Major: Physics and Chemical Engineering

What made you decide to study physics? I was curious about what makes the universe tick on a fundamental level.

Favorite part of being a physics major? Getting to work on very theoretical, but broadly applicable, problems.

Are you involved in any type of research at MU? Yes, I do computational materials research with Karl Hammond in the BBCE Department.

What are your career goals? I hope to earn a Ph.D. in plasma physics and work as a research scientist on problems relevant to nuclear fusion.

What is/was your favorite physics course and why? Math Methods. This was my first graduate-level course, and I love math!

How would you describe (overall impression) the environment in the physics department? Very welcoming and relaxed. The professors care about you and want you to learn as much as possible.

Favorite activities outside the lab/school? Reading, hiking, Dungeons & Dragons

If you are a dual major with engineering, how did physics help with your engineering courses? Engineering is essentially applied physics, so having a strong background in physics will give you better insight into the underlying principles behind the processes/devices you work with in engineering.

How easy/difficult is it to pursue both degrees? Doable, but definitely not for the faint of heart.

Research Internship: I am currently a Department of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (DOE SULI) intern in the Theory Department at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. I am working under Dr. Elizabeth Paul. My project involves designing an optimized coil set for a stellarator (a type of nuclear fusion reactor) that can enable access to multiple plasma states.