"Drawn" to Physics at Carolina

I was first intrigued by physics as a high school junior, where I found myself literally “drawn” to the study of electricity and magnetism. I attended a Science Spectrum workshop on nanoscience at UNC, which ignited my curiosity by exposing me to academic research and giving him the opportunity to interact with Carolina’s outstanding faculty and students.

As a result of this early experience, I continued to explore my passion for physics. Leaving my small town in North Carolina was a big change, and it was important for me to find a university with the big-school resources which would allow me to pursue my passion for physics, and at the same time, provide a close-knit, supportive environment.

Fortunately for me, Carolina offered the best of both worlds. Shortly after my admission, I contacted a professor needing research assistance on an applied mathematics project that also involved physics. By the beginning of my semester I found himself collaborating on the Virtual Lung Project. Today, as a paid researcher, I am helping build a mathematical model of how fluid flows through the lungs. This will help researchers develop treatments for diseases like cystic fibrosis. Because our team is small and passionate about our work, they are much like my extended family.

If you’re a freshman interested in research, don’t hesitate to contact professors in your field directly. They often welcome the contributions of undergraduates and will be more than happy to help you get started.

My Dream Job: Studying nuclear physics at NASA facilities such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena or the Los Alamos National Laboratory