Student organizations in the Physics and Astronomy Department are sources of mentorship and connection for undergraduate and graduate students. Through events and acts of service, they build networks and support within the department and community.

Library cleanup

Physics and Astronomy Graduate Student Association

This year, the Physics and Astronomy Graduate Student Association (PAGSA) continues to bring students together through a variety of fun and community-building events, including a cozy movie night featuring "The Imitation Game," a film that resonated with both the scientific and social sides of graduate life. They also engaged in acts of service, including a library cleanup and reorganization project, helping maintain a welcoming and useful space for everyone in the department. They hosted an exciting trivia night and a relaxing afternoon of disc golf followed by a department-wide picnic, giving students the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and some friendly competition.

spring picnic

The fall semester kicked off in August with a welcome picnic to greet new and returning students, an event that set a warm tone for the year. In September, PAGSA hosted a game night where members could unwind, share laughs, and build connections outside of the lab and classroom. Alongside these monthly activities, the group also maintains traditions such as the monthly association meeting, where graduate students discuss upcoming plans and share ideas, and TAP Hour, a recurring event where students give short talks on their research or topics of interest. Together, these events foster academic engagement and community among physics and astronomy graduate students.

News contributed by Dayton Simpkins, PAGSA president

Leaders Meeting dinner in October

Mizzou Women in Physics and Astronomy

MOWiPA (Mizzou Women in Physics and Astronomy) enjoyed another active year! They continue in their aim to represent, support, and give voice to the women and gender minorities of the Mizzou Physics and Astronomy department.  

Bimonthly meetings include various social and cultural events to help build community between undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty. They facilitate the academic pursuits of members and provide a forum where members can voice concerns and find guidance.

In the fall, they hosted festive events, such as pumpkin painting, movie nights, and gingerbread house decorating. In the spring, they explored topics such as the history of women in astronomy as they practiced their presentation skills. Several members attended the Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities (CU*iP)!

News contributed by MoWiPA president Brianna Montalvo

Chicago trip Chicago trip

Society of Physics Students

The Society of Physics Students (SPS) had a busy year. After wrapping up the summer with homemade liquid nitrogen ice cream, they hosted a series of student-led presentations on current physics topics. In November, they co-organized a Physics and Astronomy Scholars Conference with Mizzou Women in Physics and Astronomy (MOWiPA). Attendees had the opportunity to present research, learn about graduate school, and participate in programming workshops.

Over winter break, SPS traveled to Chicago to visit Fermilab. They learned about high energy particle physics and the discovery of elementary particles like the tau neutrino. They also visited the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Millennium Park ice rink.

During the spring semester, SPS continued with research presentations, physics trivia, and more. At their largest meeting of the year, they worked together to build a cloud chamber. They plan to build a new and improved cloud chamber, along with other projects this year.

News contributed by SPS president Harrison Davison.