Global Awareness

Through my undergrad career, I plan to take coursework that helps to cultivate an understanding of different cultures and global human interactions. Even right now I am enrolled in a Mongol history course, one I wouldn’t have expected to take, but I appreciate having the opportunity to learn about the history of a culture different than my own.

Original Inquiry

I have been involved in physics research since my freshman year. I’ve written scripts for plotting and simulation as well as a handful of snippets of code for use in a broader scope. This year I have been writing scripts and have built an algorithm for evolving dipole antennas using genetic programming. Additionally, this summer I will be doing nuclear physics research at Duke University.

Academic Enrichment

I will continue to take challenging coursework; all of my physics and math coursework will be honors and/or above the 5000 level starting this fall. Furthermore, I am taking more courses than are required by my major and minor. I also plan to sit in on some extra math and physics classes that I may not be able to actually enroll in.

Leadership Development

I’ve been a part of the fencing club since freshman year, and am one of the more experienced fencers in the club. Although I do not hold an officer position, I have helped to acquaint newcomers and offer advice to beginning fencers. Aside from fencing, in my research group I am part of a small genetic programming “sub-group”, where I have more or less spearheaded our work since the beginning of the year.

Service Engagement

Like last year, I again volunteered at the Chilly Open (a fundraiser for children’s charities) with the fencing club. The event benefits charities such as the Children’s Hunger Alliance and the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio.