DaytonDailyNews.com

OAKWOOD — Oakwood resident Igor Anisimov grew up in Russia where there was an infrastructure of physics competitions on the local, city, state and national levels.

Now, he wants to ignite a passion for physics — and physics competitions — in local high school students. He began by starting his first after-school physics club in January at Oakwood High School.

Anisimov is a senior research engineer at Ladar and Optical Communications Institute, which is part of the University of Dayton Research Institute. He has a degree in chemistry, a masters in business administration and a doctorate in physics.

"I know how hard it is to find kids for graduate school, kids who are interested in science," Anisimov said. "High school students are future graduate students."

The after-school physics club is for students who have and have not studied physics. He has five students in each group.

"Everyone always thinks about science fairs, science days, and science projects," Anisimov said.

"But they're still way behind in the fundamentals in areas like physics, mechanics and electromagnetics."

One day a week, for 90 minutes, Anisimov teaches students the fundamentals of physics while grooming them for a national contest that will be held on April 12 at the institute.

"My goal is to create a friendly environment with small groups where the students feel comfortable, not frustrated," he said.

He models the club after the most effective practices of teachers he's had in the U.S. and Russia.

"I'd like to see if Oakwood High School students can get on the U.S. Physics Team.

Marcel Georgin, 16, said he joined the physics club because he wants to do something related to physics.

"We go over stuff we haven't gone over (in first year physics,)" Georgin said. "The best part is I like having an informal class. I can ask questions easily."

Sterre ter Haar, 14, said she wanted to be involved because she didn't have room for advanced placement physics in her schedule this year.

"Igor's approach is different," ter Haar said. "We don't just solve problems, but also what goes into solving problems and he helps us to understand."

"Next year I would like it to be known so more kids will be interested," Anisimov said.

His goal is to create a club with students from many local high schools. "You never lose anything by studying science," he said.

"You only gain."

To join the physics club, call Anisimov at igor@fizika.us.