Christopher Varney, PhD, joined the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education as a research associate professor today. Varney brings expertise in physics, with a focus on computational physics and condensed matter, and physics education.
Varney earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Northern Arizona University in 2004. He went on to earn both his master’s degree in 2005 and doctorate in 2009 from the University of California, Davis.
A faculty member in the University of West Florida Department of Physics since 2013, Varney also served as department chair from 2019-2024. His teaching experience includes courses across the physics curriculum, focusing on introductory courses, mathematical methods, scientific computing, and professional development. Varney’s research interests include physics education, quantum magnetism, strongly correlated systems, topological insulators, data science and engineering, and numerical methods.
During all of his 11 years at the University of West Florida, Varney was reviewed as Distinguished in teaching based on student evaluations and learning outcomes. As the physics department chair he implemented faculty trainings on inclusive teaching practices, improving pass rates in general education courses. He also implemented individual student learning outcome assessments across the degree program to identify and proactively support students who may need additional help in classes.
"I’m excited to be working with a passionate group of educators trying to improve the educational landscape in STEM in Nebraska and beyond," Varney said. "I am particularly looking forward to integrating active learning methods and data-driven improvements into Physics courses at UNL."
The CSMCE staff are excited to welcome Varney to the Center and look forward to working together.