Brian Utter

Brian Utter is an accomplished academic and researcher currently serving as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at the University of California, Merced since August 2020. In this role, Brian chairs the General Education program and co-chairs the Division of Undergraduate Education Executive Committee while overseeing curricular matters for cross-campus courses. As a Teaching Professor in the Department of Physics, Brian teaches a range of undergraduate courses and engages in research focused on soft condensed matter, granular materials, and physics pedagogy. With a rich background that includes roles as Professor of Physics at Bucknell University, Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, and tenure at James Madison University, Brian has contributed significantly to physics education and research. Additionally, Brian's involvement with the Educational Testing Service as the AP Physics Chief Reader enhances expertise in standardized physics education assessments. Brian holds a PhD and MS in Physics from Cornell University and a BS in Physics/Philosophy from Rutgers University.