Inci Ruzybayev
Dr. Inci Ruzybayev (call me Dr. R or Dr. Injee) is a dedicated physicist and educator with a passion for advancing sustainable energy solutions and innovative teaching practices in physics. With a background in solid-state physics and physics education, she integrates hands-on research and student-centered pedagogies to foster critical thinking and inclusivity in STEM fields. Her work emphasizes empowering underrepresented groups, particularly women in engineering, while contributing to broader academic and community initiatives. At Flagler School, she aims to inspire students in the Coastal Environmental Science and Biology programs through dynamic, real-world applications of physics.
Professional Profile
Dr. Ruzybayev holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Delaware (2008–2014), where her dissertation focused on anion and cation doped TiO₂ thin films for sustainable energy applications. She also earned an M.S. and a B.S. in Physics Education from Middle East Technical University in Turkey (2000–2005).
Her professional trajectory includes key positions such as Associate Professor (2021–2023) and Assistant Professor (2015–2021) in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Sciences and Department of Engineering and Computer Science at York College of Pennsylvania (YCP), where she taught engineering physics courses. Earlier, she served as an Instructor (2012) and Teaching Assistant (2008–2014) at the University of Delaware, handling algebra and calculus-based introductory physics and science courses. She was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Delaware (2019–2020) and a high school physics teacher in Turkey post-graduation.
Notable achievements include founding the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Club at YCP in 2017, which evolved into a formal student organization by 2019 to support female STEM students. She served as WISE Club Mentor (2017–2022), Co-op (3-semester required engineering internship) Advisor (2016–2022), and Academic Advisor (2015–2022) at YCP. Dr. Ruzybayev has held leadership roles in the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and contributed to committees at YCP, including Nominations, Election, and Membership; Student Welfare; and faculty search committees. She coordinated the Engineering Physics curriculum at YCP.
Awards and certifications
- 2017–2018 Student Senate Outstanding Academic Advisor Award, YCP
- 2017 Teaching Academy Certificate for learner-centered pedagogies, YCP
- 2013 CAS Dean’s Doctoral Student Summer Scholars Fellowship ($4,500 grant), University of Delaware
- 2013 Society of Vacuum Coaters Technical Conference Student Sponsorship for travel and conference fees
- 2012 University of Delaware Excellence in Teaching Award for Graduate Students
- 2010 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, University of Delaware
Her affiliations span physics education, materials science, and STEM outreach, with expertise in deposition techniques (e.g., Cluster Beam Deposition, Reactive Pulsed Laser Deposition, RF Sputtering), electrochemical measurements, and characterization methods (e.g., X-Ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer).
Teaching
Dr. Ruzybayev's most recent teaching roles were at York College of Pennsylvania (YCP), where she taught PHY 160 – Engineering Physics: Mechanics and PHY 260 – Engineering Physics: Electricity & Magnetism. Earlier courses include Phys 201 – Introductory Physics I (as Instructor at University of Delaware, 2012) and various introductory physics and science courses as a Teaching Assistant (2008–2014), such as Scen 101/102, Phys 201/202, and Phys 208.
She is teaching PHY 236 – Physics I and COR 123 – Environmental Burden at Flagler College in Fall 2025. Her expertise aligns with prospective teaching in physics for Coastal Environmental Science and Biology programs, emphasizing interactive, student-centered methods like iClickers, demonstrations, and real-world applications. To summarize the courses taught as a Teaching Assistant and Instructor:
Science
- COR 123 Environmental Burden (FLAGLER COLLEGE)
- SCEN 101 Physical Science I (University of Delaware)
- SCEN 102 Physical Science II (University of Delaware)
Physics
- PHY 236 Physics I (algebra based, FLAGLER COLLEGE)
- PHYS 201 Introductory Physics I (algebra based, University of Delaware)
- PHYS 202 Introductory Physics II (algebra based, University of Delaware)
- PHYS 208 Fundamentals of Physics II (calculus based, University of Delaware)
- PHY 160 Engineering Physics: Mechanics (calculus based, YCP)
- PHY 260 Engineering Physics: Electricity and Magnetism (calculus based, YCP)
Research
Dr. Ruzybayev's research spans technical and pedagogical domains, driven by a commitment to sustainable energy and enhancing physics education. Her technical work focuses on solid-state physics and materials science, including structural and magnetic properties of Mn-Bi (2019–2022) and Co-V nanoparticles (2018–2022), as well as anion and cation doped TiO₂ thin films (2009–2014) to lower bandgaps for solar energy applications like hydrogen generation.
In pedagogical research, she explores undergraduate research integration, assessment of teaching methods, inclusion in STEM, interdisciplinary physics education, and technology-enhanced learning.
Key interests
- Fostering critical thinking through project-based learning and structured homework.
- Addressing gender biases in engineering classrooms via autoethnography.
- Evaluating HyFlex instruction and its impact on student experiences.
- Using real-world examples like Foucault’s pendulum to connect physics to environmental systems (published undergrad student-led work).
- Developing tools for measuring student engagement and conceptual understanding.
Notable contributions include mentoring an Electrical Engineering student on a project published as a peer-reviewed paper at the 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference, examining student-faculty dynamics and curriculum enhancements. She has presented at ASEE on topics such as design projects in freshman engineering physics, HyFlex models, gender bias dynamics, Foucault’s pendulum applications, and reinforcing critical thinking skills. Her shift to pedagogical research at YCP, due to limited lab access, has led to innovations in student involvement, with publications emphasizing measurable improvements in problem-solving and inclusivity.
Scholarly activities can be found here.
More Information
Dr. Ruzybayev is deeply committed to college and community service, focusing on student support, diversity in STEM, and outreach. She received the 2017–2018 Outstanding Academic Advisor Award for guiding engineering majors and co-op students, including site visits to build industry connections. As founder and mentor of the WISE Club, she created a supportive network for female STEM students, organizing events like Tech Tinker and Girls’ Robotics Workshops to inspire K-12 girls.
At YCP, she contributed to institutional committees (e.g., Student Welfare, revising academic dishonesty procedures) and volunteered in the STEM Residential Learning Community since 2018, advising scholars in Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, and Biology. Community engagement includes judging local Science and Engineering Fairs, leading monthly Tech Tinker events, and participating in Generations of Hope to promote STEM through physics demonstrations.
Her philosophy emphasizes creating inclusive environments, empowering underrepresented groups, and giving back to society through knowledge-sharing. She continuously identifies departmental needs to drive improvements, aiming for lasting impacts in academic and broader STEM communities.