He directs the Center for Advanced Technologies & Optical Materials, has authored more than 200 research papers, books, and patents, and is a frequent keynote and invited speaker at national and international conferences.

    His expertise spans biophysics, nanomaterials, tunable lenses, defense systems, and advanced optical devices. He also collaborates with government and private labs worldwide, with funding from NSF, DARPA, Air Force, NATO, and major corporations such as Lockheed Martin and LG-Philips. He has received multiple awards, including the Thomas Jefferson Award and induction into the One Million Dollar Club at the University of Colorado.

    Beyond research, Dr. Glushchenko is an established expert in methodology for teaching physics and mathematics at elementary, middle, and high school levels. He has developed interdisciplinary curricula, problem-solving approaches, and hands-on methods that connect physics to other disciplines. He is the founder of the Physics in a Box program, which delivers innovative physics kits and curricula adopted by schools nationwide.

    One of his goals is to bring the strong physics education model from Europe and Asia into U.S. middle and junior high schools by providing schools with tools, curriculum, and year-round teacher preparation in physics education methodology.

    Portrait of Gary Tripp

    Gary Tripp

    Director of Development for Physcira
    Regent, Board of Regents, New Mexico Highlands University

    Gary has over four decades of experience in education, leadership, and organizational development. As the Director of Development for Physcira, he leads efforts to integrate physics education into every K–12 school in New Mexico by establishing partnerships with educators, administrators, and policymakers.

    He has served as a Superintendent and Principal, Executive Director of the New Mexico Activities Association, and worked closely with the New Mexico Secretary of Education. Gary is a Regent at New Mexico Highlands University, where he contributes to governance and strategic planning.

    Portrait of Larry Chavez

    Larry Chavez

    Director of Development

    Larry has held multiple leadership roles across K–12 education and is driven by student success, equity, and academic excellence. In his role at Physcira he builds partnerships that expand resources for classrooms and supports high-impact STEM initiatives.

    Before joining Physcira, Larry led large public-school teams and community collaborations, sharpening his focus on outcomes, access, and opportunities for every learner.