University Teaching
Professor of Physics & Astronomy
Classes Taught as Course Head:
PHYS 1470 - Highlights of Astronomy (York University)PHYS 3070 - Planets and Planetary Systems (York University)
Graduate mini course Exoplanets (York University)
Graduate mini course Professional Development (York University)
Astrobiology: Life in the Universe (St. Andrews)
Module in Earth's Greatist Hits - Mineral Evolution (St. Andrews)
Life on Earth and Beyond (Tufts)
Current Courses (York University)
I aim to foster an inclusive environment where students feel empowered to question the cosmos and their own place within it. My lectures prioritize active learning and real-world application.
PHYS 3070: Planets and Planetary Systems
A specialized exploration of planetary formation, atmospheres, and the search for habitability. In 2024, students rated the general quality of the lecturer at 4.64/5.
"Dr. Sarah is one of the best professors I've had in 3 years of university education. She fostered a sense of desire to know more."
PHYS 1470: Highlights of Astronomy
A high-enrollment survey course designed to ignite a passion for astrophysics. My 2024 evaluations show an 83% "Strongly Agree" rating for course roadmap and organization.
"The passion in Professor Rugheimer's lectures is radiating. She is responsible for reigniting my passion in this field."
PHYS 6213: Building Your Professional Toolkit
A professional development intensive for graduate students covering public speaking, application writing, and career strategy. 100% of students rated the subject matter as "Highly Interesting."
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching is rooted in Paradigm Theory—the understanding that to learn, a student must first work through their own misconceptions. This philosophy was inspired by my father, Mac Rugheimer, a physics emeritus professor at Montana State University who won the teaching award every year except 2 in his 38 year career.
I apply this through active learning strategies, inclusive teaching practices, and a focus on effective presentation skills—training I received as a Harvard Horizons Scholar and through work with the American Repertory Theater.
Early Experiences & Foundations
Before my current professorship, I spent a decade refining my pedagogy at some of the world's leading research institutions:
- University of St. Andrews: Designed Astrobiology: Life in the Universe in 2017. It became one of the highest enrolled classes at the university, capped at 140 students due to overwhelming demand.
- Tufts University: Served as a visiting lecturer for Life on Earth and Beyond. The course filled to capacity within one hour and was requested for immediate repeat. View Original Tufts Evaluations (PDF)
- Harvard University: Served as a Teaching Fellow for graduate and undergraduate astrophysics. Received the "Distinction in Teaching" award for my work in The Energetic Universe.
- Secondary Education: Prior to my PhD, I spent a year substitute teaching math and science at the high school level in Kalispell, Montana.
Mentoring
I believe mentoring is the most effective tool for addressing the "leaky pipeline" in STEM. I have mentored over a dozen students across various levels of their academic journey.
Former Supervision
- D.Phil Students (Oxford Physics)
- PhD Students (St. Andrews Geology)
- Undergraduate Research (Harvard)
Departmental Advocacy
- Mentor, Harvard Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (HGWISE)
- Graduate Rep, Committee for Academic Studies
- Creator, Mental Health Seminar for Graduate Students