Exploring Physics: From Graduate Research to Careers

Diving into Physics: From Graduate Research to Career Opportunities

Physics is a vast and dynamic field of study that enriches our understanding of the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest structures in the cosmos. In this article, we'll explore the world of physics through the research experiences of graduate students and the diverse career paths available to those pursuing this discipline.

Graduate Research: A Global Experience

Ahmad Nemer, a graduate research assistant at Auburn University, shares his experience of spending six months in Japan conducting research on synchrotron radiation collisional experiments. Ahmad's journey demonstrates the global nature of research and the opportunity to collaborate with experts from around the world.

Research Assistantships: A Pathway for Student Growth

At Brigham Young University, the Department of Physics offers mentored research funding to students, which provides them with hands-on experience and pays a stipend. Students progress from "true beginners" to "leaders" as they gain skills and contribute more to the research.

Types of Physics Research

Physics research can be broadly categorized into theory, experiment, and computation. Theorists use mathematics and models to explain phenomena, predict new ones, and describe the laws of the universe. Experimental physicists test theoretical predictions and investigate physical behavior, while computational physicists use numerical analysis and other computational techniques to solve physics problems.

Career Paths in Physics

Physics graduates can pursue a variety of careers, both inside and outside traditional physics departments. Some options include:

• Working for a college or university, where physicists can contribute to academic research and teaching.
• Joining a national lab, where they can collaborate on cutting-edge research projects.
• Moving to private companies, where physicists may help develop new technologies.
• Working in hospitals, where medical physicists apply physics principles to practical situations, such as treating cancer with radiation.

Entering the Field as an Undergraduate

While many physics research positions are available to postgraduates, some professors do hire undergraduates as research assistants. For example, Ahmad Nemer found that some professors were willing to hire him as a research assistant even though he had not yet started graduate school.

Choosing the Right Career Path

Physicists can use their passions, personalities, and skills to determine the best fit for them during graduate school and beyond. For instance, those with strong computational skills may be drawn to computational physics, while those who enjoy hands-on problem solving may be well-suited for experimental or applied physics.

In summary, physics is a dynamic and rewarding field that offers a variety of research and career opportunities. From graduate research experiences to the diverse career paths available, the field of physics is an exciting and ever-evolving endeavor.