Q: What are your physics/science interests?

My interests are pretty undifferentiated at this point. I am interested in the process of translating physics theory into questions that can be answered through experimentation or observation of natural phenomena. During the school year I volunteer in a bioengineering lab. I am interested in the intersection between Biology and Physics. However, while I am fascinated by the overlap between these two fields, I have also discovered that I enjoy pure physics.

Q: What would you like to do after college?

I want to continue my education. I am considering pursuing a PhD in physics, or possibly a medical degree. On more ambitious days, I am drawn to the idea of an MD/PHD program with research in Biophysics as a means to combine my interests. I still have some uncertainty about my life’s trajectory and I am participating in REU so that I can better gauge if a doctorate in physics is something I want to pursue. .

Q: What first sparked your interest in Physics?

I started my undergrad career as a psychobiology major. I completed the life science math series and realized that I was not fulfilled. I wanted to truly understand the world around me and fully appreciate the theories and calculations that are used to make inferences and generate hypotheses about worldly phenomena. Ultimately, it was taking life science math courses with a utilitarian focus that compelled me to explore math and physics on a deeper level. I then read the book “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” and I became inspired. I related to Feynman’s personality, his knack for problem solving, and his interest in the world around him. So I changed my focus and became a physics major and I love it.