Dr. James Tucci 

Prof. James Tucci is a physics lecturer and math adjunct at IU Indianapolis, where he has taught since 2018. His teaching portfolio spans introductory to advanced courses across astronomy, mathematics, and physics—including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, and astrophysics. He brings a unique blend of technical rigor and student-centered pedagogy to his classrooms and lab environments. 

Before joining IU, Prof. Tucci conducted astrophysics research as part of the VERITAS Collaboration, where he analyzed high-energy gamma-ray data to study supernova remnants, pulsars, and dark matter annihilation in galaxy clusters. His academic work also includes contributions to Project GRAND and research internships at the General Atomics Fusion Group in San Diego.

Publications & Professional Activity

See all publications on arXiv

Prof. James Tucci supported both of my CEA projects by offering consistent guidance on the technical, instructional, and community-facing parts of the work. His input was especially helpful when planning classroom activities, building and testing equipment, and thinking through how our efforts could connect to civic learning goals.

Whether it was reviewing our river flow apparatus or offering feedback on the Jagathon lab setup, he made sure we were thinking not just about getting the numbers right—but about making the work meaningful for students and relevant to the community. 

His mentorship helped shape both the structure and purpose behind everything we did.

Working with Dr. Tucci through the CEA program gave me the chance to take on responsibilities I hadn’t experienced before—both in leading technical parts of a project and helping students through hands-on activities. I helped build and test equipment, supported students during field and event-based labs, and coordinated small civic components like supply pickups and fundraiser setup.

Across both projects, I was involved from planning to execution. The experience helped me get more confident in organizing details, working with teams, and balancing scientific goals with community impact.