Putting His Name on the Map

Duke mathematician and physicist Arlie Petters was recently recognized by his hometown of Dangriga, Belize with a street named in his honor.

When he's not applying new math to astronomical questions about gravity, space and time, Petters devotes significant time and resources to improving educational opportunties for children in Belize. "I am truly thankful to the Duke leadership for setting the tone of 'Duke in service to society' in the US and around the globe," Petters said via email. "When we do selfless acts to empower others, the unexpected can happen."

In 2008, Queen Elizabeth of England named Petters to Membership in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (of which Belize is still a part) for his research and teaching.

No word on whether that honor brought a tear to his eyes, but this most excellent one did.