As a lecturer and First-Year Teaching Director in Physics at the University of Queensland, Dr Margaret Wegener teaches both aspiring physicists and physics service courses; she is interested in the educational problems of contextualising physics, and the transition between school and university.
Her PhD was awarded for laser diagnostics of a Superorbital Expansion Tube, by multiple holographic recordings. As well as holography showing the rupture process of a light diaphragm in an expansion tube, this included holographic interferometry of high-speed gas flows around models, and analysis of the resulting images to yield quantitative information about the gas flow structures.
She pursued an interest in physics education by completing further study in Tertiary Teaching. A major concern of her work is to effectively engage students in order to make physics fundamentals meaningful. This includes developing experiments for undergraduate learning.
She is also interested in the interrelationships between science and the arts.
Conference Publication: Making more diffraction orders by shrinking wavelengths
Wegener, Margaret J., Hughes, Stephen and Gurung, Som (2022). Making more diffraction orders by shrinking wavelengths. Australian Institute of Physics Congress, Adelaide, SA Australia, 11-16 December 2022.
Conference Publication: Active learning using online interactivity
Wegener, Margaret J. (2022). Active learning using online interactivity. IUPAP International Conference on Physics Education, Online, 5-9 December 2022.
Conference Publication: Using a laser pointer to demonstrate the decrease in the wavelength of light in water
Hughes, Stephen, Wegener, Margaret and Gurung, Som (2022). Using a laser pointer to demonstrate the decrease in the wavelength of light in water. IUPAP International Conference on Physics Education, Online, 5-9 December 2022. Sydney, NSW Australia: IUPAP.
Measuring The Impact of Values and Identity on Physics Learning
(2011–2012) UQ New Staff Start-up Grants (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning)
Teaching Physics using virtual reality
(2007–2008) Carrick Competitive Grants
(2001) University of Queensland Small Grants Scheme
Enmeshed: Multiple Dimensions of Art and Science
Wegener, Margaret J. (2021). Enmeshed: Multiple Dimensions of Art and Science. Lincoln Austin: The Space Between Us. (pp. 43-58) Ipswich, QLD Australia: Ipswich Art Gallery.
Laser beams with phase singularities
Heckenberg, N. R., McDuff, R., Smith, C. P., Rubinsztein-Dunlop, H. and Wegener, M. J. (2014). Laser beams with phase singularities. Optical angular momentum. (pp. 155-166) edited by L. Allen, Stephen M. Barnett and Miles J. Padgett. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press.
Hughes, Stephen, Wegener, Margaret and Gurung, Som (2022). Shrinking violet. Physics Education, 57 (5) 055016, 1-9. doi: 10.1088/1361-6552/ac7934
Seeing the light: science communication and art
Wegener, Margaret and Littley, Samantha (2019). Seeing the light: science communication and art. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 27 (7), 34-45.
When science meets the arts: bridging the subjective-objective divide
Quinnell, Rosanne, Wegener, Margaret, LeBard, Rebecca and Beames, Stephanie (2019). When science meets the arts: bridging the subjective-objective divide. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 27 (7), 1-3.
Dynamic visualization of line integrals of vector fields: a didactic proposal
Ponce Campuzano, J. C., Roberts, A. P., Matthews, K. E., Wegener, M. J., Kenny, E. P. and McIntyre, T. J. (2018). Dynamic visualization of line integrals of vector fields: a didactic proposal. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 50 (6), 1-16. doi: 10.1080/0020739x.2018.1510554
Dynamic e-learning modules for student lecture preparation
McIntyre, Timothy, Wegener, Margaret and McGrath, Dominic (2018). Dynamic e-learning modules for student lecture preparation. Teaching & Learning Inquiry, 6 (1), 126-145. doi: 10.20343/teachlearninqu.6.1.11
Heat: an inquiry-based physics laboratory for life sciences students
Wegener, Margaret J., Doyle-Pegg, Marianne and McIntyre, Timothy J. (2015). Heat: an inquiry-based physics laboratory for life sciences students. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 23 (5), 18-31.
The art in physics - Creating "LABPUNK"
Wegener, M.J. and Milroy, A.K. (2014). The art in physics - Creating "LABPUNK". Australian Physics, 51 (2), 53-56.
Drinkwater, Michael J., Gannaway, Deanne, Sheppard, Karen, Davis, Matthew J., Wegener, Margaret J., Bowen, Warwick J. and Corney, Joel F. (2014). Managing active learning processes in large first year physics classes: the advantages of an integrated approach. Teaching and Learning Inquiry, 2 (2), 75-90. doi: 10.2979/teachlearninqu.2.2.75
Searching to increase the diversity in Australian physics
Maynard-Casely, Helen, Wegener, Margaret and Foley, Cathy (2014). Searching to increase the diversity in Australian physics. Australian Physics, 51 (5), 162-164.
Development of threshold learning outcomes for Australian graduates in physics
Wegener, Margaret (2013). Development of threshold learning outcomes for Australian graduates in physics. Australian Physics, 50 (3), 89-93.
Developing a virtual physics world
Wegener, Margaret, McIntyre, Timothy J., McGrath, Dominic, Savage, Craig M. and Williamson, Michael (2012). Developing a virtual physics world. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 28 (3), 504-521. doi: 10.14742/ajet.847
Student experiences of virtual reality: A case study in learning special relativity
McGrath, D, Wegener, M, McIntyre, TJ, Savage, C and Williamson, M (2010). Student experiences of virtual reality: A case study in learning special relativity. American Journal of Physics, 78 (8) 015007AJP, 862-868. doi: 10.1119/1.3431565
Physicist in the art gallery: Summary of a workshop presented at CONASTA 2003
Wegener, M. (2003). Physicist in the art gallery: Summary of a workshop presented at CONASTA 2003. The Queensland Science Teacher, 29, 9-10.
Optical study of a light diaphragm rupture process in an expansion tube
Wegener, Margaret, Sutcliffe, Mark and Morgan, Richard (2000). Optical study of a light diaphragm rupture process in an expansion tube. Shock waves, 10 (3), 167-178. doi: 10.1007/s001930050003
Emission and holographic interferometry measurements in a superorbital expansion tube
McIntyre, TJ, Bishop, AI, Thomas, AM, Wegener, MJ and Rubinsztein-Dunlop, H (1998). Emission and holographic interferometry measurements in a superorbital expansion tube. Aiaa Journal, 36 (6), 1049-1054. doi: 10.2514/2.478
Simultaneous two-wavelength holographic interferometry in a superorbital expansion tube facility
McIntyre, Timothy J., Wegener, Margaret J., Bishop, Alexis I. and Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Halina (1997). Simultaneous two-wavelength holographic interferometry in a superorbital expansion tube facility. Applied Optics, 36 (31), 8128-8134. doi: 10.1364/AO.36.008128
Visualization and analysis of bow shocks in a superorbital expansion tube
Wegener, M, McIntyre, T, Stalker, R and Morgan, R (1996). Visualization and analysis of bow shocks in a superorbital expansion tube. Aiaa Journal, 34 (10), 2200-2202. doi: 10.2514/3.13376
Laser-Beams with Phase Singularities
Heckenberg, NR, McDuff, R, Smith, CP, Rubinszteindunlop, H and Wegener, MJ (1992). Laser-Beams with Phase Singularities. Optical and Quantum Electronics, 24 (9), S951-S962. doi: 10.1007/BF01588597
Making more diffraction orders by shrinking wavelengths
Wegener, Margaret J., Hughes, Stephen and Gurung, Som (2022). Making more diffraction orders by shrinking wavelengths. Australian Institute of Physics Congress, Adelaide, SA Australia, 11-16 December 2022.
Active learning using online interactivity
Wegener, Margaret J. (2022). Active learning using online interactivity. IUPAP International Conference on Physics Education, Online, 5-9 December 2022.
Using a laser pointer to demonstrate the decrease in the wavelength of light in water
Hughes, Stephen, Wegener, Margaret and Gurung, Som (2022). Using a laser pointer to demonstrate the decrease in the wavelength of light in water. IUPAP International Conference on Physics Education, Online, 5-9 December 2022. Sydney, NSW Australia: IUPAP.
Using interactive simulations to enhance student engagement in mathematics and physics
Wegener, Margaret J., Kenny, Elise , Ponce Campuzano, Juan , Roberts, Anthony P., Matthews, Kelly and McIntyre, Timothy J. (2017). Using interactive simulations to enhance student engagement in mathematics and physics. Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Melbourne, Australia, 27-28 September 2017.
Dynamic, Interactive Simulations for Enhancing Student Learning
Ponce Campuzano, Juan Carlos, Kenny, Elise P., Edirisinghe, Jeremy, Bu, Yitong T., Roberts, Anthony, Wegener, Margaret, Matthews, Kelly and McIntyre, Tim (2016). Dynamic, Interactive Simulations for Enhancing Student Learning. Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 28-29 September 2016.
Active learning using interactive simulations
McIntyre, T. J., Wegener, M. J., Roberts, A. P., Kenny, E. P., Ponce Campuzano, J. C. and Matthews, K. (2016). Active learning using interactive simulations. Joint Asia Pacific Physics Conference and Australian Institute of Physics Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 4-8 December 2016.
Dynamic, interactive simulations for enhancing student learning
McIntyre, Timothy J., Roberts, Anthony P., Wegener, Margaret J., Juan Ponce Campuzano, Elise Kenny and Matthews, Kelly (2016). Dynamic, interactive simulations for enhancing student learning. Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 28-29 September 2016.
Australian Update on Women in Physics in 2014
Foley, C. P., Maynard-Casely, Helen and Wegener, Margaret (2015). Australian Update on Women in Physics in 2014. 5th IUPAP International Conference on Women in Physics, Waterloo Canada, 5-8 August 2014. Melville, NY United States: American Institute of Physics. doi: 10.1063/1.4937651
Students’ pre-class preparation: concise and interactive online modules that students use
Wegener, Margaret J., McIntyre, Timothy, McGrath, Dominic, Peet, Sam and Holmes, Catherine (2015). Students’ pre-class preparation: concise and interactive online modules that students use. International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 27-30 October 2015.
Manipulating Space and Time for Active-Learning Lectures
Wegener, M., Drinkwater, M., McIntyre, T., Gannaway, D., Sheppard, K., McGrath, D. and Cody, A. (2013). Manipulating Space and Time for Active-Learning Lectures. International Conference on Physics Education, Prague, Czech Republic, 5-9 August 2013.
More than the sum of its parts: Evaluating a model of teaching and learning
Drinkwater, M., Gannaway, D., Sheppard, K. and Wegener, M. (2013). More than the sum of its parts: Evaluating a model of teaching and learning. HERDSA Annual International Conference, Auckland New Zealand, 1 - 4 July 2013.
Teaching physics using virtual reality
Savage, C., McGrath, D., McIntyre, T., Wegener, M. and Williamson, M. (2010). Teaching physics using virtual reality. International Conference on Physics Education, ICPE-2009, Bangkok, Thailand, 18 -24 October 2009. College Park, MD United States: American Institute of Physics. doi: 10.1063/1.3479848
A Century After A Nobel Prize: The Legacy of Lippmann's Colour Photography
Wegener, M. (2008). A Century After A Nobel Prize: The Legacy of Lippmann's Colour Photography. 18th Biennial Australian Institute of Physics Congress, Adelaide, South Australia, 30 November-5 December 2008. Australian Institute of Physics.
Learning special relativity through virtual reality
Wegener, Margaret, Savage, Craig and McIntyre, Tim (2008). Learning special relativity through virtual reality. GIREP (International Research Group on Physics Teaching) International Conference/13th Multimedia in Physics Teaching and Learning Workshop, Nicosia, Cyprus, 18-22 August 2008.
Teaching physics using virtual reality: Special relativity
Savage, C., Wegener, M., McIntyre, T., McGrath, D. and Williamson, M. (2008). Teaching physics using virtual reality: Special relativity. AIP 18th National Congress, Adelaide, South Australia, 30 November- 5 December 2008.
Teaching special relativity using virtual reality
McGrath, Dominic, Savage, Craig, Williamson, Michael, Wegener, Margaret and McIntyre, Tim (2008). Teaching special relativity using virtual reality. National UniServe Science Symposium, Sydney, Austalia, 2-3 Oct 2008. University of Sydney, Australia: UniServe Science.
Myatt, Paula, Farrand, Kirsten, Wegener, Margaret and Blanchfield, Joanne (2008). Undergraduate research experiences: Bridging the gap between teaching and research in a research intensive university. 31st Annual HERDSA Conference 2008, Rotorua, New Zealand, 1-4 July, 2008. Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.
Contemporary service course students: Who are they?
Wegener, M. J. (2005). Contemporary service course students: Who are they?. Blended Learning in Science Teaching & Learning, The University of Sydney, 30th September 2005. The University of Sydney: UniServe Science.
Gravity measurement via a rolling pendulum for embedded learning of fundamental lab skills
Wegener, M. (2005). Gravity measurement via a rolling pendulum for embedded learning of fundamental lab skills. 2nd International Pendulum Conference, Sydney, Australia, 13-15 October 2005.
Diagnostics of A Range of Highly Superorbital Carbon Dioxide Flows
Wegener, Margaret, Sutcliffe, Mark, Morgan, Richard, McIntyre, Tim and Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Halina (2001). Diagnostics of A Range of Highly Superorbital Carbon Dioxide Flows. 39th AIAA Aeropspace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, USA, 8-11 January, 2001. Reston, Virigina: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.. doi: 10.2514/6.2001-304
Fundamental Skills in Physics: Embedded Learning
Wegener, Margaret (2000). Fundamental Skills in Physics: Embedded Learning. Effective Teaching and Learning Conference 2000, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 9 - 10 November 2000. Brisbane, Australia: TEDI (Teaching & Educational Development Institute), University of Queensland.
Optical measurements for a superorbital expansion tube
Wegener, Margaret, Bishop, Alexis and Thomas, Amberyn (1997). Optical measurements for a superorbital expansion tube. 35th Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, 1997, Reno, NV, United States, 6-9 January 1997. Reston, Virigina: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA. doi: 10.2514/6.1997-775
Holographic interferometry of superorbital test flows
Wegener, Margaret, Bishop, Alexis, McIntyre, Tim and Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Halina (1996). Holographic interferometry of superorbital test flows. Proceedings of the 1996 Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe, CLEO/Europe, Hamburg, Germany, 8 - 13 September 1996. Piscataway, NJ United States: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Optical diagnostic methods for superorbital test facilities
Barker, P., Wegener, M., McIntyre, T. J. and Rubinsztein-Dunlop, H. (1996). Optical diagnostic methods for superorbital test facilities. Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics CLEO'96, Anaheim, CA United States, 2-7 June 1996. IEEE.
Laser-based methods for hypervelocity flow diagnostics
Rubinsztein-Dunlop Halina, Barker Peter, Thomas Amberyn, Wegener Margaret and Stalker R.J. (1994). Laser-based methods for hypervelocity flow diagnostics. Proceedings of the 1994 Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe, Amsterdam, Neth, August 28, 1994-September 2, 1994. IEEE.
Animation file of diaphragm rupture process
Wegener, Margaret (1999). Animation file of diaphragm rupture process. PhD Thesis, School of Physical Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/c70c4b0
Diagnostics of a superorbital expansion tube by multiple holographic recordings
Wegener, Margaret (1999). Diagnostics of a superorbital expansion tube by multiple holographic recordings. PhD Thesis, School of Physical Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/b7adf6c
Measuring The Impact of Values and Identity on Physics Learning
(2011–2012) UQ New Staff Start-up Grants (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning)
Teaching Physics using virtual reality
(2007–2008) Carrick Competitive Grants
(2001) University of Queensland Small Grants Scheme
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
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