Major: Physics
Hometown: Agawam, MA
Note: Read a feature on Torrie here, and see her in this profile of the URI Physics Department here!
What makes the College of Arts and Sciences at URI unique?
What stands out to me about the College of Arts and Sciences is that it encourages collaboration. There is strong camaraderie amongst the students, and we help each other. The faculty are there if you need them, whether that be for help in a class or for advice. There is a constant dialogue between faculty and staff and the students. Faculty ask for feedback and the students’ input on a regular basis, and are more than willing to go out of their way for the students. They truly care about our education and want us to succeed, which is wonderful.
What accomplishments and activities are you most proud of doing while at URI
I am most proud of my research group. We have been able to do meaningful work in radio astrophysics, and have been able to give poster presentations at the Undergraduate Showcase on campus, and at an American Physical Society regional meeting. We were also awarded the (URI)^2 grant, which has made our work more efficient, and will make it so our work can be continued after we have graduated. We have made an impact on our department and have laid the path for future physics students while getting hands on experience, and I am so grateful to be a part of the team.
What research projects, internships, and/or study abroad programs did you participate in at URI? How did they enhance your education?
I have been doing radio astrophysics research under Dr. Doug Gobeille since the end of my sophomore year at URI. My work includes creating images of active galactic nuclei jets so we can study the polarization of the light that is being ejected from the black holes. I get to look at some of the largest, brightest, and oldest objects in the universe which is absolutely incredible. Participating in research has been rewarding and useful, as I have been able to get experience and become more comfortable in computational studies. I have learned so much about the world of research and academia and that has greatly shaped what career path I want to follow. I have made connections and developed good relationships with faculty inside and outside of the department as a result of my project and research group. I have also gotten practice writing grants, and presenting posters at conferences, which is invaluable experience as an undergraduate.
What do you value about your liberal arts education?
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned in this college is problem solving. Through my classes and other experiences within the college, I have been equipped with a tool box of problem solving skills. I have to use these skills for my coursework, but I can also apply them to other areas of my life. The skills I have learned help me in every area from applying the skills I’ve learned to my job, to budgeting my personal finances.
What’s next for you?
I am applying to Master’s degree programs in Applied Physics with the hopes to help design and build telescopes one day!
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
I have been extremely active in the Music Department at URI as well. I have participated in multiple ensembles, most notably in the Marching Band where I was the trombone section leader, and Big Band where I performed at the Newport Jazz Festival two years in a row! Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I’m so happy that I was able to continue making it in college.