Q: What are your physics/science interests?

I’m interested in nuclear physics, particle physics, and physical chemistry. 

Q: What are your other interests?

I enjoy playing the cello, reading books, writing stories, and playing card games like hearts or bridge. 

Q: What would you like to do after college?

I plan to pursue a PhD in either physics or chemistry, and then continue to work in academia as a researcher or professor. 

 Q: Tell us one strange but interesting fact about yourself?

Once, I read the entire Silmarillion on a plane flight to Europe, and then watched all 3 Lord of the Rings movies back-to-back on the flight home. I also have perfect pitch! 

Q: What first sparked your interest in Physics?

I remember reading a lot of popular science magazines when I was a kid, and the physics articles always caught my interest. I would also read lots of books on physics from the library and watch PBS Nova documentaries with my parents. Eventually I started reading textbooks for fun. 

Q: If you could have any pet, what would it be?

A cat, obviously. Cats are the best companions. 

Q: If you had a free month and unlimited funds, how would you spend your time?

I’d buy a cabin in a forest in the middle of nowhere and spend the whole month there, writing a book.

Q: If you could get a grant to study anything, what would it be?

There are so many interesting research topics, it’s hard to choose one. Some that stand out to me are working on nuclear fusion reactors, searching for 0νββ decay, chemical plastic recycling, and improving lithium ion battery designs.