Student Testimonials
With a degree in physics, you can go anywhere. Physics teaches you to think in new ways and solve problems. As a physics student, you can go into engineering, teaching, governmental policies, research, business, medicine and more. Read about what our students have done already and imagine what you could do.
Iseley Marshall '12
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Major:Physics Hometown:Papillon, Nebraska Involvement:Honors, Physics Club, CUBED research, tutoring, IdeaFest, AWOL, Symphonic Band, MAA-NCS |
Internships:
- NASA-DUSEL Summer 2009
- NASA LARSS Summer 2010
What inspired you to choose your major?
I became very interested in doing research and was encouraged by one of my professors to pursue a field in science.
Why did you choose USD?
I was attracted to the idea of a public university that had plenty of opportunities (in research and beyond), but was still a personable size.
What is your favorite part about USD?There are just enough people here to enjoy all aspects of the college experience, but not enough to feel overwhelmed or lost in the crowd. The University funding coupled with a high professor-to-student ratio allow for creativity and flexibility in both research and classes. |
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I was encouraged by one of my professor's to pursue a field in science.
What has made a difference in your college experience?
Honors provided a very important backbone to my education and gave me resources/ideas that I may not have had otherwise. IdeaFest was also very important to my development as a student -- it gave me experience presenting and helped me realize I wanted my career to be research oriented.
How is USD different than other schools?
People are more down-to-earth at USD. Professor's are personable and students can have a wide network among peers -- even across different campuses.
What are your plans after graduation?
I'm going to pursue my doctorate in either nuclear physics, aerospace engineering or polymer chemistry. From there, I hope to go into research for NASA.
Nick Weinandt '13
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Major:Physics Hometown:Yankton, South Dakota Involvement:Student Government Association and AWOL Internships:Summer Research Stipend with NASA Space Grant |
Why USD?
I chose USD because it is big enough to have good resources and small enough to have excellent professor relations.
What did you take part in that made a difference in your college experience?I am involved in the Student Government Association. My involvement has made a difference in my college experience because I can make important decisions involving campus issues. |
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Why Physics?
I enjoyed the problem solving associated with calc-based physics course and decided to become a physics major.
What is your favorite part about USD ?
My favorite part about USD is the campus. USD is different from other schools because it allows students both great research opportunities and professor relations.
Who is your most inspiring professor?
My most inspiring professor is Dr. Yongchen Sun. In his calculus-based physics course, I gained a greater appreciation for physics and decided to pursue it as my major.
What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to either go to graduate school for physics or medical school.