UBC Science Excellence Award Recipient Serves Outstanding Outreach
We are proud to announce that Thomas J. Rennie, PHAS postdoctoral fellow, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Faculty of Science Excellence in Service Awards. This prestigious honour recognizes exceptional contributions by staff or faculty members who have made a significant impact in advancing the mission and strategic goals of UBC Faculty of Science.
Thomas is widely recognized for his outstanding involvement in physics and astronomy outreach. His work spans public lectures at the Vancouver Public Library, interactive demonstrations for the Department’s flagship Faraday Show, engagement activities at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and leadership roles in PHAS summer camps and school tours. Across these diverse initiatives, Thomas has brought physics and astronomy to broad audiences with enthusiasm, expertise, and a deep commitment to accessibility.
Over the past two years, Thomas has delivered numerous high-impact outreach activities that have elevated the Department’s public profile. At the Vancouver Public Library, he presented two well-received public talks - “Eclipses” (February 2025) and “An Introduction to Radio Astronomy” (June 2025) - making complex scientific ideas engaging and approachable for general audiences. His clear communication style and passion for the subject have made these events both memorable and impactful.
Thomas has also played a key role in the Faraday Show. In 2025, he designed and presented the Ruben’s Tube demonstration, and in 2024, he showcased sound wave phenomena—both presentations combining scientific rigour with visual excitement to captivate audiences of all ages. His creativity, technical skill, and thoughtful presentation have elevated the quality and reach of these signature outreach events.
Beyond these activities, Thomas has represented PHAS at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre during Cosmic Nights events, where he hosted interactive booths focused on radio astronomy. His commitment to public engagement continues, with plans to participate in two additional events in 2026. He has also contributed significantly to PHAS Summer Camps, serving as an instructor in 2024 and 2025 and helping to design innovative demonstrations centered on radio astronomy and general astronomy for PHAS Physics Circle high school students. These efforts directly support the Faculty’s Education and Engagement objectives by fostering active learning and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Thomas’s outreach contributions extend to specialized departmental initiatives, including public talks on eclipses and guided tours for high school groups. Through engaging lessons and hands-on demonstrations, he sparks curiosity and encourages students to explore physics and astronomy more deeply.
In every respect, Thomas exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Faculty of Science Excellence in Service Awards. His enthusiasm, creativity, and sustained commitment to outreach have strengthened the Department’s reputation and built meaningful connections between UBC Science and the broader community.
The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. on the 5th floor of the Earth Sciences Building (Rooms ESB 5104 & 5106).
Congratulations, Thomas, on this outstanding and well-deserved achievement!
Links:
UBC Science Excellence in Service Awards: https://science.ubc.ca/faculty/work/service