Major: Physics
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Why did you select your major?
I chose to be a physics major because I have always been passionate about astronomy. As a kid I always loved when my dad would bring out a telescope to have us look at planets and stars. I also enjoyed the space shuttle launches until their final one in 2011 and always said "My dream is to become an astronomer at NASA".
What is your favorite course you have taken from your program and why?
So far, my favorite course I have taken is General Physics II because I had fun working with electricity and magnetism. Honestly though I think the best classes are yet to come. My previous physics classes were mostly setting up for the 300 and 400 level classes. This Fall I will be taking intro to astronomy and thermodynamics. Next school year I plan on taking the 300 and 400 level astrophysics and astronomy classes along with the higher-level electricity and magnetism course. These classes are what I am excited for.
Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?
I have had a couple major role models for me here in my time at UNL.
The first being Dr. Claes of the physics department. I work for him, and he is great to talk to and work with about how my classes are going. I am a non-traditional student at 29 years old and had a large gap in my schooling. I found that Dr. Claes understands the obstacles this creates because he also had a gap in his education.
The second being Professor Michael Sibbernsen from Branched Oak Observatory. He had worked with the Air and Space Museum (SAC) and also used to teach at UNL. I was one of his interns for this summer. He is very deeply involved in the local astronomy community both professional and amateur astronomers and a really a gold mine of information and advice.
Have you had an internship or job?
I work with Dr. Claes with his CROP project (Cosmic Ray Observatory Project). This is a project that detects and studies cosmic rays, high speed and energy particles that are launched through space near the speed of light. I get a lot of experience with electronics working with the equipment. I learned a little about electronics and circuits in general physics II and had circuits class this last spring.
I also had an internship this summer, 2023, at Branched Oak Observatory, the BOO for short, in Raymond NE. This is an observatory founded by Professor Michael Sibbernsen and Matt Anderson. During my time there I learned how to use several of their telescopes, about many objects in space, and different types of meteorites that can be found. Alot of topics discussed touch on so many concepts from my physics classes. For example, when learning about the telescopes we discussed how they have counterweights on the mounts to keep them balanced. This is the center of gravity concept and math from general physics II and classical mechanics.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to graduate school to pursue my masters then PhD in astronomy or astrophysics.
