May is another month to celebrate the incredible people driving science outreach around the world. This month, we are proud to feature Kenneth Cecire, co-coordinator of the International Masterclasses Program and a dedicated outreach educator with QuarkNet at the University of Notre Dame. Ken’s work has helped thousands of students and teachers engage with particle physics through hands-on international collaborations, embodying the spirit of global scientific community.

Can you introduce yourself and share how you became involved in the world of scientific outreach?

Greetings! I’m Ken Cecire and I do outreach and education work as a staff member of QuarkNet through the University of Notre Dame. My background is as a high school physics teacher. Back in 1996, while teaching in Newport News, Virginia, I was given the opportunity to do summer research at Jefferson Lab. Shortly after, QuarkNet was formed and began seeking teachers to facilitate its program. What I thought would be a part-time job quickly became a full-time passion after a meeting at Fermilab, and I’ve been involved in particle physics education and outreach ever since.

What has been the most meaningful outreach activity you’ve organized or participated in, and why?

The International Masterclasses have to be the most interesting and rewarding activity I’ve done. These masterclasses introduce students and teachers to the international collaboration at the heart of particle physics. Developing and implementing them has not only been a wonderful experience working alongside students, teachers, and physicists, but it has also taught me a tremendous amount. The program truly brings the global scientific community into classrooms around the world.

What inspires you the most about sharing particle physics with the public?

I’m most inspired when someone - especially a student - who is new to particle physics suddenly “gets it.” It could be a teacher who is then able to explain a concept better than I initially could, or two students engaging in a lively discussion about data just like physicists do, using the same logic and reasoning. Those moments of understanding and excitement are what make outreach so fulfilling.

What is the most important message you would like to convey to younger generations through your outreach efforts?

Humanity has learned a lot. A whole bunch! Really! And yet we know next to nothing. It is both humbling and gratifying to contemplate the greatness of the horizons ahead—and to have the courage to go explore them.

Kenneth Cecire’s dedication to expanding access to particle physics through education and international collaboration truly embodies the mission of IPPOG outreach. His work with International Masterclasses creates unique opportunities for young people worldwide to experience the excitement of scientific discovery firsthand. Thank you, Ken, for your ongoing commitment and inspiring contributions as our Outreacher of the Month!