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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The department’s relaxed atmosphere in a field that can often feel frustrating.

What is your advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Go to the MPC. Even if you feel as though you can complete the homework on your own, you never know. You might come across a particularly tricky part that a consultant has done in the past or that a classmate is currently working on, and it is something that you could tackle together. It will also help create the habit of intentionally setting aside the time in the evenings to do your work, and even better, in an environment where others are there for the same reason as you. Working with someone else is usually 10 times easier than doing it all on your own. The MPC is a place where you can get your work done and make meaningful and useful connections along the way.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The greatest long-term takeaway from my time at K is how to juggle various responsibilities and roles, along with the necessity of prioritization and effective time management.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My sophomore year seminar, Social Justice through the Arts, was one of my favorite classes at K because we covered just really genuine and important topics that people typically skirt around because there is this sense of vulnerability attached to it all. We went through various forms of art as we covered different topics, which was a bit awkward to me at first, being a STEM girlie, but I felt as though I was able to grow as a student and person by stepping out of my comfort zone in that way.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I didn’t take a single STEM course my first term at K. This allowed me to get sneak peaks at other disciplines before committing to the idea of studying physics. I have taken courses in Philosophy, History, English, ANSO, Political Science, and Spanish. The flexible curriculum here at K allowed me to spend two terms abroad in Oaxaca, México where I studied Spanish grammar and conversation, explored Mexican and Oaxacan history, and took courses in Mexican women authors’ literature.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I completed an engineering internship at Mann+Hummel, an air filtration company, and participated in a Physics Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Kansas. At Kalamazoo College, I am a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field teams. I’ve also worked as a consultant at the Math and Physics Center (MPC) and served as a teaching assistant for introductory physics courses.

What is your SIP?
Great Lakes shoreline damage and mitigation effects

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I hope to pursue graduate studies in environmental physics or a related field. My goal is to engage in research that has a meaningful, real-world impact on the environment and the challenges we face today.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I’m a twin.