Q: What are your physics/science interests? 

I have a strong interest in observational astronomy, specifically exoplanet and stellar formation and evolution as well as Supernovae research. I am additionally intrigued by the more “unknown” topics of modern astrophysics such as dark energy and strange matter. 

Q: What are your other interests? 

I am fascinated by Neuroscience, especially concerning the newly developing theories on neuroplasticity. Outside of academics, I enjoy landscape painting, exploring bookstores and antique markets (and spending too much money in them), reading, and crocheting.

Q: What would you like to do after college?

I would like to pursue a PhD in Astrophysics and work as a researcher at a national lab. I could also see myself working in academia. One of my long-term goals is to get to a stable enough place that I can go back to school and pursue my additional passions. 

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

Outside of tutoring and TAing, I have recently been working as a barista. Despite not having any experience before I applied for the position; I managed to snag it using a very elaborate cover letter equivocating the skills I acquired through research experience in Chemistry labs to those of a barista. The strange part is that the coffee shop is located on my hometown’s Army base. Fun fact: Army guys love Frappuccinos.  

Q: What first sparked your interest in Physics? 

I went to Space Camp when I was young and after roleplaying as an ISS researcher I fell in love with the idea of experimentation in space. For a long time whenever someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would tell them “Astrophysicist.” As I got older, I felt like the dream was unattainable and switched between interests in high school. My AP Physics teacher reignited my passion in my Senior year, and I’ve been dedicated ever since.

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

Any kind of “wild” cat. Leopard, panther, ocelot, I don’t mind. If it was legal/ethical that would be my first choice. 

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

Send each of my family members/friends on their dream vacation. Fill up mine and my parents’ retirement funds. Finance the perfect wedding. Pick a ton of “GoFundMe”s and fully fund them. Dump a ton of money into the areas of research experiencing funding cuts right now. Invest (???). Pay for my siblings’ higher education. Buy my parents a beach house. I could go on; unlimited funds mean unlimited possibilities. 

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

The physical processes behind dreaming. Why some people don’t dream, why some people can lucid dream, the neurological and evolutionary purposes of dreaming. I find it all very interesting as a frequent lucid dreamer myself.