DANIEL A. MARTENS YAVERBAUM, Ph.D.
Windham,ME
Summary
Dynamic physics pedagogue with decades of experience and energy, galvanized to provide vivid educational experiences for college students from varied backgrounds. Demonstrated expertise in distilling abstract concepts and fostering student comprehension through innovative and accessible teaching methods. Recognized for inspiring, transforming and supporting student engagement with physics. For a closer look at principles, practices, and student testimonials regarding Dr. Yaverbaum's pedagogy, as well as student testimonials, see https://jjphysics.org
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Physics Coordinator; Doctoral Lecturer of Physics
JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
2012 - Current
- Coordinate Program of Physics within Department of Forensic Science, 2012 - present
- Earned Certificate of Continuous Employment, 2018
- Served as Chair of Committee on Self-Study for Department of Forensic Science; Drafted, revised, submitted, and hosted external review for 770-page FOS BS Self-Study, 2022
- Invited to join Science Forward Seminar Course for Macaulay Honors College; Teach Science Forward Seminar, 2024 - present
- Asked to serve as Interim Coordinator for Forensic Science Major, 2025
- Recruit, train, support, and schedule an average of 5 adjunct physics lecturers per year;
- Create, implement, and oversee original curricula for continuing courses in both physics tracks: forensic science major track and molecular-biology/toxicology/general track
- Design and teach both levels of the calculus-based physics course sequence required for forensic science majors
- Mentor student research projects, e.g.: Physics Fields TCG: An Original Trading Card Game Designed to Teach the Fundamental Relations Underlying Action-At-A-Distance, 2023
- Develop course electives, e.g., FOS 382: The Mathematics for Special Theory of Relativity, 2018
- Present advanced Topics in Physics for the Graduate Seminar Series, e.g.: Destructive Interference in Double-Slit Experiments, 2016-2018
- Serve on John Jay College Student Evaluation of Faculty Committee, 2014 - present
- Contribute time, service, and curricular materials to John Jay College Teaching & Learning Center, 2022 - present
- Served on John Jay College Faculty Senate and College Council, 2012 - 2014
- Served on John Jay College Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Standards Committee, 2022 - 2025
Teacher, Advanced Electricity & Magnetism
SAINT ANN’S SCHOOL
2014 - 2025
- Teach one physics course per year at an elite independent secondary school
- Create and implement a curriculum in classical electromagnetism suitable for high school seniors who have completed two years of calculus and physics, averaging 12 students per year
- Use the mathematics of integral calculus and differential equations to show how Maxwell's Equations can be decoupled and reveal light-speed as the propagation rate of electromagnetic radiation
Research Associate
THE CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Analyzed and tracked the education component of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
- Co-Authored Stimulating Equity: A preliminary analysis of the impact of the federal stimulus act on educational opportunity
- Presented paper at the 2010 National Symposium on Education Equity.
- Paper covered in The New York Times, February 8, 2010, p. A11.
Director, Dixon Observatory; Teacher, A.P. Physics
BERKSHIRE SCHOOL
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Oversaw re-opening of on-campus astronomical observatory, 24-inch reflecting scope.
- Created And Still It Moves: original text and curriculum on heliocentricity.
- Taught A.P. Physics C, Advanced Physics, and Astronomy.
- Served as dormitory parent and assistant coach.
Columnist
THE LAKEVILLE JOURNAL, THE WINSTED JOURNAL, THE MILLERTON NEWS
2007 - 2009
- Wrote bi-weekly “Star-Gazing” column for local newspapers.
- Held public seminars on astronomy and physics, requested and promoted by local press.
- Link To Yaverbaum Star-Gazing Columns
Teacher, A.P. Physics
BERKSHIRE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Taught Advanced Physics, Conceptual Physics, Astronomy, 7th grade Physics.
- Developed and used paperless curriculum until school closed in funding crisis.
Teacher, Honors Physics; Teacher, Trigonometry
CARY ACADEMY
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Taught Honors Physics and Trigonometry & Functions.
- Integrated pre-calculus curriculum with physics curriculum.
- Elected 2007 Baccalaureate Speaker.
Director, Senior Philosophers
NATIONAL SUMMER INSTITUTE IN FORENSICS, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
01.1994 - 01.2006
- Created and taught primary-text philosophy program for national circuit Lincoln-Douglas Debate seniors.
- Ran teaching lab for top national competitors.
- Summers
Dean Of Studies; Head Of Math and Science
PIERREPONT SCHOOL
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Managed faculty from all departments.
- Coordinated original math/science curricula with humanities curricula.
- Constructed and taught original K-7 math and science curricula.
- Applied national standards.
- Conducted weekly department meetings.
- Created “POW!”: 2-volume Problem-Of-the-Week program for whole student body.
Teacher, A.P. Physics
SAINT ANN’S SCHOOL
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Initiated and implemented ABC physics course program (max. offerings from min. prerequisites).
- Taught A.P. Physics C.
- Created and taught Physics A (no math prereq.), Physics D (prereq.: AP Physics), Electronics.
- Co-created, taught 6th grade Physics.
- Twice elected faculty Commencement Speaker (1999, 2003).
Teacher, A.P. Physics
ISIDORE NEWMAN SCHOOL
01.1992 - 01.1996
- Taught AP Physics C, AP Physics B and Physics.
- Taught Humanities: inter-departmental requirement for seniors.
- Coached and taught member of U.S. Physics (Olympiad) team, 1995, 1996.
- Coached Lincoln-Douglas Debate, including 1995 National Forensic League Champion.
- Appointed 1996 Commencement Keynote Speaker.
- First Newman faculty member to be keynote speaker.
Education
Ph.D. - Science Education
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
NEW YORK, NY01-2024
M.A. - Physics
CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK, THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
NEW YORK, NY01-2003
B.A. - Physics; Philosophy
AMHERST COLLEGE
AMHERST, MA01-1992
Skills
- Curricular Innovation
- Pedagogical Proficiency
- Student Sensitivity
- Depth of Content Knowledge
- Classroom Command
- Decades of Distinction
PUBLICATIONS
Transforming Reference Frames: How Mental Models for Velocity Evolved Through a Physics Curriculum Framed by the Principle of Relativity
(New York, NY: Proquest, 2024)
The Compass Chronicles: How to Find Your Way Around Space in Just Two Times
(Brooklyn, NY: Law Four Press, 2018)
Back Fields: Practical Prep for Exams in E&M
(Brooklyn, NY: Law Four Press, 2018)
Considering the Risks of Teaching More or Less Like Bean: A Whether-To Guide for Physics Faculty
(Brooklyn, NY: Law Four Press, 2017)
And Still It Moves: A Trialogue
(Brooklyn, NY: Law Four Press, 2016)
Stimulating equity? A preliminary analysis of the impact
of the federal stimulus act on educational opportunity
(New York, NY: Teachers College Press, 2010)
Timeline
Research Associate
THE CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY
01.2009 - 01.2010
Director, Dixon Observatory; Teacher, A.P. Physics
BERKSHIRE SCHOOL
01.2007 - 01.2009
Teacher, A.P. Physics
BERKSHIRE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
01.2006 - 01.2007
Teacher, Honors Physics; Teacher, Trigonometry
CARY ACADEMY
01.2005 - 01.2006
Dean Of Studies; Head Of Math and Science
PIERREPONT SCHOOL
01.2003 - 01.2005
Teacher, A.P. Physics
SAINT ANN’S SCHOOL
01.1997 - 01.2003
Director, Senior Philosophers
NATIONAL SUMMER INSTITUTE IN FORENSICS, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
01.1994 - 01.2006
Teacher, A.P. Physics
ISIDORE NEWMAN SCHOOL
01.1992 - 01.1996
Physics Coordinator; Doctoral Lecturer of Physics
JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
2012 - Current
Teacher, Advanced Electricity & Magnetism
SAINT ANN’S SCHOOL
2014 - 2025
Columnist
THE LAKEVILLE JOURNAL, THE WINSTED JOURNAL, THE MILLERTON NEWS
2007 - 2009
Ph.D. - Science Education
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
M.A. - Physics
CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK, THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
B.A. - Physics; Philosophy
AMHERST COLLEGE