Major: Physics and Mathematics

What made you decide to study physics? I was in eighth grade and was taking my first physics course ever. My teacher was this really passionate, wonderful lady who talked about how physics can show you all the secrets of the world. This peaked my interest, and so I went to the library to try and find a book about physics. I found one, but I was rather confused by some of the ideas and concepts since I was so young. I took a shot in the dark and emailed the award-winning-professor who wrote it, and much to my surprise he actually responded! He was very polite and thorough with his explanation, and for the rest of my life I will never forget the joy I experienced when I saw that he had emailed me back.  

Favorite part of being a physics major? All of the other physics majors! They’re an amazing group of people who are all super down-to-earth and supportive. They will be there for you if you need any help in a class, or if you could use a good laugh.  

Are you involved in any type of research at MU? I am currently involved with some minor research with one of my professors. It mostly entails python coding and kinematics, but what has really amazed me is the willingness of MU professors to talk with the students. Nearly every professor I emailed responded and was upbeat about doing research with me!

What are your career goals? My goal is to both educate people and study physics. I would love to work at a national lab or university where I could learn from high-level physicists. I think my first and foremost career goal is to publish a paper.  

How would you describe (overall impression) the environment in the physics department? I would say the environment is that of a lot of people who want to help you succeed and enjoy physics. They are people who genuinely love what they do and want you to love physics as well. It is always a pleasure to talk to my professors or to go to a SPS meeting. The people are just so infectious and passionate.  

What advice would you offer to current and/or future physics majors? Talk to the other people in your physics classes. I can guarantee they also want someone to study with and you can both help each other on homework and exams and such. If you’re willing to take the risky step of talking to a stranger, it will be incredibly beneficial for you. 

What do you think is the social relevance of physics; why is it important that there are people with this expertise? Going into physics, I thought the major was fairly one-dimensional. You either conducted research or became a teacher. However, I have learned there is a far wider range of things you can do, such as engineering or even the financial sector! 

Favorite activities outside the lab/school I enjoyed volunteering with Tigers for a Cause. It was wonderful to be a member of that organization and get to go around Columbia helping people. We would also go to the Human Society and it was my favorite thing ever to get to walk dogs and play with cats.