Kaczmarczik Lecture and Science Fair Demonstrates the Fun in Physics

By Sarah Hojsak

Viral physics sensation Tatiana Erukhimova, PhD — Tatiana Erukhimova, PhD, delivered the 25th Kaczmarczik Lecture, 'Making Physics Viral'

March 26, 2026

For the 25th anniversary of its landmark Kaczmarczik Lecture on March 12, Drexel’s Department of Physics went big — hosting viral sensation Tatiana Erukhimova, PhD for a record number of attendees.

Over 700 local high school students spent the day at Drexel, attending the lecture and participating in the department’s biggest science fair yet.

Hosted by members of the Drexel University chapter of the Society of Physics Students as well as physics faculty and staff, the science fair featured physics demonstrations, exhibits and presentations designed to inspire future STEM leaders.

“I enjoy sharing knowledge and teaching, and everyone has been really interested, too,” said Will Griffith, a second-year physics PhD student. “It’s fun to see high schoolers excited to move around between the stations and learn how these physics demos explain things in their daily life.”

Erukhimova, an Instructional Professor and the Marsha L. '69 and Ralph F. Schilling '68 Chair for Physics Outreach at Texas A&M University, is known for her energetic demonstrations of physics experiments. With over one billion views on social media, her following has even surpassed that of A&M’s athletics.

In her lecture, 'Making Physics Viral,' Erukhimova showcased some of her most exciting physics demonstrations to her audience at Drexel, with two physics students serving as her assistants on stage and props ranging from liquid nitrogen to a broom she purchased on her way to campus. When she asked for volunteers from the crowd, dozens of students jumped out of their seats, eager to participate in the demonstrations.

“I always knew I wanted to teach, but I never expected to go viral on social media,” Erukhimova told the crowd. “This is yet another way to fulfill our mission of making physics accessible and enjoyable for people. You don’t need to be a physicist or an engineer to enjoy science—you can just invite your friends and have a physics party at home!”

At the end of the lecture, Erukhimova answered questions from the audience and stuck around as students lined up to take a selfie. The energy of the crowd made it clear why Erukhimova champions outreach activities as an integral part of the student learning experience.

“I think it is amazing how our entire physics department gets together and holds this lecture every year,” said physics major Gabrielle Bamberski. “Every undergraduate, every grad student, every professor and even students who aren’t in the major come out and volunteer.”

The Kaczmarczik Lecture consistently draws outstanding scientists and scholars who advance the forefront of physics research and instruction — but Tatiana Erukhimova's presentation may have been the most fun yet.

The Kaczmarczik Lecture Series was established in 1995 to honor beloved Drexel University Professor of Physics Paul Kaczmarczik. Professor Kaczmarczik attended Drexel as a student, graduating with a BS in physics in 1948. He began his career at Drexel in 1953. He became a key player in building the Physics and Atmospheric Science Department, where he made significant contributions to teaching during his many years of service. Well-liked by both his colleagues and his students, Kaczmarczik became Professor Emeritus in 1989. Professor Kaczmarczik passed away on January 20, 2009.