“The Physics faculty have helped prepare me for a career through instructing me on a wide variety of topics.”
Having chosen Gustavus partially for the physics program, Emma has found just what she was hoping for in the Physics Department. The community of students within the department is very tight-knit, and students can be found in Olin Hall every night studying and socializing together. Emma has also found that students within the Physics Department have close relationships with faculty, saying, “Even if they don’t have office hours, if the professor’s door is open, students are welcome to come in to ask questions about the homework, advice, or just chat for a bit”. Through the department, Emma has been able to engage in various learning experiences outside of the classroom, including IBM internships over the summers. These internships have given them hands-on industry practice, in which skills learned in Physics courses can be applied. Experiences like this have made Emma feel more prepared for possible post-graduation experiences. Looking forward, Emma feels that the Physics Department has taught her skills such as problem-solving, information-finding, and time management skills, which will all be important in any future career that they may choose. Outside of the Physics Department, Emma is very involved in the Gustavus Band Program as a member of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, and Gustavus Chamber Winds. She feels grateful that Gustavus has allowed her to be involved in both passions of music and physics.