Dr. Paula Fekete

For nearly two decades, Dr. Fekete has served on the USMA faculty teaching and directing a wide range of physics and space science courses. She played a key role in the academy’s teaching mission as program director of the Interdisciplinary Science and Space Science programs, leading initiatives that enhanced the educational experience for both cadets and faculty.

Dr. Fekete is an active researcher who has mentored nearly 50 undergraduate cadets — many over multiple semesters — guiding their work toward publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

Since 2010. she has represented the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering on USMA’s Faculty Council, contributing to a variety of governance committees including Curriculum Academic Excellence Assessment Steering and the Library Committee. As chair of the Combating Mediocrity Committee, she led efforts to uphold high academic standards. Her collaborative approach is further reflected in her work with faculty groups such as the Civilian Faculty Senate and the Core Curriculum and Vignettes Working Groups.

Dedicated to cadet development, Dr. Fekete has served as a departmental academic advisor since 2009 Officer Representative for the Track and Field Team and Officer in Charge of the Cadet Astronomy Club. She also played a central role in planning and executing an acquisition plan for new observatory equipment, ensuring the successful installation and operational readiness of a telescope system for both visual observation and astrophotography.

She developed and introduced two new courses at USMA: Observational Astronomy and Astrophysics, expanding the curriculum and offering cadets new opportunities for advanced study in space science.